Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James. Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Report reveals differing trade deadline stances between LeBron James, Lakers

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 2/6/24

LeBron James has been applying pressure to the Los Angeles Lakers front office. It's clear he wants the team to go all-in at the February 8 trade deadline. In recent weeks, the Purple and Gold have been linked with multiple high-level talents.

However, it would now appear that the Lakers have taken a different stance, as reported by The Athletic's Jovan Buha on Tuesday.

"Though James has made it clear that he’d like for the organization to approach this deadline with the all-in approach he prefers, the likelihood that the Lakers stand pat or make a marginal move has somewhat increased in recent days, according to team and league sources," Buha wrote. "Their 2029 draft pick is valuable; if they keep it, they’ll be armed with three first-round picks to trade this summer. The market continues to favor sellers rather than buyers."

The only available Lakers asset that teams truly covet is their 2029 first rounder.

Despite LeBron James wanting L.A. to approach the deadline with an "all-in" mentality, the odds of marginal or zero moves have increased, sources tell @jovanbuha.https://t.co/jTws3tGjhZ pic.twitter.com/7kYxI2dAbD
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) February 6, 2024

The Lakers appear to be taking a stand. At 39 years old, James doesn't possess the same way he once did. The franchise needs to have one eye on the post-LeBron era when making trade decisions. Of course, there is risk involved with their new approach to the trade deadline.

James has a player option for next season worth $51M. Should he become disenchanted with what could be perceived as malaise in the front office, he could opt out and look to take his talents elsewhere. Or, he could choose to retire.

Nevertheless, Rob Pelinka and Jeanie Buss needed to draw a line in the sand. As one of the most successful franchises in NBA history, the Lakers always aim to contend at the highest level. LeBron will understand that. He does, however, also need to understand the need to retain some flexibility for the summer.

Right now, there are no legitimate difference-makers in the trade market. Any move the Lakers make will likely be born out of panic or fear of upsetting their star player. Waiting until the summer, when there is more flexibility with teams around the league, is a smart choice. Whether the Lakers stick to this new path or cave to their star player's demands as the Feb. 8 deadline draws closer will remain to be seen.

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