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Lakers trade LeBron James for All-NBA guard in this potential package

By Jason Reed

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 19: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after scoring against the Washington Wizards during the second quarter at Capital One Arena on March 19, 2022 in Washington, DC. With the point, LeBron James passed Karl Malone to become second on the NBA's all-time scoring list. 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 Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 19: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after scoring against the Washington Wizards during the second quarter at Capital One Arena on March 19, 2022 in Washington, DC. With the point, LeBron James passed Karl Malone to become second on the NBA's all-time scoring list. 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 Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
(Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) /

Why the Los Angeles Lakers could say yes to this trade:

LeBron James is not getting any younger and while he still averaged over 30 points per game this season, he has also missed more games in the last four years than he did in his entire career prior. Outside of the 2020 title run, which cannot be discounted, the Lakers have only been able to win two playoff games with LeBron.

If there is any indication that he is not going to stay for at least one more season then the Lakers are better off cutting ties while they can and getting assets in return for him. It is a hard thing to do, but the ceiling of the team might not be that much lower with Bradley Beal (assuming he can play 75 games) than it was with LeBron last season.

MORE: Why the Los Angeles Lakers are completely wrong about Gordon Hayward

As far as next year’s team goes, Beal makes more sense on this team as it allows Russell Westbrook to operate the floor more and do more of the things that he is good at. This is by no means an attempt to predict a Westbrook resurgence but he would play better with Beal than he did with LeBron. That is not even speculation. We all saw it with our own two eyes when he was in Washington.

Second of all, the Lakers can lock Beal up to a new extension after the 2022-23 season to be the new star to pair alongside Anthony Davis. Both are still under thirty and extend the title window from one season with LeBron to another five years with Beal and Davis.

With extra cap space, the Lakers can build the depth around Beal and Davis to build a true contender and with two first-round picks the team would have assets to either utilize in the draft or flip for more talent.