The Los Angeles Lakers’ brutal start to the 2021-22 NBA season has led many to speculate about LeBron James’ future with the franchise.
This past week James’ former teammate, Kendrick Perkins, openly pondered whether a Cleveland Cavaliers return was imminent.
I wonder if Lebron James would consider demanding a trade back to Cleveland?! I mean the Cavs do have nice squad! Don’t mind me tho and Carry on…
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) December 22, 2021
And he wasn’t alone. The Ringer founder and notorious Lakers hater, Bill Simmons, echoed that sentiment.
We are like 5 days away from the first unsubstantiated “LeBron loves what he’s seeing from the young Cavaliers and might want to finish his career there” story and I honestly can’t wait.
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) December 18, 2021
During a recent appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, Shams Charania of The Athletic revealed that he broached this topic with James’ agent, Rich Paul.
“I heard directly from Rich Paul that LeBron James isn’t leaving the Lakers.. this team just doesn’t look it has the young legs that they need to have & they have been very active in the trade market” ~@ShamsCharania#PatMcAfeeShowLIVE #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/BZEAMM6Zkb
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) December 22, 2021
“I heard directly from Rich Paul that LeBron James isn’t leaving the Lakers.. this team just doesn’t look it has the young legs that they need to have and they have been very active in the trade market,” Charania said.
So there you have it – James isn’t going anywhere.
That said, the Lakers are still working hard to surround him with talent. The team reportedly has its eye on two big stars that could change this group’s fortunes around in a hurry.
Paulina Gretzky knows how to celebrate a birthday right. https://t.co/luTTz3X5aB
— Game 7 (@game7__) December 21, 2021
And of course, LA has spoken to a pair of clubs about a possible Russell Westbrook swap. What that would ultimately return remains to be seen.
James is remaining in Los Angeles for the duration of his career. The rest of his teammates? Their status is far less secure.
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A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
