Lakers Trade Rumors: NBA GM Says Offseason Trades Involving LeBron James or Giannis Antetokounmpo Can’t Be Ruled Out

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by Cristian Andal

LeBron James (23) and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Photo: Sky Sports. 

During NBA Summer League action in Las Vegas, a general manager from the Western Conference shared with Spotrac’s Keith Smith that while unlikely, the possibility of a major offseason shake-up — including trades involving LeBron James or Giannis Antetokounmpo — isn’t off the table.

“I don’t expect stars like LeBron or Giannis to be traded,” the GM said. “But in today’s NBA? Anything’s possible. That’s why I can’t relax at the beach and turn my phone off. If I miss a call about a chance to land one of those guys? I’d be out of a job.”

LeBron recently opted into the final year of his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, securing a $52.6 million payday for the 2025–26 season. With a no-trade clause in his deal, the future Hall of Famer holds full control over any potential move. As of now, there have been no talks between James and the Lakers front office about a trade or buyout.

Lakers superstar LeBron James. Photo: AP.

Still, comments made by Rich Paul, CEO of Klutch Sports, to ESPN’s Shams Charania have left some speculating about LeBron’s long-term future in Los Angeles — casting doubt on the assumption that he'll retire in purple and gold.

As for Antetokounmpo, Charania also reported that the Bucks superstar is “open-minded” about his future in Milwaukee following their early exit from the 2025 playoffs, where they fell to the Indiana Pacers in five games. This is the first time in Giannis’ career that he’s been publicly open to the idea of leaving the only NBA team he’s ever played for.

The Bucks last hoisted the championship trophy in 2021 after beating the Phoenix Suns in six games. However, they’ve managed just one series win in the postseason since that title run, which has led to growing frustration inside and outside the organization.

Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. Photo: NBA.com.

Most league insiders still anticipate that both LeBron and Giannis will begin the upcoming season with their current teams — the Lakers and Bucks, respectively. But with the NBA landscape constantly shifting, especially after this summer’s stunning move that sent Luka Dončić to the Lakers, no scenario can be completely dismissed.

In today’s NBA, as one GM put it: "You never know when the league will flip upside down overnight."