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NBA scout links big Lakers rival to LeBron James for future trade

By Jason Reed

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 28: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the third quarter of the game at Target Center on October 28, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Lakers 111-102. 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 David Berding/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 28: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the third quarter of the game at Target Center on October 28, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Lakers 111-102. 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 David Berding/Getty Images) /
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The Los Angeles Lakers have been wildly disappointing this season and there are no signs of immediate relief coming anytime soon. This roster is simply flawed and while the schedule is going to ease up, Friday’s loss to the Sacramento Kings proved that the quality of opponent might not even matter.

It will be interesting to see what the team does at the deadline if they are so far out of contention that it does not matter. It will be even more interesting to see what the team does next summer if things continue down the current path.

There absolutely is a reality in which Los Angeles blows up the roster and starts over, whether they decide to or the star players leverage their way out. Los Angeles could potentially consider an Anthony Davis trade in the future if the price is right. Or, we could see LeBron James demand a trade knowing that he does not have much longer to win a title.

If that does happen, an anonymous Western Conference Scout has named the Phoenix Suns as a logical destination for James, per Ric Bucher of Fox Sports. Per Bucher’s story on the matter:

"“It’s the one place he’d be welcome with open arms,” the scout said. “In Phoenix, with LeBron, I think Chris would finally get his ring.”"

The Suns can definitely send the Lakers a quality trade package for LeBron James.

If it did get to the point where LeBron wanted out of Los Angeles then the Suns would absolutely be a team to watch, assuming the team does not win a ring before then. If Phoenix wins the 2023 NBA Championship the same desperation will not be there to make a move like this.

There will obviously be influence from Chris Paul to make this kind of trade happen and if new owners are already instilled in Phoenix then they will not only want to make a splashy move, but also reap the financial benefits of LeBron coming to town.

As far as assets go, the Suns could build a package around Deandre Ayton and draft capital. They have all of their future picks to trade and Ayton is a young player with a salary that is high enough to make a trade possible. Another contract like Landry Shamet might have to be attached but that will not be a hurdle that stops it.

For the Lakers, they might as well give LeBron his wish if he demands a trade. While the team should not be outright shopping him, he does have a pretty hefty salary and is not getting any better. If they can turn another two years of LeBron playing 50 games a year into Ayton and picks then it might be the best thing for the franchise.

And then if they flip Davis for a package that has future assets and young talent they could potentially hit the reset button while also remaining competitive for the time being.