The Lakers will not trade LeBron James. That would be an admission of failure this season, and James is one of that small group of players who are just excellent no Trade, even if they were to go into free agency.
Instead, the question is He should The Lakers at least considering this possibility? No, they probably wouldn't even flirt with it…but what if they did?
What if the Lakers could rebuild around Anthony Davis and restock their draft capital?
LeBron has a player option for 2024-25. It's no secret that he wants to play with his eldest son, Bronny, who is eligible for the NBA this summer.
Aside from his ties to Los Angeles, what keeps LeBron with the Lakers?
Their number is 19y In net rating. They are just +1.2 per 100 possessions with James on the floor. Their shot quality, adjusted to sixth in the Etihad, is one of the few positives this season.
Winning the title and playing with Bronny are LeBron's priorities. The first option seems impossible in 2024. The second option could be arranged in any number of teams.
If the Lakers accept that they're nothing more than a Play-In Tournament championship team this season, shouldn't they at least survey LeBron's trade market before the deadline? If they can't get into the top six in the West with James relatively healthy and Davis playing at the NBA level, what's the upside to this roster?
Even though they have won their last three games, the Lakers are not very good. Their offense is 20y In the league. Their number is 21street In turnover rate, bottom 10 in forcing the opponent to turn over, and shooting is still an issue. Only eight teams have a tougher remaining schedule.
So, let's say we're operating under the assumption that this is a lost season for the Lakers. It would make sense for James to be at least open to a trade if he could get somewhere with at least an outside chance of winning a title. Most semi-contenders would become full-fledged title contenders if they traded for LeBron – which he is Still This is good.
Potential trade destinations for LeBron
The Sixers are the most obvious landing spot. Joel Embiid's injury may make Daryl Morey more cautious heading into the deadline, but if they are confident in Embiid's return, LeBron will almost certainly join Tyrese Maxey for the remainder of the regular season. This is one hell of a Big Three in the playoffs.
Philly could use Tobias Harris' expiring salary as a pivot. Alternatively, they could assemble Marcus Morris, Robert Covington, Furkan Korkmaz, Jaden Springer, and Stuff. Morey has several first-round picks at his disposal after trading James Harden to the Clippers.
In these more hypothetical trades, the Knicks are often mentioned. Rich Paul is said to have “stirred up” tensions with Leon Rose. New York has been on a tear since acquiring OG Anunoby, and could still finish second in the East.
As with the Sixers, the most obvious composition is around Julius Randle. James and Randle aren't a good fit, but New York could make a deal around Mitchell Robinson, Evan Fournier, Ryan Ardichiacono, and Jericho Sims. Isaiah Hartenstein is more than a serviceable starting center to replace Robinson long-term.
New York has an arsenal of first-handers, although most of them are heavily guarded. Will the Lakers gamble on the Knicks' future first?
In the Western Conference, the Mavs are probably the only team that can talk themselves into a LeBron deal. The salaries of Tim Hardaway Jr. and Richaun Holmes will need a lot of money, and the Mavs can only trade one first. Again, though, it might be worth rolling the dice for the Lakers if Luka Doncic departs.
The Lakers should at least Consider trading LeBron
Even in his age-39 season, trading LeBron James immediately would be one of the biggest trade deadline deals in NBA history.
The Lakers won't do that.
This is probably a topic not even worth bringing up in front office discussions.
However, they should have at least thought about it, and it would be a mistake not to see what the teams have to offer.
