5 LeBron James trades that would actually make sense for the Los Angeles Lakers: New York Knicks
Of all the trades the Los Angeles Lakers could potentially be offered if LeBron James were to ever hit the trade market, this package from the New York Knicks would be one of the better ones.
RJ Barrett hasn’t been as great as many expected him to be, but he just wrapped up a 20-point-per-game season for the Knicks. He still has a ton of potential as an elite 3&D wing.
Immanuel Quickley seems like a guy ready to burst out into stardom, and the same can be said for Obi Toppin. Both earned more opportunities in New York this past season and if given enough freedom, they both have star potential.
Evan Fournier would be thrown into the deal to match salaries, but the real prize for the Lakers would be the haul of draft picks New York could offer.
They have control over their own draft picks after 2023 and also have some picks from other teams they could trade. Three picks seems fair considering the young talent they’d be giving up, but if the Lakers required it, the Knicks could throw in more picks, too.
Meanwhile, James would head to The Big Apple to play in Madison Square Garden, creating what might be the greatest show on earth. He would form an elite trio with Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle in an attempt to bring New York their first title in 50 years.
Potential starting lineups:
Lakers: D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, RJ Barrett, Rui Hachimura, Anthony Davis
Knicks: Jalen Brunson, Quentin Grimes, LeBron James, Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson