6 Teams that could steal LeBron James from the Lakers next summer

2. Atlanta Hawks

The Atlanta Hawks made NBA headlines this offseason by finding a running mate to pair alongside Trae Young in Dejounte Murray. The Hawks gave themselves a needed boost and will have a chance to be serious playoff contenders in the East this season.

If we look at LeBron’s history of joining teams with great pieces that have struggled to take that next step the Atlanta Hawks certainly stand out as a potential fit. Trae Young, Murray, and LeBron would be a team to be reckoned with in the Eastern conference one that would have a legitimate chance at a ring.

Winning a ring in Atlanta would be very similar to LeBron’s ring in Cleveland elevating a team with a history of losing that has never been able to get the job done in the playoffs.

It would be considered a huge accomplishment and keeps LeBron in a big market in Atlanta. To make the salaries work for all three players the Hawks would have to trade John Collins and potentially Bogdan to build a team of affordable veterans around their three-star players.

If Atlanta trades both players they can afford to offer LeBron the max, while trading Collins alone would certainly open up enough cap to give LeBron a respectable offer and keep a coveted three-point shooter in Bogdan.

Parting ways with Collins would allow the Hawks to offer LeBron a respectable deal while keeping Clint Capela, Trae Young, and Dejounte Murray all locked up.  Moving to the East coast would be a shock but if it is a consideration the Hawks are a clear fit if the Lakers lose James.