Lakers make huge decision on LeBron James' future

The NBA trade deadline is Thursday, and it's always loomed as at least a slightly intriguing possibility surrounding LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers.

But it looks like there won't be any major King headlines before the deadline passes.

According to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, "James is still expected to finish out the season with the Los Angeles Lakers."

The 41-year old James has a no-trade clause, meaning he'd have to approve any potential deal.

"James' plans beyond this season remain unknown," McMenamin writes. "He said last week he does not know if he will retire this summer but acknowledged the Lakers' game that was played Wednesday in Cleveland 'very well could be' his last in Northeast Ohio."

MORE: Why the Cavs had to trade for James Harden

The trade deadline has plenty of notable players involved already.

James Harden was traded from the Clippers to the Cavaliers for Darius Garland on Tuesday night.

Giannis Antetokounmpo's rumors will grab plenty of attention until the deadline on Thursday.

"Yet despite the Harden trade -- and what other dominoes were to move -- James will not be joining a new team before this season is over, league sources told ESPN," McMenamin writes.

MORE: How the Nikola Vucevic trade changes the Celtics' lineup

The Lakers were as high as the 2-seed in the Western Conference earlier this season, but now they're down at No. 6, just trying to hold onto a spot above the play-in tournament.

Their numbers with both LeBron and Luka Doncic on the floor actually haven't been that good, but they've still got time to hit their groove and make a postseason run.