Amid Los Angeles Lakers All-Star LeBron James trade rumors, entering the last year of his two-year contract, he praised Cleveland Cavs president Koby Altman on a long-term extension.
With some NBA fans anticipating a return to the Cavs, despite Rich Paul’s supportive Luka Doncic comment about James, his congratulatory message on social media might stoke that storyline ahead of the 2025-26 season.
James commended Altman on his X, formerly Twitter.
“YESSIR!!! Congratulations to my brother B.Weems!! Super proud of u man,” James wrote.
Nothing in this post indicates James is suggesting a potential move to Altman, but some will latch onto it anyway, following an offseason where the Lakers have not renewed LeBron’s current deal.
In fact, when James opted into the final year of his contract, worth $52.6 million, the Lakers neglected to make an announcement. This only heightened the idea that Los Angeles views 2025-26 as his final season with the team, whether he desires it or not.
Regardless, James’ agent, Rich Paul, is looking forward without any assumptions, confirming his client hasn’t made any trade requests as he disclosed in a recent interview, per SiriusXM Radio.
“There’s so many voices in today’s game and around today’s game, and media and things like that,” Paul said. “And everyone has a job to do. For us, hey, let those people do their job. It’s not for us to rebuttal or to try to give clarity on what’s said, what’s not said, that’s not the focus. The focus is, hey man, enjoy your summer.”
For the first time in their respective careers, James and Doncic will enter training camp as teammates, aiming to build on their first-round exit in last year’s playoffs.