While some have shut down the mere thought of trading LeBron James as the Los Angeles Lakers are most likely bound to miss the playoffs, it seems he's no longer the hot mega-star most teams salivated at during this past offseason.
“Hmmm,” pondered one Eastern Conference owner when asked if his team would trade for James if given the chance, according to Ric Bucher of Bleacher Report. “At this point, probably not, given where we are. I wouldn't want to gut the team for a player that isn't committed and is toward the end of his career.”
A different owner was more flexible, yet still hesitant to make the deal, unless it came with some conditions.
“Depends on what I'd have to give up,” said a Western Conference owner. “I wouldn't roll up the truck and give more than one protected first[-round pick].”
Teams around the NBA have realized that having James in the roster includes making a team a complete blank canvas for him to paint with his preferred personnel, much like president Magic Johnson was forced to do, surrounding him with playmakers and defenders.
The gambit didn't work, as the young core of the team wasn't enough without a second star to pair with James, and the loose pieces of Lance Stephenson, Rajon Rondo and JaVale McGee were not enough help throughout the season to help him make the playoffs.
Through his history of winning, James has always had a sidekick to help him reach the promised land, and that hasn't changed.
At 34 years old, James likely doesn't have what it takes to play with an already-built roster, which is why some of these owners would be hesitant to trade for him at this point of his career.
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