CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JANUARY 26: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after a call during the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on January 26, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

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Justin Grasso

By Justin Grasso

Contributing Sports Writer

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The NBA trade deadline is around the corner. The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to hunt for some moves, but just how far will they go this time around?

Last season, the Lakers dealt away an All-Star in Anthony Davis. Could the superstar forward LeBron James be next?

There are pros and cons for both parties to consider a split. At the end of the day, LeBron and the Lakers seem to be leaning heavily towards one way.

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CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 28: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers talks to a teammate during the second quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on January 28, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

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LeBron James is in LA to Stay—For Now

Ahead of Wednesday night’s Lakers-Cavaliers matchup in Cleveland, ESPN’s Shams Charania revealed that James’ mindset is “locked in” on this Lakers team. He has the power to stay if he wants with a no-trade clause. So, even if the Lakers are thinking about it, they don’t have any leverage if LeBron doesn’t want to change teams.

“I think LeBron, in his mind, he is finishing this season in LA,” Charania said.

“He’s got a no-trade clause. There just has not been any pathway to any type of deal. There were conversations to be had in the offseason. There is no doubt about that.”

Related LeBron Story: LeBron James Tears Up in Emotional Cleveland Homecoming vs Cavs

Heading into the 2025-2026 NBA season, an injured LeBron was a spectator for several weeks. Early on, it was revealed that LeBron was paying close attention to the Lakers and how they compete without him. That led to speculation that he might want out before the trade deadline kicks in.

But the Lakers have shown too much promise for the forward to want to suddenly relocate. Sure, they have their drawbacks, but they are still a playoff team in the Western Conference.

In under two weeks, the NBA will likely accept that LeBron will play out the rest of the year with the Lakers. Beyond that? Get ready for those questions again.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 26: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks the ball against the Chicago Bulls during the first quarter at the United Center on January 26, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

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LeBron James’ Future Is Unclear

“I do think it is up in the air,” Charania added. “LeBron James, if he does play one more year, there are people in LeBron’s circle who believe he’s going to go one more year. If he does play one more season, there is definitely chatter of where that could be.”

More NBA News: Donovan Mitchell Sounds Off on LeBron James’ Future Amid Cavs Reunion Rumors

This upcoming summer, LeBron James will be a free agent. The Lakers might be ready to turn the page over to the Luka Doncic era and live a post-LeBron life. Where does that leave James? Possibly giving it one final go in the Eastern Conference for a third stint with his hometown Cavs? Or maybe he links with another prominent NBA friend somewhere else.

LeBron has plenty of time to think about retirement or relocating when the spring/summer rolls around. For now, his sights are set on taking the Lakers as far as possible.

For all the latest NBA news and rumors, head over to Newsweek Sports.

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