Credits: Jan 30, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) brings the ball up the court against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Rich Paul went on record yesterday to address all rumours surrounding LeBron James being traded by the Los Angeles Lakers. Paul dismissed all rumors surrounding his client, LeBron James, by stating LBJ and him ‘weren’t asking to be’ traded. The speculation gained further traction before Paul’s statement when James tweeted an hourglass emoji on X right after the loss against the Atlanta Hawks.

James appeared to the media and was asked whether he could provide some answers to all such speculations and his cryptic tweet. However, to everyone’s dismay, the 4x NBA champion refused to speak or elaborate on that note. When repeatedly asked by reporters on this question, James would simply refuse to answer with a stern “No.” 

One of the latest rumors currently up galore is the New York Knicks being one of the top destinations for James after the Lakers. When asked about the Madison Square Garden, James replied, “It’s the Mecca of basketball. It’s one of the most prestigious arenas to play in the history of sports. It’d be a great step forward and my career’s ultimate retreat. ” 

However, this wasn’t the first time James was flirting about joining the Knicks. When asked about the same in today’s interview, he said, “I’ve had that thought in my career.” In 2010, James intended to play in New York, which was also one of his top destinations. However, James signed for the Miami Heat that summer, joining Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade to form a new ‘Big 3.’

As we experience another uncertain period of LeBron James speculating his next destination, James’ response greatly suggests that he might be warming up to the idea of joining the Knicks.

In the subsequent follow-up questions, James seemed quite warm about his approach to the Knicks and increasingly appreciated the Knicks’ style of play. As the Knicks face the Lakers today, James is confident his team will grab an easy win at the MSG and expressed confidence for the same. The Lakers are currently the 9th seed in the West with a 25-25 record and will be facing a relatively better Knicks team, who are the 3rd seed in the East with a 32-17 record.

Rich Paul dismissed all rumors of LeBron James getting traded

Credits: USA Today Sports

LeBron James’ agent, Rich Paul, denied all rumors suggesting the star’s departure from the Los Angeles Lakers. Paul told the press, “LeBron won’t be traded, and we aren’t asking to be.” Paul’s statement was also attested by Brian Windhorst, who confirmed the same via his X handle. If James wanted to move from the Lakers, he could also deny his $51.4 million player option this summer, making him an unrestricted free agent.

Now that LeBron’s trade rumours suggest his willingness for a change, Stephen A. Smith has been actively recruiting James to join the New York Knicks. Now that James is also flirting with the idea of making the Knicks his next destination, SAS must be the happiest person of everyone else to hear about such speculations.