On December 23, Beijing time, The Athletic name Chalania broke the news in the latest episode of the show that he had contacted James' agent Rich Paul, who denied rumors that James might leave the Lakers. Charania also revealed that the Lakers will be very active in the trading market, with their two main deal targets ben Simmons of the 76ers and Jeramie Grant of the Pistons.
"I spoke to LeBron's agent, Rich Paul, and he said the rumors themselves were ridiculous and completely false," Charania said. ”
Earlier, a reporter broke the news that James and his agent had discussed the possibility of leaving the team, and also said that James was likely to return to the Cavaliers. Now Rich Paul is the first to debunk the rumors, stabilizing the Hearts of the Lakers. So far this season, the Lakers have won 16 and lost 16, ranking seventh in the West, and have just suffered three consecutive losses. James' old club, the Cavaliers, is 19-12 and temporarily third in the East. So far this season, James has averaged 26.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 6.6 assists per game, and the thick eyebrow needs to be injured for at least a month, which has a great impact on the Lakers.
Charania also revealed on the show that the Lakers will be "active" in the trading market, and they see Ben Simmons and Jeramie Grant as two players worth paying attention to.
"This team doesn't have the young legs they need, that's why I've heard they're active in the trade market," Charania said, "and players like Ben Simmons are the players they want, and Geramy Grant, who is also the guy this team needs." "For the Lakers, they really need some deals to get out of trouble, and there have been rumors that the Lakers want to send Westbrook away."
Simmons and Grant, not the first time, have appeared in rumors with the Lakers. However, even if there is a transaction, it is likely to wait for a while, because the Lakers' main trading chip, Horton Tucker, will not be eligible until January 15 next year. Previously, experts have analyzed that it is very difficult for the Lakers to get Simmons, and it is difficult to achieve a three-party transaction. However, to get Grant, there is still a lot of opportunity, the Lakers' Horton Tucker + Nunn + first-round pick offer, may be the best offer the Pistons can receive.