LeBron James sparks fan frenzy over trade speculation with key detail in fiery Instagram post
The basketball legend, 40, confirmed he will play a 23rd NBA season when exercised his $52.6million option with the Los Angeles Lakers earlier this summer.
But James has been at the center of trade rumors over the offseason after his agent Rich Paul hinted that his future might lie away from the Lakers.
And on Thursday, the 40-year-old posted a picture of himself working out in front of a Los Angeles Clippers sign.
'Say whatever you want but you damn sure won't be able to say I didn't put in the WORK!!' James wrote alongside the photo. 'We'll see what happens when I no longer exist. Man F this Shhhhhh.'
The Clippers sign fueled more speculation about James' next move but his agency later confirmed to USA Today that the picture was, in fact, taken at their offices in Playa Vista.
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Klutch Sports Group moved into the Clippers' old practice facility and opens its doors for clients to train. They have yet to remove the Clippers decor.
Earlier this summer, James also turned heads after working out at the home of his former team, the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The 40-year-old played down the significance of the move, writing on social media: 'I live here still and train every summer.'
James is set to become the first player ever to play 23 seasons in the NBA but Paul suggested he could hit that milestone away from the Lakers, who drafted his son Bronny in 2024.
'LeBron wants to compete for a championship,' James' agent told ESPN back in June. 'He knows the Lakers are building for the future.
'He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we've had for eight years with (controlling owner) Jeanie (Buss) and (GM) Rob (Pelinka) and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.
'We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future. We do want to evaluate what's best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career. He wants to make every season he has left count, and the Lakers understand that, are supportive and want what's best for him.'
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