Lakers trade rumors: 4 teams who could trade for LeBron James

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 30: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots a three-point basket against Onyeka Okongwu #17 of the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena on December 30, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 30: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots a three-point basket against Onyeka Okongwu #17 of the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena on December 30, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Miami Heat

Taking his talents to South Beach round two? This time the decision would not be as big, although a reunion with the team where LeBron won his first title would feel so good for him and both franchises making the deal.

The Heat were a 3-pointer away from making it to the Finals last season and lost to the LeBron lead Lakers in the Finals in 2020. It is clear they are in contention, but they need something extra to push them past that championship threshold.

Out of all the teams on this list, Miami is the only one that knows what it is like to win a championship with the King and how to deal with him. They did leave on somewhat bad terms when James returned to Cleveland in 2014, but this could be the best place to finish his career and go out on top.

With James, Jimmy Butler, and Bam Adebayo they would have almost a recreation of the first big three Bron created in Miami in 2010. Obviously, they would be an older group, but those three players would be enough to contend in the East.

Pat Riley is never afraid to make big trades and if all he has to do is give up Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson (playing the least minutes since his rookie year), and an aging Kyle Lowry to get a shot at a championship he probably would do it.

On the Lakers’ end of the deal, they would be getting back a great young player with Tyler Herro and would change into a sharpshooting team overnight by adding Robinson as well. Lowry would be in the deal mainly to make the money work, but he would be a solid player in the short term to keep the Lakers somewhat competitive.

More importantly, they would be getting an important first-round pick and that paired with Herro is more than enough to make this worth it for Los Angeles.