The NBA world is still reeling from the Lakers’ stunning decision to trade Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks, a move that might leave LeBron James in an unfamiliar position—without a proven co-star or at least having to deal with a new one. While James remains committed to competing for a title, the reality is that at 40 years old, his championship window is rapidly closing and it might not help that The King wasn’t consulted before the trade happened.
Meanwhile, across the state, the Golden State Warriors are navigating their own crossroads, desperately trying to build one last contender around Stephen Curry after dealing with inconsistent play from their roster. With James and Curry setting the international world on fire with Team USA in the 2024 Olympics, could that chemistry carry over to the NBA in a jaw-dropping blockbuster trade?
For the Mavericks, their decision to move Luka Doncic was fueled by mounting concerns over his conditioning. Reports indicated Doncic had ballooned to 270 pounds, raising red flags about his long-term fitness. Dallas ultimately prioritized defense and stability over the uncertainty surrounding their young superstar, who is reportedly stunned by this deal.
Now, the Lakers find themselves in a similarly precarious position—LeBron, fresh off losing his longtime running mate, could very well be next in line for a franchise-altering move.
Golden State has been eyeing a shake-up after a lackluster season, and what better way to reignite their dynasty than by pairing two of the greatest players in NBA history? Stephen Curry has placed the Warriors on blast earlier in the season that he won’t accept an average team, and this is the chance for a massive change.
If LeBron wants one final chance at a ring, linking up with Curry might be his best shot. The Lakers aren’t yet committed to a full rebuild, but James’ future in Los Angeles could be suddenly up in the air. Would the Warriors pull the trigger on a trade that could define the twilight of Curry’s legendary career? Let’s go through it.
Proposed Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: LeBron James
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Jonathan Kuminga, Andrew Wiggins, Gary Payton II, Kyle Anderson, 2026 First-Round Pick (GSW)
Warriors Make One Final Run With An All-Time Great Duo
For years, NBA fans have dreamed about Stephen Curry and LeBron James teaming up, and now, Golden State has the chance to make it a reality. With the Warriors in an uncertain transition phase, this move would signal an all-in push to chase one last championship before Curry’s career winds down.
Adding LeBron to a team that still has Draymond Green and Steve Kerr gives the Warriors a legitimate shot at contending immediately. The chemistry between Curry and James has been on full display with Team USA, and now, they could bring that dominance to the NBA.
Of course, James isn’t the player he was at his peak, but he’s still an elite force. Averaging 24.0 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 9.1 assists this season, he remains one of the smartest and most impactful players in the league.
His ability to run the offense, create for others, and elevate his teammates would take immense pressure off Curry, allowing the two to co-lead in ways reminiscent of LeBron’s partnership with Dwyane Wade in Miami. The Warriors’ offense, which has been inconsistent outside of Curry’s brilliance, would instantly become one of the league’s most dangerous again.
Defensively, the Warriors would need to compensate for losing Jonathan Kuminga and Andrew Wiggins, two of their better perimeter defenders. There could be a concern that the Warriors did not want to offer Kuminga a new long-term deal, and this could be a chance to avoid that situation.
But with Draymond anchoring the defense and LeBron’s ability to lock in when it matters most, they wouldn’t be entirely exposed because Buddy Hield, Kevon Looney, and Moses Moody can fill out the core of the depth chart with Dennis Schroder being a factor off the bench.
The real concern is depth, as Golden State would be surrendering multiple rotation pieces. However, the goal is clear: win now. A LeBron-Curry pairing may only have a one- or two-year window, but the opportunity to create an all-time great duo is simply too enticing to pass up.
Lakers Start The Rebuild Around Luka Doncic
Trading Anthony Davis already put the Lakers on the path toward a new era, but if they move LeBron as well, there’s no doubt about it—this is Luka Doncic’s team now. While LeBron remains a top-tier player, the Lakers have to consider the long-term outlook.
Doncic is 25 years old, a perennial MVP candidate, and someone they envision leading the franchise for the next decade. With LeBron potentially looking for a way out after Davis was dealt, the Lakers might as well get ahead of the situation and maximize their return.
In this deal, Los Angeles lands Jonathan Kuminga, a 22-year-old emerging star who has shown flashes of brilliance with Golden State this season by averaging 16.8 points and 5.0 rebounds per game. Kuminga, alongside Doncic, gives the Lakers an exciting young core to build around.
Andrew Wiggins, despite his struggles over the past few seasons, remains a valuable two-way wing who could thrive in a fresh environment. Gary Payton II and Kyle Anderson are solid role players who bring defensive toughness and versatility, while the 2026 first-round pick adds another asset for future moves.
Of course, losing LeBron means the Lakers officially close the book on an era that brought them the 2020 championship. But this is the cost of transitioning from a team built around aging superstars to one centered around young talent.
While the Lakers could have attempted to retool around James and Doncic, this move provides clarity. They fully commit to Luka as the face of the franchise, armed with a roster that can grow with him instead of players nearing the end of their prime.
A Blockbuster Mock Trade That Makes Sense For Both Franchises
Trades of this magnitude don’t happen often (until last night), but in this case, it makes sense for both teams. The Warriors get a win-now superstar to pair with Curry, maximizing their championship window before it’s too late.
Meanwhile, the Lakers shift gears and fully embrace their future with Luka Doncic as the centerpiece. It’s rare for a deal to benefit both the present and the future, but this one does exactly that.
For Golden State, acquiring LeBron means going all-in, something they’ve hesitated to do despite Curry’s brilliance. They’ve been reluctant to part with young assets, but at this point, it’s clear they need another star.
This move would energize the franchise, the fanbase, and most importantly, give Curry the best possible chance to chase his fifth ring. It’s a gamble, but one worth taking.
For the Lakers, they avoid the awkwardness of LeBron possibly wanting out post-Davis trade and instead control the narrative. They get young talent, a first-round pick, and a clear direction moving forward.
It won’t be easy to part with a legend, but just like when they moved on from Shaquille O’Neal in 2004, these difficult decisions are sometimes necessary for long-term success. If this trade went down, it would go down as one of the biggest in NBA history—following up arguably the biggest one to date.
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