That was the thinking behind an article Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report published on October 23, in which he named James as the No. 1 trade target of the San Antonio Spurs heading into the regular season.
James has missed the first six contests of the 2025-26 campaign and is likely to remain sidelined for multiple weeks into the future due to complications from sciatica. But L.A. (4-2) has looked dangerous, with both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves dominating at various times early in the year.
Los Angeles is building toward a post-James future already, as the legendary hooper will turn 41 years old in December and is playing on the final year of his contract. That deal does have a no-trade clause built into it, which means James would have to sign off on any move.But if the Lakers can play competitively without one of the greatest players in league history, it might behoove them to try and deal him ahead of the NBA’s early February trade deadline for younger roster pieces and/or draft assets.Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs.
James has been mum about his plans beyond this year, which could include re-signing with the Lakers, joining another contender elsewhere or even retirement.
He is in complete control of his future, at least for now, but may be willing to waive his no-trade clause to join an up-and-coming Spurs team that is 5-0 to start the year behind the ridiculous play of MVP candidate Victor Wembanyama.That was the thinking behind an article Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report published on October 23, in which he named James as the No. 1 trade target of the San Antonio Spurs heading into the regular season.Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs.
James has been mum about his plans beyond this year, which could include re-signing with the Lakers, joining another contender elsewhere or even retirement.
He is in complete control of his future, at least for now, but may be willing to waive his no-trade clause to join an up-and-coming Spurs team that is 5-0 to start the year behind the ridiculous play of MVP candidate Victor Wembanyama.
James has missed the first six contests of the 2025-26 campaign and is likely to remain sidelined for multiple weeks into the future due to complications from sciatica. But L.A. (4-2) has looked dangerous, with both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves dominating at various times early in the year.
Los Angeles is building toward a post-James future already, as the legendary hooper will turn 41 years old in December and is playing on the final year of his contract. That deal does have a no-trade clause built into it, which means James would have to sign off on any move.
