Ex-NBA guard Patrick Beverley gave his take on LeBron James' controversial offseason move.
Former Laker Patrick Beverley Reacts to LeBron James’ Decision originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
LeBron James’ offseason has been a whirlwind of speculation and every of his moves have been under a microscope. After exercising his $52.6 million player option, covering the 2025–26 season and making him the first NBA player to reach a 23rd year, his relationship with the Los Angeles Lakers has been heavily discussed, with all the outside noise alluding to a dichotomy between both parties.
Rich Paul, James’ long-time agent, emphasized that James values a chance to compete for a championship and is monitoring the Lakers’ offseason closely—but offered no guarantees (via ESPN’s Shams Charania). With trade rumors swirling, the NBA world has continued to monitor James’ situation in LA closely.
LeBron James’ Clippers Photo Sparks Reactions
Recently, social media went into overdrive when James posted a picture of himself working out in front of the Los Angeles Clippers logo. This decision by James, especially considering it was the first photo in his post, is one many deemed intentional. Countless fans and analysts viewed it as a cryptic signal that the four-time MVP and the Lakers organization are not on good terms.
However, former NBA guard Patrick Beverley, who played alongside James on the Lakers, happens to disagree. In a recent episode of his “Pat Bev” podcast, Beverley dismissed the narrative, noting that fans are simply reading too much meaning into James’ post.
“It’s a mutual site that other NBA guys can work out there and it won't be frowned upon,” Beverley, who also played for the former Clippers, noted.
Beverley also pointed out that James had posted a workout photo from a Cleveland facility earlier in the summer, only to face similar skepticism.
“He posted a picture in Cleveland, and they gave him [expletive] about it. He had to put a rebuttal behind that, ‘Like guys, I work out here every [expletive] summer. Please don't make it a big deal.’”
While Beverley argued that James has the right to work out wherever he wants, he also admitted that the 22-time All-Star might be sending a message to the Lakers that he can do whatever he wants given his pedigree and what he has done for the franchise
“What I've done for the NBA, I bring billions and billions and billions of dollars to it. Don't get it [expletive] up. I am LeBron James. I can choose my own destiny.”
What’s Next for LeBron James and the Lakers?
Despite the rumors, signs point to James staying with the Lakers for at least one season. James’ agent recently stated that the four-time champion will not be traded by the Lakers because he has a no-trade clause. However, with his deal expiring, he could become a free agent in the summer of 2026 should he choose to continue playing.
The Lakers, meanwhile, have reshaped their core around Luka Doncic with a new three-year, $165 million extension in what many now perceive as the dawn of a new era for the purple and gold.
Related: Rich Paul Announces Final Decision on LeBron James, Lakers Trade
Related: LeBron James' Gesture After Luka Doncic News Says A Lot
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Basketball
