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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 Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

Why the Washington Wizards could say yes:

As crazy as it sounds, it actually makes more sense for the Los Angeles Lakers to say yes to this trade than it is the Washington Wizards. That being said, there is one primary reason and one reason only why the Wizards could say yes to this trade and that is LeBron James.

If we are just being realistic, a LeBron-led Wizards team is not going to win the NBA Championship next season. However, that likely won’t stop the Wizards from talking themselves into making the move under the impression that they can make a one-year run with the second-best player of all time.

The Toronto Raptors did it with Kawhi Leonard and it worked, although that team was much better. From a long-term basketball sense it may not be the best move the Wizards can make, but they are not a team that has consistently made good moves in the long run.

As far as trading Beal is concerned, there is reason for the Wizards to be open to that idea. The team has to sign him to a big extension after the 2022-23 season and you cannot blame Washington for potentially not wanting to.

The Wizards have won nothing with Beal, similarly to how the Raptors won nothing with DeMar DeRozan. While he is a great player, sometimes it just does not work out in a certain place and do the Wizards want to commit to paying Beal over $50 million when he is over 30 to have an eighth seed ceiling?

Next. Westbrook and the 10 worst trades in franchise history. dark

Probably not.