Lakers predicted to cut ties with LeBron James in dramatic trade with West power

Jeremy Beren

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Lakers predicted to cut ties with LeBron James in dramatic trade with West power image

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

For years, NBA fans have speculated what it would be like to watch Stephen Curry and LeBron James suit up for the same team.

The Ringer's Bill Simmons thinks that they may soon get a chance to find out.

In an effort to "make the league more fun," Simmons on Monday predicted that the Los Angeles Lakers would be willing to deal James to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for Jimmy Butler -- who himself was acquired from the Miami Heat in February.

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"You have a team that nobody's excited about with the Lakers, and a team that feels dead with the Warriors," Simmons said. "It feels like a 'for the good of the sport' trade."

Simmons argued that James, who turns 41 on Tuesday, "doesn't really seem like" he wants to finish out the year in Los Angeles. The Lakers have turned the keys of their franchise over to Luka Doncic, and they are likely to hand guard Austin Reaves an enormous contract when he hits free agency over the summer.

For the Warriors, 16-16 and eighth in the Western Conference, acquiring longtime rival James after kicking his tires for years could prolong their fading dynasty. The Lakers, 20-10 after defeating the Sacramento Kings on Sunday, would no longer have to cater to James as they step firmly into a future with Doncic at the center of their contention window.

Maybe this trade, unrealistic on its face, would work out for all parties.

"The Warriors are not fun, I don't see a scenario where they become fun," Simmons explained. "But now you put LeBron on the team, with Curry, LeBron reinvigorated, and who knows? Butler is probably a better fit with Luka and Reaves anyway."

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Staff Writer