Now we know more about the rumours that the Warriors really tried to get LeBron James from the Lakers at the trade deadline.
On a Valentine’s Day episode of “The Stephen A. Smith Show,” Rich Paul, James’ agent, cleared things up. Smith asked about the Warriors’ trade-deadline interest in James as soon as Paul joined. The question came from a story from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Ramona Shelburne. James’ agent is the only one who can tell you the truth.
Smith told Paul, “Of course it’s true.” “Woj and Ramona won’t report something that’s not true. It shows that LeBron and the Warriors are still motivated to fight, which I think is impressive.
Paul confirmed the stories and then said, “When you talk about names at that level, it’s going to be news, but it wasn’t much news in terms of the time spent on it.”
MORE: How the Warriors tried to trade for LeBron James and Stephen Curry at the deadline
The Warriors didn’t get James before the deadline, but the story made a lot of people think that they might try again in the summer. There is a current thought that James wants to leave Los Angeles, but Paul shot that idea down.
“He’s dedicated to the Lakers, and Jeanie Buss has been a great partner for him and us. I think that should be understood and respected.”
“There are ups and downs and feelings during the season, but LeBron is committed to the Lakers in the end.”
With a 30-26 record, the Lakers are well-placed in the Western Conference’s Play-In Tournament picture going into the All-Star break. Even though LA won the NBA title in 2020, they didn’t get a top-six place in the West. In 2021 and 2023, they had to go through the Play-In Tournament to make the playoffs, and in 2022, they didn’t make it at all.
Even though it will be hard for LA to make the playoffs, Paul says that his client is happy with where he and the team are.
Paul said of James’ happiness, “LeBron’s been great—he’s been more than happy as a Los Angeles Laker.” “The most important thing that Jeanie Buss always wanted to stress was how important it was for him to be happy.”
“I think people make it a responsibility to win every year, which is not possible for anyone, not even LeBron.” It’s not possible for any person, present or past. When people talk about the 6-0 Finals, I think they only look at the years you won. They don’t look at the years you lost.
James, who is 39 years old, is still playing at an All-NBA level in his 21st NBA season. Paul knew how tempting it would be for James to go after another title somewhere else, one that would further solidify his place as one of the all-time greats. Paul said that he doesn’t think that’s necessary because James’ reputation is safe.
“I wish I could quote LeBron, but every time I’ve talked to him, he’s said, ‘Just enjoy the game.'”
“You have a lot fewer years to play than you have already played. I don’t think he owes anyone anything, I don’t think he has anyone else to please, and I don’t think he has to win every year.” He’s already at home. “Just have fun with it.”
So far, Paul’s words have put an end to the rumours. However, these same topics will likely come up again during the summer in 2024, when James could become a free agent by dropping his player option for the 2024–25 season.
Along with the Warriors’ interest, James wants to play with his son Bronny, who will be available for the draft in 2024. This adds another layer to LeBron’s near NBA future.