Could LeBron Request a Trade in the Offseason?

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Over the last couple of decades, there have been many disgruntled and unhappy stars in the league who have requested a trade from their team. Kevin Durant requested a trade in the 2022 offseason (but was not traded), Carmelo Anthony requested a trade out of Denver and landed in New York, the late, great Kobe Bryant requested a trade from the Lakers in the mid-2000s, and Anthony Davis requested a trade from New Orleans to reach the Lakers. With the recent rumors and struggles of the Los Angeles Lakers, could LeBron James himself request a trade? Hearing that, many would immediately say that would never happen. Many would say LeBron would never request a trade from the Lakers. Many of the people saying that are the same people who said Lebron would never leave Cleveland. The good news for Lakers fans is that LeBron can’t be traded this season. Signing a two-year extension worth over $97 Million. Signing the contract in late September, James could not be traded until February 18th at the earliest, nine days past the February 9th deadline.

After the Lakers’ late December loss, LeBron had the following to say:

“I’m a winner, and I want to win and give myself a chance to win and still compete for championships… And I know it takes steps to get there, but once you get there and know how to get there, playing basketball at this level just to be playing basketball is not in my DNA. It’s not in my DNA anymore.”

At the time of this writing, the Lakers sit at a 17-21 record, 13th in the West. This is the second season in a row where the Lakers have underperformed and disappointing. Last season, the Lakers finished 33-49 and are on pace to finish with a similar record this season. While LeBron has had another great season, the same cannot be said for the rest of the team. Anthony Davis had a tremendous run where he could’ve been seen as an MVP contender but unfortunately got hurt. Russell Westbrook had one of the worst starts to his season but has gradually improved in his new bench role. The rest of the team has struggled over the course of the season, leading to the team having one of the lower offensive and defensive ratings in the league.

Over the last 10 games, the Lakers have gone 6-4 with a four-game losing streak during those games. The team has struggled to compete with many of the top-tier teams in the league with their remaining schedule being one of the tougher. In the next five games, the Lakers will face Atlanta, Sacramento, Denver, Dallas, and Philadelphia. With it being unknown exactly when Anthony Davis will return, it’s entirely possible the team could go 0-5, something that would only further frustrate LeBron James.

At the age of 38 and his career entering his final stretch, LeBron wants to be on a contender and win another championship before the end of his career. While it may be difficult to move a contract that will be worth $46.9 Million next season, especially to a contending team, it would be possible with the right moves. The near 39-year-old LeBron may have a chance to win a championship with a different team next year, but it’s safe to say his championship window with the Lakers has closed.