As the Lakers continue to drop games, LeBron James finds himself in the middle of trade rumors once again.
This time, reports were suggesting that James has been planning his exit from Los Angeles, in pursuit of a reunion with the Cleveland Cavaliers. There were also whispers about a rift between LeBron’s camp (Klutch Sports) and the Lakers’ front office.
But after the Lakers’ loss to the Clippers on Friday, the King finally addressed those rumors publicly, shooting down the notion that he has any intention of jumping ship.
“This is a franchise I see myself being with. I’m here. I’m here,” he said, per Hoopshype. “… I literally live in the moment. I do. I live in the moment. I see myself being with the purple and gold as long as I can play. But I also have a goal that if it’s possible– I don’t even know if it’s possible– that if I can play with my son, I would love to do that. Is that like, something that any man shouldn’t want in life? That’s like the coolest thing that could possibly happen. That doesn’t mean I don’t want to be with this franchise.”
LeBron has expressed interest in playing with his son in the future. Bronny will be eligible for the NBA in 2024.
And while there is a widespread belief that Bronny will, in fact, make it to the league, it remains to be seen where he will land or if James will be content with leaving the Lakers to join him.
Whatever the case, James has made it clear where his loyalty lies. In the world of basketball, he sees Purple and Gold — and nothing will change that for the time being.
We will see soon enough what more he’ll bring to the franchise with the years he has left.
