Lakers trade rumors: 4 teams who could trade for LeBron James
3. Phoenix Suns
The Suns and DeAndre Ayton have been headed for a bitter breakup because of all the drama that has been building up in Phoenix over the past couple of seasons. That could be an opportunity for the Lakers to trade for the young big man with major potential to play alongside AD.
The Suns would probably be reluctant to give up a package of both Ayton and talented young small forward Cam Johnson, but it would not hurt for the Lakers to swing for the fences and start the bidding high. The Suns would still be left with a starting group that would include three all-star level players with Devin Booker, Chris Paul, James and an elite perimeter defender in Mikal Bridges.
If Paul and James wanted one last run at the title as banana boat buddies, then this could be their opportunity. Booker would also be the best guard that James has played with since his days catching lobs from Dwyane Wade.
This would be the perfect chance for the Lakers to get players that could develop into All-stars and fit the timeline to create a contender with Anthony Davis as the centerpiece. If the Lakers could not get both Ayton and Johnson from Phoenix then a package of Ayton, money fillers, and a first-round pick might be enough to push this deal through.
Jae Crowder Phoenix was linked to making a trade for Kevin Durant this past offseason, and this is a similar move of that magnitude that would reshape the landscape of the league.