LeBron James finds himself in an unusual position for the first time in his career — he has no control over the roster. The relationship between James and the Lakers isn’t in a good place, and it’s surprising that he chose to opt in when he could have signed with any team during free agency.
“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.
Following this development, teams have started calling the Lakers to explore potential trade scenarios for James.
“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.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst hasn’t been very optimistic about a LeBron trade happening. However, as more reports emerge, Windhorst has at least acknowledged that the door is now open to the possibility. With James entering the final stretch of his career, his window to win another championship is closing.
Sports Illustrated’s Jackson Caudell and Rohan Roman proposed a potentially league-altering three-team blockbuster deal involving 11 players.
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“The trade pitch involves the Lakers, Warriors and Atlanta Hawks. Golden State lands James, Bronny James, Dalton Knecht, Shake Milton, and Jordan Goodwin. In exchange for dealing one of the NBA greats, the Lakers acquire Jonathan Kuminga via a sign-and-trade (four-year, $120 million contract), Buddy Hield, Brandin Podziemski and Trayce Jackson-Davis. Additionally, the Hawks receive Moses Moody and Gui Santos for helping facilitate the blockbuster Warriors-Lakers deal,” Caudell and Roman wrote.
If completed, this deal would send shockwaves through the entire NBA. It would give fans at least one unforgettable season with Steph Curry and LeBron James on the same team — a pairing that would be talked about for years to come.