NBA Insider Urges Knicks to Trade for Lakers’ LeBron James in Blockbuster Move
Written by admin on September 12, 2025
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Valentina Martinez is a Newsweek contributor based in Los Angeles. Her focus is reporting on sports, with an expertise in baseball. She has in depth knowledge of the Los Angeles sports community and has covered professional sports extensively. Valentina joined Newsweek in 2024 and had previously worked at The Chargers Wire. She is a graduate of Arizona State University. You can get in touch with Valentina by emailing v.martinez@newsweek.com. You can find her on X @ValentinaMrtnz_ Languages: English, Spanish.
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The future of LeBron James remains unclear as the 2025-26 season approaches. The Los Angeles Lakers have made it abundantly clear that Luka Doncic is the new face of the franchise, and James is no longer at the helm.
While James exercised his $52.6 million player option for the season, his agent Rich Paul released an ominous statement shortly thereafter.
More news: Knicks Make Big Free Agent Move, Sign Veteran Guard
“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” Paul told ESPN. “He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we’ve had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.
“We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future. We do want to evaluate what’s best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career. He wants to make every season he has left count, and the Lakers understand that, are supportive and want what’s best for him.”
Paul’s statement on James’ future with the franchise left the door open for speculation that the NBA‘s all-time scoring leader could find a new team to play for.
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Kristian Winfield of New York Daily News urged the New York Knicks to capitalize on a weak Eastern Conference and trade for James.
More news: Lakers’ Blockbuster 3-Team Trade Idea Lands $109 Million All-Star, More
“The East is wide open. If the Knicks land LeBron, they instantly become the favorites,” Winfield writes. “A Big Three of James, Brunson, and Towns would rival Oklahoma City’s trio of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren as the best in basketball.
“It would instantly force teams like Cleveland and Orlando back to the drawing board. Because adding Desmond Bane is cute. So is Mitchell and Garland. But LeBron? He’s still The King — and when he locks in on a title, few have stopped him.”
The Lakers would not be able to trade James unless he approved of the deal. The superstar’s no-trade clause essentially gives him the freedom in deciding his future.
As James enters his 23rd season in the league, there’s uncertainty whether he will finish next season donning the Purple and Gold.
More news: Expected Outcome in Warriors, Jonathan Kuminga Saga Revealed
For all the latest NBA news and rumors, head over to Newsweek Sports.
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About the writer
Valentina Martinez is a Newsweek contributor based in Los Angeles. Her focus is reporting on sports, with an expertise in baseball. She has in depth knowledge of the Los Angeles sports community and has covered professional sports extensively. Valentina joined Newsweek in 2024 and had previously worked at The Chargers Wire. She is a graduate of Arizona State University. You can get in touch with Valentina by emailing v.martinez@newsweek.com. You can find her on X @ValentinaMrtnz_ Languages: English, Spanish.
Valentina Martinez is a Newsweek contributor based in Los Angeles. Her focus is reporting on sports, with an expertise in …
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