LeBron James Breaks Silence on Trade Speculation After Post on Friday
When LeBron James exercised his $52.6 million player option to return to the Los Angeles Lakers for his 23rd NBA season, most assumed that there would be no more questions about where he would play next.
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Instead, thanks to an ESPN interview conducted by his agent, Rich Paul, it was made clear that James and the Lakers, whom he led to a title in 2020, appear to be at different stages. The 40-year-old James is focused on making another title push, while the Lakers seem to be more focused on building around 25-year-old All-NBA guard Luka Doncic.
This sentiment led to trade rumors running rampant, with returns to Miami and Cleveland both being suggested. Despite insiders around the league reporting that a trade didn't seem likely, a picture of James at the Cleveland Cavaliers facility surfacing on Friday threw gasoline onto the conspirators' fire.
While NBA fans took time out of their day to freak out over the possibility, James made sure to silence the buzz and questions, expressing he still lives in Cleveland and often trains there.
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"And every summer since it was built," wrote James. "I live here still and train every summer. Got damn yall bored man! Go get a plate of food somewhere and enjoy the 4th of July!"
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23).Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Now, in the defense of the conspiracy theorists, James was spotted golfing somewhere around Cleveland while sporting a hat that said "Welcome Home."
Knowing how James operates, this could have been to tease fans or push the Lakers into making more offseason moves. Regardless of what fans think, the four-time NBA Champion is making it clear there is nothing to read into.
Related: Lakers' Return in Historic Kevin Durant 7-Team Trade Revealed
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
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