BREAKING: Lakers' smartest LeBron James move might be the one fans hate most
Fans wouldn’t be happy.
Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James | Jason Miller/GettyImages
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The Los Angeles Lakers should seriously consider trading LeBron James this offseason and building around Luka Doncic. The 40-year-old still put elite numbers and is likely to opt-in to his $52.6 million player option. LA does not have to worry about him choosing free agency as the Nets are the only team with significant cap space. LeBron wants to get paid, which would mean the Lakers get something in return if they decided to trade the GOAT.
James has a no-trade clause if he opts in, which could make this a non-starter, as the Suns are well aware. It would be difficult to fathom LeBron staying if the organization wanted out. He would control his destination, and the Lakers' return would be limited. Those are the expected consequences of this risky move.
Luka is fully bought in and the face of the franchise. Austin Reaves may not be the perfect fit, but he is in his prime and ready to take on the number two role. LeBron needs the ball and who knows how much longer he can play at an elite level. The Lakers could get something in return and start building their roster around number 77.
Trading LeBron James allows Lakers to put necessary pieces around Luka Doncic
The Lakers had several holes on display during their first-round playoff exit. They need a big man to protect the rim and operate as a lob threat. LA’s perimeter defense, depth, and shooting were also lacking.
They have just one first-round draft pick, four first-round swaps, and Dalton Knecht to offer in trades. In free agency, the Lakers have the $5.7 million tax mid-level and minimum contracts to hand out. That is not enough to solve their problems.
Trading LeBron likely nets the franchise at least one of their missing role players and a first-round pick. Rob Pelinka and the front office can use the draft capital and Knecht to plug the remaining holes. Losing LeBron would hurt, but James is declining. Getting something before he retires is a positive as the Lakers try to win a championship with Luka atop their roster.
There are fit issues between Doncic, James, and Reaves. All three are problematic perimeter defenders at this stage. LeBron can still lock in, but not on a nightly basis during his age-41 season. Reaves could reach new heights with an expanded on-ball role, and Pelinka gets a chance to add shooting and defense around Luka.
This move won’t happen. The Los Angeles Lakers always take care of star players. It has made them a glamour franchise, but the front office likely regrets it as LeBron James declines further. This roster may top out with another first-round exit without a heroic Luka playoff performance. That is the problem with having a number two option over 40.
The Lakers should trade King James and improve their chances of winning immediately. Fans would be outraged and rightfully so, but this is a business. Los Angeles has to do what is best for the organization. They won’t actually do it, but this has to be considered. The Lakers did not expect to land Luka. It has certainly created a new timeline that Pelinka and his front office must maximize. They will try to do so with James, but it likely ends poorly.