Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James may learn the hard way that your reputation and past accomplishments don't always go far in the NBA trade market.

LeBron James’ Trade Value Sparks Bold Claim From NBA Insider originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The NBA season came to a close barely more than a week ago, but the league has continued to buzz over the past several days in the wake of the 2025 NBA draft, and the many free-agent deals that have taken place since then.

The Los Angeles Lakers feel like the most likely destination for superstar forward LeBron James, but the statement put out by James' agent Rich Paul after the former picked up his $52.6 million option over the weekend makes us wonder.