LeBron James’ future with the Los Angeles Lakers has been a hot topic ever since the arrival of Slovenian superstar Luka Dončić. Trade rumors swirled all offseason, but LeBron managed to avoid the drama… until now.
Fans are talking again after an unusual interaction with Lakers GM Rob Pelinka was spotted following Tuesday’s win over the Los Angeles Clippers. The brief exchange has reignited speculation that a trade or roster shakeup involving the superstar could be on the horizon.
Fans Speculate That a LeBron James Trade Could Be on the Horizon
James was sidelined for the Lakers’ first 14 games due to sciatica, but has been impressive since returning. However, following the Lakers’ 17-point win over the Clippers on Tuesday night, a post-game interaction between Pelinka and James sparked fresh trade speculations.
When Pelinka approached LeBron, the two exchanged a simple fist bump and a brief tap on the shoulder. Moments later, Dončić arrived, and Pelinka greeted him with a warm hug, and the two walked down the tunnel together, prompting fans to wonder whether the franchise is shifting toward a new era.
“LeBron trade already drawn up,” one fan commented. Another pointed out bluntly that Pelinka knew who the future of the franchise was. “He knows who the future is. LeBron is cooked!” they wrote.
LeBron trade already drawn up
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James is currently in his record 23rd NBA season, and at 40, is no longer the dominant force he once was. “The plan is to get rid of the old b**ch🤣,” commented one fan. Another added, “They can’t wait for LeBron to retire.”
Fans also linked the rumors to the team’s reported interest in Miami Heat All-Star Andrew Wiggins, speculating that James could be included in a potential deal. “Lebron James is getting traded to Miami,” one fan wrote.
Some even referenced the ongoing ownership transition involving Mark Walter, arguing that major roster decisions could follow once the Dodgers’ ownership group takes full control. “Bro knows he’s shitcanned the second the Dodgers group takes over,” one fan wrote.
Despite the chatter, a midseason trade involving James remains unlikely. He has averaged 17.7 points, 8.7 assists, five rebounds, and a steal per game across three appearances this season, and his chemistry with Dončić and Austin Reaves has been a bright spot for the Lakers.
Los Angeles has won all three games since his return, and even longtime critic Skip Bayless praised the lineup, calling the trio the “greatest three-man backcourt in NBA history” after their victory over the Clippers.
At 13–4, the Lakers currently trail only the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder (18–1) in the Western Conference standings, sitting tied for second with the Denver Nuggets. For now, the results suggest stability, at least until something changes.