The Los Angeles Lakers entered the 2023-24 season hoping to build off a Western Conference Finals appearance and return to title contention. That hasn’t worked out, as the team is 25-25 and fighting for a play-in spot in the West right now.
A shocking rumor has made the rounds claiming the Lakers are looking at a possible trade to send LeBron James away, with the team close to reaching an agreement. The reporter who shared the rumor, KTLA Broadcaster David Pingalore, has previously accurately predicted shock moves like Kawhi Leonard signing for the Clippers, LeBron joining the Lakers in 2018, and even LeBron returning to the Cavaliers two years before it happened.
With such credibility, the Lakers may have decided to part with LeBron to find a new direction by building around the younger Anthony Davis. With the Lakers not contending this season, it might be best for the Lakers to send LeBron somewhere he has a better chance. He’s averaging 24.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.7 assists.
With that in mind, we have come up with three realistic offers from teams around the NBA that could be the price the Lakers want for the 39-year-old on an expiring contract.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: LeBron James
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Josh Giddey, Luguentz Dort, Davis Bertans, 2024 First-Round Pick (UTA), 2025 First-Round Pick (PHI), 2027 First-Round Pick (DEN)
The Oklahoma City Thunder are one of the youngest teams in the NBA and have more assets than they know what to do with. Not every single one of the 15 first-round picks they have will be used to acquire new players in the seven drafts ahead of them. Instead, the Thunder need to start consolidating these picks for the final few pieces on a bonafide contender.
Acquiring LeBron with a dead contract like Bertans and two promising players like Josh Giddey and Lu Dort could be a home run. Giddey is averaging 11.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists, experiencing a down year amidst major off-court issues. Dort is the team’s primary wing defender and is averaging 10.5 points and 3.8 rebounds, but his contract would be necessary to make a LeBron trade feasible.
The Lakers could continue trying to win now with superior depth with Giddey adding another guard and Dort being an All-Defense caliber wing. The three picks they receive can be used for additional moves to reinforce the roster around Anthony Davis.
LeBron could help deliver a title to OKC this season if he’s willing to take a secondary role behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, an MVP candidate. The mentorship he can provide to one of the youngest rosters would be incredible. This partnership could last just a season or two but could set the stage for a dynastic run by the Thunder, with James being the wing that can make them favorites.
Miami Heat
Miami Heat Receive: LeBron James
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson, Nikola Jovic, Jaime Jaquez Jr., 2030 First-Round Pick (MIA)
LeBron James returning to Miami is an idea that multiple analysts have suggested in recent weeks. Bill Simmons suggested that earlier this season and Nick Wright discussed the same earlier this week. It would be a perfect story, as the Heat have made multiple Finals since LeBron left the franchise in 2014 but are yet to win a title. It would be the perfect story if James returned to the franchise to deliver them another title.
The cost will be significant, especially for a Heat roster that doesn’t have many draft picks. Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson would have to be included just for the financials, with the Heat likely needing to throw in young players like Nikola Jovic and Jaime Jaquez Jr. as sweeteners. Herro is averaging 21.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists this season while being in trade rumors since the summer. Robinson is averaging 13.2 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists, being recently called untouchable in trade rumors. Jovic is a high-upside long-term piece while Jaquez has been a key in helping the Heat stay afloat as a rookie averaging 13.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists. But if LeBron can join the roster, all of that would be headed to LA.
The Lakers get to add some pieces they need in this deal. Tyler Herro is a reliable high-scoring combo guard who would fit seamlessly, which would also be the case for a lights-out shooter like Robinson. Jaquez Jr. could play a useful role on the wing immediately, as the Lakers become one of the deepest teams in the NBA.
The Heat may not be as strong as the Thunder after a deal like this, but no team would want to face a LeBron, Jimmy Butler, and Bam Adebayo trio in the playoffs, along with pieces like Kevin Love and Terry Rozier.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: LeBron James
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, 2030 First-Round Pick Swap (CLE), 2025 Second-Round Pick (MIL), 2027 Second-Round Pick (DEN)
The perfect NBA story would see LeBron James wear the Cleveland Cavaliers’ jersey for the third time and lead their new era to bring a championship to the city. Last season was the first time since the 1990s that the Cavs made the playoffs without LeBron on the roster. But the last four playoff runs they had LeBron for ended in Finals appearances with one championship. With a solid core already in place, could the Cavaliers bring LeBron back home for his retirement tour?
The Lakers received the two highest-quality players possible in Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen. Garland is averaging 20.1 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 5.8 assists this season, but Donovan Mitchell proved he can carry guard responsibilities alone by leading the Cavs to a 17-7 record during Garland’s recent layoff. Allen has been crucial in that run, averaging 15.2 points and 10.5 rebounds but the Cavaliers are unlikely to give up on possible future DPOY contender Evan Mobley so soon.
The Lakers would be in the best contention position if they made a deal like this. Garland would be the ideal point guard for a team built around Anthony Davis, taking care of scoring and playmaking responsibilities. Allen would allow the Lakers to finally get a reliable center, letting AD return to the power forward position and making one of the scariest front-court duos in the NBA along with an All-Star guard like Garland running the show.
James, Mitchell, and Mobley would create a fearsome top three and cover all five positions as versatile players. In addition, the Cavs would still have complementary role-players next to this trio such as Max Strus, Caris LeVert, and more. This also sets up the Cavaliers to possibly bring Bronny James home and ensure LeBron stays on to retire as a Cavalier, competing for more titles while playing alongside his son.
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