The Los Angeles Lakers did not make any trades before the deadline last season, and if they do that again this time, insider Jovan Buha thinks they might be in trouble. During a Q&A session on YouTube, Buha was asked what would happen if the Lakers didn’t make a trade, and he believes LeBron James and Anthony Davis wouldn’t be happy.
“I don’t think LeBron and AD are going to be happy, and at that point, they can’t ask out,” Buha said. “… In this scenario, we’re going with hypothetical here, I think it depends on how the rest of the season plays out and can they somehow go on a run and maybe exceed expectations, and maybe that kind of quells some of the frustration or anger from not making a move. Otherwise, I think that opens up the possibility for some bigger changes in the offseason.”
James and Davis would be unable to do anything about it this season, but they could very well explore their options in the summer. If things do pan out in that manner, no one should blame them for that either.
The Lakers had to make some moves at the deadline last season but opted against it and were promptly knocked out of the playoffs in the first round by the Denver Nuggets. If they are inactive again, another early postseason exit would be on the cards.
Buha stated that a great playoff run might quell some of the anger and frustration, but it might actually add to it. If the Lakers somehow make it to the Western Conference Finals and lose, James and Davis would be left wondering what might have been had they just made some moves. They both aren’t spring chickens anymore and would want to be on a team that would maximize their chances of winning while they’re still playing well.
James, who is averaging 22.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, 9.1 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game in 2024-25, would find it a lot easier to head to the exit door than his co-star. The 39-year-old has a player option worth $52.6 million for 2025-26 and could opt out to hit free agency in 2025.
James could also opt-in and look into joining a contending team via a trade and the Lakers would most likely acquiesce if he asks out. If he does ask for a move, a whole host of teams would be knocking on LA’s door. We listed out every NBA team’s best trade package for James and there are some intriguing scenarios in there.
As for Davis, he is under contract through 2027-28 but does have a $62.7 million player option for that last season. The Lakers would be more reluctant to part with the big man, who is averaging 27.8 points, 11.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.2 steals, and 2.0 blocks per game, but if he does ask out, they are unlikely to stand in his way. We put together a blockbuster trade that sees Davis end up with the San Antonio Spurs to bring back the Twin Towers.
Of course, the Lakers can avoid this potential scenario by making a trade before the deadline and improving the roster. The Lakers have been linked with a host of players and if they are able to bring in one or two of them, then James and Davis are unlikely to even consider wanting out.
The two stars will be in action next when the Lakers take on the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on Thursday at 10 PM ET. They won the first meeting between these sides this season 131-127 and would be hoping for a repeat.
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