There has been plenty of trade talk centered around the Los Angeles Lakers over the last several weeks. But in the last few days, that talk took a surprising turn.
Following a dispirited loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday, LeBron James tweeted an hourglass emoji. It set off speculation on what he meant by the tweet, especially given his history of passive-aggressive behavior.
Then came a tweet from a reporter at Los Angeles-based KTLA that claimed the Lakers were looking to trade James. Rich Paul, the superstar’s agent, tried to shoot down rumors that James may get dealt.
Prior to L.A.’s game versus the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, James was asked about both his tweet and the upcoming player option on his contract this summer. He refused to clarify what he meant by his tweet, and he also said he doesn’t know what he’ll do with that option.
LeBron James declined to offer clarity on his ⌛️ tweet and when asked if he knows what he will do with his contract option for the Lakers this summer said, “No.” pic.twitter.com/0IydouZpPm
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) February 3, 2024
The 39-year-old appears to have plenty left in his tank, no matter which uniform he’ll wear next season. He came into Saturday’s game averaging 24.9 points, 7.7 assists and 7.5 rebounds a game while shooting 52.0% from the field and 39.7% from 3-point range.
James said he considered playing for the Knicks
James’ free agency in the summer of 2010 was one of the most anticipated events in NBA history. Fans throughout the Tri-state area were hoping he would join the Knicks, but of course, he decided to take his talents to the Miami Heat.
James admitted he had the Knicks on his list that summer.
“During my free agency period in 2010, it was one of the teams I looked at,” James said. “So I’ve had that thought in my career.”
After many years of being in the NBA wilderness, New York finally has a player it considers a superstar in Jalen Brunson. The guard, who is originally from New Brunswick, N.J., is averaging 27.1 points and 6.4 assists a game while shooting 48.1% overall and 41.7% from downtown.
