Lakers Bluntly Rejected 76ers’ Trade Overture for LeBron James, per Report

Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka reportedly had a bold response.

The NBA trade deadline came and went on Thursday with no major blockbuster trades taking place. It was not for lack of trying, though. 

Not only did the Golden State Warriors reach out to the Los Angeles Lakers to ask about a potential deal for LeBron James, but so did the Philadelphia 76ers, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Ramona Shelburne. On both occasions, the Lakers flat out said the superstar wasn’t available. 

Going a step further, the Lakers got bold themselves. Daryl Morey, the president of basketball operations for the 76ers, reached out to Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka to inquire about James. After rejecting Morey, Pelinka asked Morey if 76ers star center Joel Embiid was available. 

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid talks with Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James during their game at Wells Fargo Center on Nov. 27, 2023 :: Bill Streicher/USA TODAY Sports

Not surprisingly, Morey said his 29-year-old reigning MVP and franchise cornerstone was not on the market. The brief conversation ended there.

Morey apparently has made a habit of bold overtures at the deadline. He also reached out to the Phoenix Suns to test the waters on Kevin Durant, but he was swiftly rebuffed, per the report.