Lakers Rumors: LeBron James Trade Listed? Rob Pelinka Plans Big Move Ahead of Feb 8 Deadline

The Los Angeles Lakers finished the month of January with back-to-back losses. After a thrilling double-overtime win against the Warriors, LeBron James and Co. crumbled in front of the Houston Rockets and the Atlanta Hawks in the last two games. That made the Lakers’ need for another star more evident. With the February 8 trade deadline only seven days away, Laker Nation expects Rob Pelinka to make a significant move to improve the roster.

While everyone is speculating the Lakers will trade away their role players to acquire a third star, Rob Pelinka might have a big move planned that will put LeBron James’ Lakers tenure in jeopardy.

Will Rob Pelinka do the unthinkable?

According to NBA sources, LeBron James is on the top of the Lakers’ list for a potential trade before the February 8 deadline. He is in the first year of his 2-year $97 million contract extension and has a player option for the 2024-25 season. Even though it seems unfathomable to think that the Lakers would trade King James, it is possible.

David Pingalore from ‘KTLA 5 News’ took to X (formerly Twitter) and wrote, “Hearing from @nba peeps @KingJames is the top of the @Lakers list to trade the 39 year old. Pelinka is looking for the right team to dance with and is close to a suitor Lbj and AD both out tonight. @KTLA @KTLA5SPORTS #nba #Lakers.”

Despite LeBron James and Anthony Davis being healthy for the majority of the season, the Lakers are stuck at the 9th spot in the Western Conference standings. They have been hovering around the .500 mark for over a month and have been unable to bag a higher seed. James is playing at an elite level even at age 39, but that might not be enough for the Lakers to win a Championship. He is averaging 24.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.7 assists.

With James still playing at a high level and the Lakers not making significant progress, this might be the right time for Pelinka to cash in on him and trade him for the best offer.

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LeBron James might leave the Lakers anyway

Even if Rob Pelinka decides to finish the season with LeBron and AD, it is uncertain that King James will return to LA next season. LeBron has been a Laker since 2018 and has accomplished his goal of bringing them a Championship. His future in LA might depend on how far the Lakers go this season and what Bronny decides to do after his first year at USC.

LeBron’s son, Bronny James, will be eligible to declare for the 2024 NBA draft. That means we could see him in the NBA as soon as next season. If Bronny decides to take the NBA route, LeBron might try to facilitate a way to play alongside his son. That has been LeBron’s goal for a long time, and he has reiterated it many times throughout his career.

Additionally, while James and Davis are playing well, the Lakers are 21st in offensive rating and only 15th in defensive rating this season. Since 2020, the rest of the roster has declined. Mistakes were made and now they need to be rectified.

Do you believe Rob Pelinka will trade LeBron James before the February 8 deadline?

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