The Blockbuster Deal The Lakers Would Accept For LeBron James

The Phoenix Suns are clearly a team that needs to make a move to be competitive in the future. They are currently the 9th seed in the Western Conference and are at risk of being even worse in the future as star Chris Paul continues to age. The team must make a win-now trade for a star-level player that can be the piece to get them closer to a championship.

Our trade scenario has the Phoenix Suns targeting Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James. This deal would feature them sending out center Deandre Ayton, small forward Mikal Bridges, and draft compensation. One caveat to this deal is that it would have to happen during the offseason, as LeBron James cannot be traded ahead of this year’s deadline due to his signing a contract extension last offseason.

Phoenix Suns Receive: LeBron James

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Deandre Ayton, Mikal Bridges, 2025 First-Round Pick (PHX), 2027 First-Round Pick (PHX)

This deal could definitely have benefits for both sides, and it could end up helping both teams with their goals. Here is why the Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns should make this trade.

The Phoenix Suns Put A Superstar Next To Devin Booker And Chris Paul

Devin Booker has been playing at a high level this year and he was having an MVP-caliber season prior to his injury. Booker has put up 27.1 PPG, 4.6 RPG, and 5.6 APG this season, and it is clear that he is the sort of scorer that can help the Phoenix Suns win a championship. One of the Phoenix Suns’ weaknesses this year has been the lack of consistent scoring threats around Devin Booker. Perhaps getting another player like LeBron James who can take on some of the offensive load for the team and ensure that Devin Booker doesn’t have to do everything on that end of the floor.

As of right now, LeBron James is averaging 28.9 PPG, 8.2 RPG, and 6.7 APG, and he could definitely be a solid fit next to Devin Booker. He is a pass-first player at his core, which would obviously bode well for his ability to play next to a pure scorer like Booker. He was the No. 2 option behind Anthony Davis prior to the big man’s injury, and it is quite likely that he would be in a similar situation on the Phoenix Suns. LeBron James’ presence would also reduce the pressure on Chris Paul to score, and he could focus on facilitating and being a tertiary scorer.

In this trade scenario, the Phoenix Suns would have to send out two relatively young players in Deandre Ayton and Mikal Bridges. Obviously, they would sacrifice some youth in this scenario. but Cam Johnson could potentially fill a similar role to Mikal Bridges, and Deandre Ayton notably wanted to leave during free agency. Moving Bridges and Ayton is absolutely worth it to get a superstar like LeBron James. The draft picks being moved could potentially be solid in the future, but it is clear that the time to win for the Suns is now and some risks must be taken.

The Los Angeles Lakers Get A Solid Return For LeBron James

The Los Angeles Lakers are clearly not winning a championship with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Perhaps it is time to split up the duo. Anthony Davis is still young enough for the team to build around, and the logical player to move right now is LeBron James.

The player return in this trade is very good for the Los Angeles Lakers. Deandre Ayton is a center that is capable of averaging at least 20 PPG and 10 RPG on a team that offered more opportunity and the Los Angeles Lakers would definitely be a good situation in that regard. He would be the secondary scoring option behind Anthony Davis, and let the big man slide down to the PF position to reduce the wear and tear on his body. 

Mikal Bridges would likely be the No. 3 scorer in this scenario, and also the player that guards the best opposing perimeter star. He is a fantastic 3PT shooter as well and is currently averaging a career-high of 15.4 PPG. His scoring would also increase with more offensive responsibility.

Both Deandre Ayton and Mikal Bridges could thrive and improve in bigger roles, which makes this an appealing deal for the Los Angeles Lakers. They would also get two draft picks in this scenario, which would replenish their almost bare assets cupboard. Overall, this deal could end up working out for the Los Angeles Lakers in the long term, even if that means sacrificing a little bit in the now.

This Deal Could Help The Suns Win The Championship And Let The Lakers Retool

The Phoenix Suns made the Finals in 2021 and were the No. 1 seed at the end of the 2021-22 season, but unfortunately, a championship has eluded them. They need a proven winner who can fit well with the team and give them an edge in the playoffs. LeBron James fits that category, and if an opportunity to acquire him comes up, the Phoenix Suns should absolutely take it. LeBron James knows how to win at the highest level, and he could help the Phoenix Suns get their first championship in franchise history.

For the Los Angeles Lakers, this is about getting a solid return for LeBron James and looking forward to their future with Anthony Davis as the franchise player. They would get some solid complementary players in this deal, and would also be able to send LeBron James to a destination where he could realistically compete for a championship. Perhaps it is time for the Los Angeles Lakers to prepare for their next era.

Overall, this deal would be a fair proposition for both teams. It remains to be seen if the Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns will come together on a trade with this framework, but if it happened it would not be a bad move for either side.

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