LeBron James had that look on his face that suggested to many he wanted the Los Angeles Lakers to trade Deandre Ayton.
The moment came during a timeout in the second quarter with 8:52 remaining when the Sacramento Kings were leading the Lakers 38-31. As Ayton was talking with one of the coaches while resting on the bench, cameras spotted LeBron staring Ayton in a bad way.
It almost feels like he was not pleased with Ayton's attitude and his lack of energy on the court.
Why LeBron looking at Ayton like that 😭 pic.twitter.com/VqQqSxGpuo
— 𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐩𝑮𝒐𝒍𝒅 🏆 (@PurpGolded) January 13, 2026
The comments section under this post was filled with the same interpretation.
"Off my team," one fan wrote.
"Only a matter of time," another fan added.
"Even Ayton know his time there is coming to an end 😭😭😭" one fan reacted.
"Bron bout to trade that man 🤣🤣🤣" one fan posted.
The game against the Kings ended with a 124-112 loss. LeBron recorded 22 points, four rebounds and three assists. Meanwhile, Ayton posted a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds.
MORE: Deandre Ayton's quiet heroics for Luka Doncic could cement long-term future in LA
LeBron James is known for such looks
James is known for such looks and the trade that follows.
According to Hoops' X page, when he gave such looks to superstars like Kyrie Irving, Dwyane Wade and Anthony Davis, they were eventually traded off his team.
DeAndre Ayton’s days are numbered. A trade is coming soon. 👀
— Hoops (@Hoopss) January 13, 2026
The last time LeBron did this to Kyrie, Wade, and AD, they all got traded. Pic.twitter.com/j5Q13zyioW
Ayton, for his part, is struggling over the last few games.
The former No. 1 pick started the season well, registering at least 20 points and 10 rebounds per game in his first 23 games. However, since December 14, he has not been able to log even one such game. On the season, he is averaging 13.9 points (on 67.9% shooting) and 8.5 rebounds, which looks respectable but is declining.
Not to mention the controversies he finds himself in for his lack of enthusiasm and attitude. He said that he can't make shots for himself. Even Lakers head coach JJ Redick has spoken about the same.
If these issues only pile up, a trade is really not that far away.
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- Lakers predicted to add Anthony Edwards' doppelgänger in 2026 NBA Draft
- Lakers predicted to trade for injury prone $54M All-Defensive veteran to backup Deandre Ayton