4 Lakers who increased their trade value this season

2. LeBron James

How did the 39-year-old who is the NBA’s all-time leading scorer improve his trade value? It may seem crazy, but this was King James’ healthiest season since arriving in Los Angeles. He played 82 games with the Cavaliers back in 2018. His previous high with the Lakers was 61 before LeBron appeared in 71 this season.

James was settling into playing around 55 regular season contests per year before the NBA’s new load management rules went into effect. The GOAT still played 35.3 minutes each night and was elite. It was arguably the greatest season by a 39-year-old in NBA history, and every team in the league still has interest in adding LeBron.

If he opts in and demands a trade, the Lakers will still get a significant package in return. It may not be the four unprotected first-round draft picks the Nets got for Kevin Durant, but there would be multiple picks and young talents going back to Hollywood.

LeBron James wants to remain with the Lakers, but the franchise must put more talent around him to keep him happy. He turns 40 in December and has done everything imaginable on the basketball court. LeBron is just chasing rings and playing for the love of the game at this point.