The Los Angeles Lakers are having a hard time keeping LeBron James satisfied this season, but that’s how it goes when the main focus is on making Luka Dončić happy. For the first time in his career, James doesn’t have any say in what happens with the Lakers’ roster, which is unfamiliar territory for the four-time MVP.
“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.
This uncertainty follows the unusual way James opted into his contract. The last time he did so with the Lakers, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst noted that Rob Pelinka issued a statement expressing gratitude for James. This time, however, there was no such statement.
That silence has fueled trade speculation surrounding James. In fact, several teams have already inquired about the 40-year-old superstar.
“A LeBron trade still seems highly unlikely, but that hasn’t stopped some teams from at least reaching out as, according to Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst of ESPN, there have been inquiries from a few teams to the Lakers on a potential deal,” Lakers Nation’s Corey Hansford wrote.
One potential trade scenario involves sending James and Rui Hachimura to the New York Knicks.
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“In dream scenario, the Knicks would give up Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, Mitchell Robinson and whatever firsts for LeBron James and one more piece. ESPN's trade machine says adding Rui Hachimura to this deal would not only go through but add the Knicks five more wins from their current roster,” FanSided's Nicholas Chiarito wrote.
This deal would be significant for both teams. It would give the Lakers a frontcourt trio of Deandre Ayton, Jaxson Hayes, and Mitchell Robinson to support Luka Dončić. Meanwhile, James would join a contending team in the wide-open Eastern Conference.