Subscribe
Follow Us
Coming off one of the greatest individual seasons in NBA history, LeBron James continues to cement his place in basketball lore. Even in the midst of a catastrophic season with the Lakers, James still played at an MVP-level. Now with the uncertainty of the Lakers future, there's a looming possibility of James being traded from Los Angeles. It's not a big one, but it's not 100% impossible based on some rumors of internal turmoil.
Were King James to be placed on the trade block, there's no doubt that he'd have several suitors. He's an ageless wonder who's barely lost a step and can still have a major impact on the court. Having said all this, we'll take a look at three hypothetical blockbuster trades that the Lakers could make for James.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5A53alv7I8uub6EBQYFFXZ?si=f96577c8eb7147c2
3 LeBron James trades for Lakers
Golden State Warriors
Adding LeBron James to the star-studded Golden State Warriors would put them in the conversation for greatest team ever assembled. The electric scoring backcourt of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson mixed in with Draymond Green's facilitating and LeBron's slashing ability is insane to think about. The endless amount of court vision and high-IQ playmaking being put on display would be absolutely mesmerizing. Considering the Warriors already boast one of the NBA's best defensive units, the addition of James would only add to this.
With the Dubs possessing a roster that's filled with exciting young talent, the Lakers would likely demand some young assets and a few draft picks in return. Especially considering that James just had a historic season and was runner-up for the scoring title. His versatile two-way play would make the Warriors even more unstoppable and undoubtedly put them over the top.
Dallas Mavericks
Article Continues Below
This is a move that would place two generational talents alongside each other. With a rising superstar in Luka Doncic and an all-time great in LBJ, the Dallas Mavericks would have one of the most dynamic duos ever assembled. Dallas' elite defense and stellar ball movement would be a perfect fit for James and provide the Mavericks with a seasoned champion.
In this potential trade, the Lakers could nab Jalen Brunson and Dorian Finney-Smith or some of their other young players. It was previously reported that the Mavs were shopping Brunson and Finney-Smith ahead of the NBA trade deadline. So Los Angeles could come out of this exchange with some potential building blocks for the future. They'd also gain high production two-way players with a ton of upside to their games. On the Mavericks, King James could help Luka build something special while finishing out his career on a high note.
Cleveland Cavaliers
This would be the ultimate homecoming for James as it would allow him to end his playing career where it began. Joining a playoff contending Cleveland Cavaliers squad and reuniting with Kevin Love would be a feel good story. Add to that the youthful and athletic roster that the Cavs possess and this could be a game-changing move for them.
Especially with elite skill players like Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, Collin Sexton, and Lauri Markkanen in the mix. This also would alleviate the playmaking load for LeBron on both ends of the court. Which in-turn would lessen the burden of him needing to play lights out on a nightly basis just to keep the team afloat.
Given that the Lakers want future building blocks in any trade scenario involving James, the Cavaliers may be forced to part with a few of their young stars. On the other hand, LeBron's return to the land would be highly coveted and a fun storyline to watch unfold. How much they'd be willing to give up for a reunion is the big question though. However, it may be well worth it considering that James is coming off one of the greatest statistical seasons in NBA history. Let's also not forget that he brought the Cavs their first title back in 2016.
