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3 reasons why the Lakers should trade LeBron James this summer

By Jason Reed

CLEVELAND, OHIO - MARCH 21: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates during player introductions prior to the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on March 21, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - MARCH 21: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates during player introductions prior to the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on March 21, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
(Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

3. LeBron James’ trade value will never be higher

This is probably the lowest LeBron James’ trade value has ever been because of his age and his contract. That does not mean that he doesn’t have trade value but it is indicative of him regressing value as an asset as he gets older.

While he is getting up there in age and is coming off of an extremely disappointing season in LA, he is also coming off being one of the leading scorers in the league. There absolutely will be teams that look at that and salivate at the idea of trading for LeBron (and the market value that he brings as well).

The Lakers are not going to get another top player in the league but they could probably flip LeBron for another all-star with a slew of assets attached. If the Lakers called a team like the Wizards and offered LeBron for Bradley Beal and three future first-round picks then they probably would say yes. Any of these middling teams with stars that have not won anything would mortgage the future for the idea of a LeBron James title window, even if that idea is not totally based in reality.

You have to strike while the iron is hot and with no upcoming assets because of the Anthony Davis trade, the Lakers could really benefit from adding assets and adding another star to put next to Anthony Davis for the next era of this basketball team.

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Of course, AD is a Klutch Sports client as well, so the Lakers would have to hope that he doesn’t do LeBron’s dirty work and demands out. If he does then maybe a full re-boot is needed. It would be better to do that and get assets rather than have more seasons like the 2021-22 season with no future assets.