The Los Angeles Lakers have been active during this free agency period. Their first move was adding Jake LaRavia to the roster, and on Wednesday, Los Angeles secured a center to complement Luka Dončić. However, these additions may not be enough to satisfy NBA legend LeBron James—who, notably, no longer seems to have control or significant influence over roster decisions.
“He's still that good. I don't think it's his last year, but the fact that the Lakers did not discuss a 1-in-1, or a 2-in-1, or contracts beyond this year with him. They just let him sit back... that tells you a lot. It's not in his control with LA,” ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne said.
When trade rumors first surfaced, it was hard to believe—James has never requested a trade, nor has he ever been close to the trade block. But ESPN’s Brian Windhorst now believes it’s a real possibility.
“My conversations over the last 3 days have crystallized that the Lakers are essentially viewing LeBron as an expiring contract... I'm just unlocking the door because I am not as convinced as before if it's impossibility,” Windhorst said.
This speculation intensified after James opted into the final year of his contract—an unusual move, as Windhorst previously noted. If the Lakers were to trade James, a potential destination could be with the player who has beaten him three times in the NBA Finals.
“James is the superior player to Butler as of now, but both players do a lot of the same things at this stage in their respective careers. Butler is not only younger, but he is under team control for longer. Even so, the Warriors might not be in a position to legitimately contend for the championship right now, so a swing on a four-time champion with 10 NBA Finals appearances could be fun,” ClutchPoints’ Bailey Bassett wrote.
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
A blockbuster deal sending James to Golden State in exchange for Jimmy Butler would be monumental. Pairing LeBron James with Steph Curry could instantly make the Warriors one of the top teams in the league—a new superstar duo born in the Bay Area.