LeBron James Trade Rumors Dismissed by Agent, Calls Knicks Deal 'Wishful Thinking'

Rich Paul once again ruled out a trade involving his biggest client, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James.

Paul told Max Kellerman on their Game Over podcast that James will be on the Lakers through the end of the 2025-26 NBA season.

"Where's he gonna go?" Paul asked matter-of-factly.

Kellerman brought up the New York Knicks, which the agent called "wishful thinking." Paul said James would make the Knicks a better team, but that applies to every team in the league.

LeBron is a free agent this coming summer, so he could leave L.A. and sign elsewhere if he wants to continue his career. It's hard to picture him getting traded before that for the simple fact it would've happened already if he wanted out.

James could've requested a trade when the Lakers hit their ceiling with he and Anthony Davis after their 2020 championship run. He could've sought an exit when they acquired Luka Dončić and started planning for a post-LeBron future.

Instead, the 21-time All-Star continues to don purple and gold, and Los Angeles' performance provides a compelling reason to stick around. The team is second in the Western Conference at 17-6. The Oklahoma City Thunder are the clear title favorites, but the Lakers look like a contender.

The Knicks have an easier path to the Finals since they don't share a conference with the reigning champs, yet that's probably not enough to make James seriously entertain a move there.