As speculation swirls about the future of LeBron James in Los Angeles, his longtime agent, Rich Paul, is putting an end to the trade rumors once and for all. In a recent appearance, Paul was asked directly whether LeBron is getting traded this offseason. His response was swift and definitive.
“No,” said Paul on the TylilShow. “Listen, we’re on the chat. I’m not—listen, to answer your question, the man has a no-trade clause, end of story. He has a no-trade clause; it’s up to him.”
Paul, a longtime agent of LeBron James, knows the NBA landscape like nobody else, and he has a good feel for what kind of things are possible on the market right now. In 2018, he helped orchestrate LeBron’s move to the Lakers, but now he’s trying to settle things down amid a chorus of rumors and speculation.
The rumors picked up steam after recent reports suggested the Lakers are preparing for life after LeBron, with some insiders hinting at a possible split in 2026. As the franchise has pivoted toward Luka Doncic, it’s left LeBron feeling left out. Between that development and his expiring contract, James’ future has never been more uncertain, and it’s got the entire NBA buzzing.
Still, as Paul made clear, LeBron has full control over his future thanks to the no-trade clause in his contract. After adding it to his latest contract, James is the only player with an active no-trade clause, and it’s looking increasingly clear that he’ll veto any attempt to move him from the Lakers.
James, a 4x champion, is entering his 23rd season in the NBA and is still producing at a high level. In 2024-25, he averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game on 51.3% shooting—elite numbers for a player at any age, let alone one who’s 40 with over two decades of mileage on his body. While retirement looms for the NBA legend, he wants to make the most of the time he has left in the league.
Despite the Lakers pivoting toward Luka Doncic as their new franchise centerpiece, James’ legacy and influence in Los Angeles remain strong. He holds the power to determine how, when, and where his final NBA seasons play out. For now, all signs point to that being in Los Angeles, even if they’ve made someone else their franchise cornerstone.
For now, LeBron isn’t going anywhere unless he says otherwise. While the Lakers might be planning for the future, LeBron holds the keys, and he’s not ready to give them up just yet. With at least one more season left to play, James will not waste the opportunity by trying to cheat his way to another ring. He’s in it for the long haul, much to Luka Doncic’s satisfaction.
In the end, Rich Paul’s comments serve as a reminder that no matter the whispers or headlines, the decision ultimately rests with LeBron himself. And if he stays, the Lakers will continue to walk the line between honoring a legend and building their next chapter.
