There is now more clarity on reports the Warriors made a real push to acquire LeBron James from the Lakers at the trade deadline.
During a Valentine's Day edition of "The Stephen A. Smith Show," James' agent Rich Paul set the record straight. As soon as Paul joined, Smith asked about the Warriors' trade-deadline interest in James, which originated in a report from ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski and Ramona Shelburne. If anyone knows the truth, it's James' agent.
"Obviously, it's true," Paul told Smith. "Woj and Ramona aren't going to report something that's false. I think it's a testament to LeBron and the Warriors, who continue to be aggressive in wanting to compete."
After confirming the reports, Paul added, "when you're talking about the names at that level, it's going to be news but it wasn't much news in terms of the time spent on it."
MORE: Inside the Warriors' attempt to pair LeBron James with Stephen Curry at trade deadline
The Warriors struck out at the deadline but the report led many to believe that Golden State's pursuit of James could resume in the offseason. Paul, however, poured some cold water on the current idea that James is looking to move on from Los Angeles.
"He's committed to the Lakers, Jeanie [Buss] has been an incredible partner for him and us and I think it's important for that to be understood and respected.
"There are ups and downs and emotions throughout the course of a season but ultimately, LeBron's committed to the Lakers."
The Lakers head into the All-Star break with a 30-26 record and are firmly seated in the Western Conference's Play-In Tournament picture. After winning the NBA title in 2020, LA failed to earn a top-six seed in the West, needing the Play-In Tournament to qualify for the Playoffs in 2021 and 2023 and missing the postseason altogether in 2022.
Despite LA's uphill battle to earn a solidified playoff spot, Paul maintains that his client is content where he and the team are.
"LeBron's been great — he's been more than happy in terms of his experience as a Los Angeles Laker," Paul said of James' happiness. "That's the one thing that Jeanie [Buss] always wanted to make sure that she reiterated is the importance of his happiness.
"I think people tend to replace a responsibility of winning every year — that's not realistic for anybody, not for LeBron. It's not realistic for any of the players today or any of the players in the past. I think people always go back to a 6-0 Finals but that's when you got there, they're not counting the years that you fell short."
James, 39, is still performing at an All-NBA level in his 21st NBA season. Paul acknowledged the allure of pursuing another title elsewhere, one that would continue to cement James among the all-time greats. Paul indicated he doesn't think that's necessary, saying James' legacy is secure.
"I can't put words in LeBron's mouth but from my conversations with him, it's been 'just enjoy the game.'
"You have a lot less years to play than you've already played, I don't think he owes anybody anything, I don't think there's anything else for him to accomplish and I don't think he's in a space where he has to win every year. He's already home. So, just enjoy it."
MORE: The Warriors can still acquire LeBron James, but it's complicated
While Paul's comments put rumors to rest for now, expect these same conversations to ramp up once again during the 2024 offseason when James could enter free agency by declining his player option for the 2024-25 season.
In addition to the Warriors' interest, James' interest in playing alongside his son, Bronny, who becomes draft-eligible in 2024, adds another layer to LeBron's immediate NBA future.
