Lebron James recent statements on social media was enough to engage teams such as Warriors to try and trade for him in early February. James has not been so "happy" at the Los Angeles Lakers after their In Season Tournament win. Speculation and rumours have been swirling around for some time for the 39-year old. Lakers are now at the ninth place with a 29-26 record for the season.
A source within the NBA has hinted that James might be considering a change of scenery following his recent public expressions of discontent with the team's performance. This has sparked speculation about whether he is contemplating a fresh opportunity elsewhere.
As per Adrian Wojnarowski, a renowned NBA insider, there were two teams that made attempts to acquire James from the Lakers before the deadline. The first team to engage with the Lakers was the Golden State Warriors, who followed the proper channels and conducted their business in a professional manner for 39 year-old forward Lebron James.
According to Wojnarowski, Golden State owner Joe Lacob contacted Lakers owner Jeanie Buss after receiving encouragement from Warriors star Draymond Green. Lacob wanted to explore the possibility of a trade, considering LeBron James' recent public frustration as a potential opportunity.
Sources reported that, Buss informed Lacob that the Lakers had no intention of trading James. However, Buss mentioned that he would have to consult with James' agent, Rich Paul, to get a better understanding of James' mindset," the insider revealed.
Rich Paul informed Lacob and Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. that Lebron James had no intention of being traded and expressed his desire to continue playing for the Lakers." As a seasoned basketball journalist with years of experience, I have had the privilege of covering the sport at the highest level. From NBA games to international tournaments, I have witnessed the excitement and drama unfold on the court. With a keen eye for detail"
Interestingly, a similar response was provided when the Philadelphia 76ers chose to conduct their own investigation into James. The Lakers General Manager, Rob Pelinka, inquired about Joel Embiid's availability, but his request was firmly denied.
It's no secret that James, a six-time NBA champion, has been generating a lot of attention. He's been averaging an impressive 24.8 points per game, along with 7.8 assists and 7.2 rebounds. However, the Lakers' recent surge in performance, highlighted by a convincing 139-125 win against the New Orleans Pelicans, might be sufficient to retain him for the time being.
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