Real reason behind Lakers superstar LeBron James training at Clippers facility amid trade buzz revealed 

LA Lakers superstar LeBron James went viral on Thursday after practicing at a facility with the LA Clippers logo in the background. Amid trade rumors, any links between James and other teams have spread speculation like wildfire. Interestingly, the Clippers have been rumored to be a landing spot for the four-time NBA MVP.

James is also renowned for his passive-aggressive approach with his teams' front offices in the past. The caption he wrote on his latest post also contributed to the speculation.

"Say whatever you want but you damn sure won't be able to say I didn't put in the WORK!! 👑 . We'll see what happens when I no longer exist. Man F this Shhhhhh."

According to reports, the Lakers' "preferred scenario" is James leaving next season, along with his $50 million-plus salary. While all the signs pointed to James' dissatisfaction with the franchise, the one that sparked the frenzy was inadvertent.

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According to Clippers' insider Andrew Greif, the facility James trained at is still owned by the franchise's former owners, the Sterling family. James' agent and Klutch Sports CEO, Rich Paul, is one of the tenants.

"The Sterling family still owns the Clippers’ former practice facility in Playa Vista, per property records," Greif wrote. "But since Clippers departed last summer, Klutch has been a tenant recently as well."

It's common for players to choose their preferred spot to conduct their offseason workouts away from their teams. In this case, LeBron James preferred to use the private court, courtesy of his agency, Klutch Sports.

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Luka Doncic wants LeBron James to retire with Lakers

All signs point towards LeBron James playing the next season with the LA Lakers. Several reports have indicated that. Logistically, it's unlikely for him to leave via trade. James is also unlikely to agree to a buyout in the final year of his $52.6 million contract with the Lakers.

If that wasn't enough, new franchise superstar Luka Doncic has made his feelings clear on wanting James to end his career in LA. As per Dallas Hoops Journal, Doncic has no intention of pushing James out of the Lakers' plans.

After an underwhelming display in the 2025 NBA playoffs, where the Lakers lost in the first round to the Timberwolves, it seemed like the Doncic-James duo had run its course even before they had started.

Nevertheless, the tandem remains one of the league's most elite, especially with not many worthy contenders to snatch the best No. 2 option label from James.

Edited by Arhaan Raje