LeBron James' value on the trade market has dwindled, and while he's still a coveted asset to have, one Western Conference general manager speculates that more owners than executives see value in James at this point, largely because of how his colleagues' jobs involve so much catering to the superstar and his agent, Rich Paul.

Paul, who isn't the most popular of characters with more than a few front offices due to his restricted and elite clientele, poses a problem for those seeking to get James' services, given that it wouldn't be long before they're forced to acquiesce to his demands for his client.

“Even if you're solid in your job, you know that anywhere LeBron goes you're suddenly under the gun,” the Western Conference GM told Ric Bucher of Bleacher Report. “Your only choice is to give him the keys and let him run it. And even if you didn't want that, your owner might. Because he doesn't have to deal with what comes with it.”

Article Continues Below
More Los Angeles Lakers News
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) controls the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.
Magic Johnson sends Luka Doncic brutally honest ‘championship’ messageDavid Yapkowitz ·
Lakers head coach JJ Redick looks on during the third quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center Knicks
Source: Knicks yet to contact Lakers about permission to interview JJ RedickAnthony Irwin ·
Magic Johnson attends the 2024 NWSL Championship match at CPKC Stadium.
Magic Johnson shares his thoughts on viral ‘superstar’ debateSteve Silverman ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts after scoring against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center.
Lakers’ LeBron James reveals strict NBA Finals rules for familyJulian Ojeda ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James warms up before the start of a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center.
LeBron James calls out media who can’t sell NBA FinalsZachary Draves ·
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) and Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) leave a court after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 94-85 in game two of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.
How LeBron James’ $52.6 million decision will shape Lakers title chances with Luka DoncicAnthony Irwin ·

Adding LeBron James to the fold comes with more permutations than the average star, as he has been known to make demands for playmakers, defenders, shooters, and other co-stars to play alongside him since before making his return to Cleveland in 2014.

The toll it takes on the front office to make those decisions to appease him and risk losing jobs at the cost of it is at this point a price most executives are not willing to pay, even if it enhances their chances for a championship.