Ethan Skolnick speculates LeBron James seeking trade covertly: "He should be finishing his career in a place like Cleveland or Miami"

LeBron James is having a strong season in his 20th year in the NBA. The Los Angeles Lakers, however, are just 17-21. NBA reporter Ethan Skolnick speculated that if the four-time NBA MVP was eligible to be moved, he may be looking for a trade right now due to the Lakers' unwillingness to part with their future first-round draft picks.

Speaking on the Sedano & Kap podcast, Skolnick stated:

"I honestly believe if [LeBron James] could be traded before the trade deadline, which he can't be, he might be pushing for that behind the scenes right now, but he can't so that's not an option."

Skolnick alluded to James' desire to play with his son, Bronny James, before adding:

"In the meantime, he should be finishing his career in a place like Cleveland or Miami... and try to finish up and win there. If the Lakers don't want him, somebody else will take him, and it does not seem to me like they want him."

Neither LeBron James nor the Los Angeles Lakers have given any indication that they want to part ways. However, according to Skolnick, that could be due to the fact that they can't. It remains to be seen if rumors will begin to circulate as the 2023 offseason when James is eligible to be traded, draws closer.

Listen to Ethan Skolnick's comments speculating on LeBron James wanting to be moved below (starting at the 42:40 mark):

Can LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers turn things around?

King James is currently averaging 29.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, 6.6 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game. The four-time NBA champion shoots 51.0% from the field, 30.1% from 3-point range, and 75.2% from the free-throw line.

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LeBron’s last 11 Games:

35 PTS - 5 REB - 5 AST
33 PTS - 9 REB - 9 AST
30 PTS - 9 REB - 4 AST
33 PTS - 7 REB - 9 AST
31 PTS - 6 REB - 11 AST
34 PTS - 2 REB - 8 AST
38 PTS - 6 REB - 5 AST
28 PTS - 7 REB - 5 AST
27 PTS - 9 REB - 6 AST
47 PTS - 10 REB - 9 AST
43 PTS - 11 REB - 6 AST

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LeBron’s last 11 Games:

35 PTS - 5 REB - 5 AST
33 PTS - 9 REB - 9 AST
30 PTS - 9 REB - 4 AST
33 PTS - 7 REB - 9 AST
31 PTS - 6 REB - 11 AST
34 PTS - 2 REB - 8 AST
38 PTS - 6 REB - 5 AST
28 PTS - 7 REB - 5 AST
27 PTS - 9 REB - 6 AST
47 PTS - 10 REB - 9 AST
43 PTS - 11 REB - 6 AST https://t.co/yVI81EBl7d

Co-star Anthony Davis also played at the MVP level before being sidelined with a foot injury. While the Los Angeles Lakers defense has struggled tremendously in Davis' absence, the 17-21 Lakers are only one game behind for a spot in the play-in tournament. More importantly, they are only three and a half games behind being a top-six seed and avoiding the play-in tournament.

Despite their struggles, the Lakers remain alive in the wide-open Western Conference. While they will likely need to add more pieces if they want to become true title contenders, if James and Davis are able to stay healthy, the Lakers should be able to make the postseason.

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