LeBron James again found himself in the midst of NBA trade rumors this summer. Back in June, he was rumored to be exiting the Los Angeles Lakers. At age 40, the LA superstar is still averaging elite numbers, but rumors persist as the franchise allegedly turns its attention to Luka Dončić as the future foundation.

Now, a recent rumor suggests that LeBron could go to an Eastern Division team this time.

LeBron James to the East, Again?

NBA Trade Rumors: Insider Believes Knicks Should Approach LeBron James NBA Trade Rumors: Insider Believes Knicks Should Approach LeBron James
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Kristian Winfield of The New York Daily News thinks the New York Knicks ought to trade for James. In Winfield's opinion, the Eastern Conference is open for business, and New York is the right time to go all in.

The Lakers' choice to surround Dončić with complementary talent is sensible in the short term. The young point guard is already regarded as one of the league's most dominant forces, and James is at the beginning of the end of his illustrious career. Even at an advanced age, LeBron is still very prolific, but Los Angeles seems poised to prepare for life after him.

The East is wide open. Winfield said that if the Knicks get LeBron, they will immediately become the NBA favorites. He also said a combination of LeBron James, Jalen Brunson, and Karl-Anthony Towns would be on par with the Oklahoma City Thunder's young trio of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren for the league's best Big Three.

Lakers' Hesitation to Trade Their Superstar

While the possibility is thrilling for Knicks enthusiasts, the Lakers' trading LeBron is not the same situation. Any transaction would have major assets to offer in return, and James has a no-trade clause as well, so he would have to sign off on it, too.

Furthermore, Lakers owner Mark Walter won't be remembered as the executive who traded away one of the all-time great basketball players. James' status in the franchise means such a trade this season is highly unlikely.

LeBron's Career-Long Position on Trades

For almost two decades of supremacy, LeBron James has never been traded. Rather, he has always opted for free agency to make his transitions, something he is proud of as his legacy. At this advanced point in his career, it seems doubtful he would do so now.

If James is to depart Los Angeles, it would be via free agency. Having just a few playing years remaining, he may decide to opt out after the season to pursue one last story. Anyway, a rumored LeBron buyout won't happen anytime soon. Rob Pelinka knows the risk if they move LeBron to another team without acquiring more useful assets in return.