LeBron James isn’t requesting a trade from the Los Angeles Lakers, his agent Rich Paul told ESPN on Friday. It’s unlikely that the purple and gold team will be trying to move on from the basketball sensation. But “King James” will have a $51.4 million player option for the upcoming season, and if that option is exercised, he will be able to sign with no restrictions.
Following LA’s 138-122 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday, James shared an hourglass emoji on his X account, sparking a plethora of rumors. The team captain for the Western Conference All-Star game was not available for an interview on Friday following the Lakers’ 114-105 victory over the Boston Celtics.
Basketball fans aren’t holding back when it comes to proposing possible outcomes for LeBron James in spite of Rich Paul’s remarks. To fuel the speculation, an X account recently shared a picture of the four-time champion wearing a New York Knicks uniform. Amazingly, James answered back with the Liberty sign and his signature crown emoji.
Social media users swiftly seized upon James’ mysteriоus response:
“Are you heading to the snacks?”
For the past three years, LeBron James has maintained that playing with his kid Bronny James is the greatest ambition he has yet to accomplish. The younger James is anticipated to declare for the 2024 NBA Draft and have a one-and-done career with the USC Trojans. When the time comes, “King James” has promised to support the club that selects his kid and stated that money won’t be a barrier.
It’s interesting to note that the New York Knicks can select James Jr. with four first-round selections and two second-round selections in 2024. The Big Apple City squad may not care if the younger James is deserving of a first-round selection. They might actually wind up bringing LeBron James to Madison Square Garden if that is the plan.
LeBron James and Bronny James are top candidates to join the New York Knicks
LeBron James joining the New York Knicks depends on the franchise selecting Bronny James in the first round. Along with its own draft capital, New York owns four first-round selections: one from each of the Detroit Pistons, Dallas Mavericks, and Washingtоn Wizards.
Given how good the Mavericks are playing, it is unlikely that the Dallas pick will be selected in the lottery. Similarly, the Knicks might finish in the top four of the Eastern Conference with their capital. The ones from the Pistons and Wizards are a different story because they are both bottom-dwelling clubs in the rankings.
To acquire Bronny James, New York might need to invest two additional second-round picks and one of the aforementioned draft assets. LeBron James may be joining James Jr. in New York City if he follows through on his promise.