If LeBron James were to join the Denver Nuggets, let’s not sugarcoat it, it would feel like absolute betrayal. Not just because he would be leaving the Lakers. Not just because he would be chasing a ring somewhere else. But because he would be joining their rivals. The team that has sent the Lakers home in back-to-back years. The team that swept LeBron’s squad off the floor in 2023, and outsmarted them again in 2024.
For Lakers fans, that image is still fresh. Jamal Murray hitting dagger after dagger. Nikola Jokic breezing through double-teams. Denver did not just beat L.A, they exposed them. And now, there is a real possibility that LeBron could walk into their locker room? That for sure would cut deep.
Why Lebron would consider Denver:
LeBron is 40. He is still performing at an elite level, but the window sadly will not stay open forever. If we are being honest he might have one more legit run. Maybe two, if everything falls perfectly into place. And in L.A., nothing feels guaranteed anymore.Yes they have Luka Doncic, but that roster is shallow. In Denver, there is more stability and of course Nikola Jokic. Those two side by side would be the smartest duo in NBA history. They would be playing basketball at its purest form.
NBA analyst Dan Favale recently named Denver as the best possible destination to “maximize” the final years of LeBron’s career. And it is hard to argue. The Nuggets are only two years removed from a title and just made some good moves in bolstering their depth. According to Favale, making the math work on a LeBron-to-Denver deal would likely mean the Nuggets parting with Jamal Murray, along with one or two smaller contracts.
Why the Lakers should consider this:
The Lakers wouldn’t be left empty-handed, either. Murray fits beautifully alongside Luka Doncic. We all know how important winning culture is for the Lakeshow, this deal would not cause a complete teardown. Just a different direction with a shot of still competing. At the end of the day, in a couple years they will most likely have to just build around Doncic anyways.
For the fans who lived every moment of LeBron’s L.A. chapter whether it be the 2020 title, or the late-career brilliance, this would hurt. But realistically deep down, most real fans would understand. If LeBron wants to win one more ring before it is over, the road might not run through Los Angeles anymore. It might run through Denver.