ESPN’s Brian Windhorst’s latest remarks suggest that the door for a LeBron James trade is no longer completely shut, following his initial outright dismissal of the idea.
Speaking on First Take, the analyst explained how his stance evolved after conversations with insiders close to the Los Angeles Lakers organization.
Initially, Windhorst was adamant that LeBron wanted to remain a Laker, citing the star’s no-trade clause and his decision to opt in rather than opt out of his contract.
But new insights have led him to reconsider, stating: “I’m not 100 percent sure” about the impossibility of a trade anymore.
The main catalyst for this shift is the Lakers’ strategic framing of LeBron as an expiring contract asset in a team building process centered on Luka Doncic.
Windhorst elaborated, “What happens to expiring contracts in the NBA? They are viewed as trade pieces. For all those reasons—the money, the fact that LeBron and Luka are still a very formidable duo… I’m just unlocking the door because I’m not as convinced as before of its impossibility.”
While a trade remains complicated given James’ massive salary and contract structure, Windhorst noted the Lakers are still active in the offseason and the financial flexibility created by such a move might be a consideration.
LeBron James Viewed By Lakers As Expiring Contract https://t.co/T2t0wYAaki
— RealGM (@RealGM) July 2, 2025
