LeBron James has quickly become the talk of the NBA's trade rumor mill.
All it took was one comment from his agent Rich Paul to ignite a firestorm of speculation and curiosity about where The King might play next.
Of course, he's currently under contract with the Los Angeles Lakers for $52.6 million in 2025-26. That hasn't stopped the wondering.
Or in this case, the viral post by parody X account NBA Centel that is fooling plenty of people into thinking James has already been traded.
BREAKING: LeBron James is headed back to the Cavaliers in a 3 team trade between the Lakers, Heat, and Cavs.
— NBACentel (@TheNBACentel) July 2, 2025
The King is finishing his career at home in CLEVELAND
(Via @PolymarketSport) pic.twitter.com/t474L5Q1GL
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Did LeBron James get traded to the Cavs?
No, LeBron James did not get traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
No, there's no three-team deal involving the Lakers, Heat and Cavs.
And no, James hasn't been traded anywhere.
That account is meant to go viral with falsehoods that closely resemble reality.
James began his NBA career in Cleveland, left for Miami, then returned to the Cavs and won a title. He has been with the Lakers since he left the Cavs a second time.
Maybe there's still a homecoming down the road, but it hasn't happened now.
As things stand, James is getting ready to suit up for another Lakers season, his first full season alongside Luka Doncic and his second NBA season playing with his son, Bronny.
The Cavs still have a strong starting lineup with Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Max Strus/De'Andre Hunter, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. At least three of those guys would have to be moved in a trade for LeBron just to match salaries.
Could something be coming? Maybe. But James hasn't been traded yet.
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