Rich Paul Rules Out LeBron Leaving Lakers Through 2026

Rich Paul again shut down trade talk about LeBron James on the Game Over podcast, asking "Where's he gonna go?" and calling Knicks interest "wishful thinking." Paul said LeBron will remain with the Lakers through the end of the 2025 to 26 season. LeBron is a free agent this summer so he could sign elsewhere, but a trade looks unlikely given he never pushed for one even when roster ceilings and direction were questioned. Merlin sees calm rather than chaos. The Lakers sit near the top of the West at 17 6 and that competitive position and LeBron’s history of controlling his destiny make staying a simple choice. The Knicks may dream, but real movement likely waits for free agency, not a sudden midseason swap.