Lakers rumors: What a LeBron James trade package could look like
By Jason Reed
The Los Angeles Lakers have been a disaster this season and there appear to be some issues internally between the face of the franchise in LeBron James and management. Rob Pelinka reportedly refused to trade a first-round pick in a Russell Westbrook swap for John Wall (which was the right choice). LeBron and Klutch Sports are not happy.
This all came under the microscope during the 2022 NBA All-Star Break. LeBron, who is always savvy with what he says and when he says it, made some interesting remarks during media appearances. He talked extensively about playing with his son Bronny, wherever that might be. This is the same guy who once said he would end his career in LA. It is clear he is pressuring the Lakers.
This has led to some trade speculation among NBA pundits. Some believe that the Lakers are going to trade LeBron James in the summer, whether because of the power struggle and wanting to cut bait or because LeBron himself wants out.
It is important to note that LeBron would be on an expiring contract after this season. Without a trade clause in his contract, the Lakers could theoretically take the power away from him and ship him off if he rejects an extension. For the first time in his carer, LeBron would be powerless to stop it.
Personally, I doubt this happens. I think LeBron will reject the extension, force the Lakers’ hand and they could cave. Rob Pelinka would either be fired or he would be forced to make whatever next ridiculous move LeBron wants to make. That is how it has played out his entire career.
Plus, Anthony Davis is a Klutch Sports client, so that would make that relationship hard to manage. As long as the team gets a star in return and gives AD a competitive team, I doubt he would force himself out of a good situation in LA just to please LeBron.
However, if the Los Angeles Lakers did shock the world, what could a LeBron James trade package look like?
Even as a big LeBron James fan myself, I must admit it would be must-watch TV to see a team finally stick it to LeBron, not cave into making horrible moves that take the franchise back several years, and instead trade him for assets.
Why not? If the Lakers cannot move Westbrook in the summer then they are not going to contend anyway. If they are completely convinced that LeBron is leaving after the 2022-23 season then they could just pull the plug, get a huge return for him and rebuild.
They traded Shaquille O’Neal in his prime because of the rift with Kobe Bryant. Perhaps they do the same with LeBron James because of the rift with the front office. If it does happen, here are what some trade packages could look like.