The Los Angeles Lakers are considered a “surprise landing spot” for James Harden. In a May 24 article called “Surprise Landing Spots for Top 2023 NBA Free Agents,” Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report listed the Lakers as a potential landing spot for Harden, who can become an unrestricted free agent this offseason if he declines his 2023-24 player option with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report reported on May 17 that Harden intends to test free agency this summer.
“The Lakers actually make a lot of sense for Harden, especially if Kyrie Irving re-signs with the Dallas Mavericks and L.A. has already seen enough out of D’Angelo Russell,” Swartz wrote. “A backcourt of Harden and Austin Reaves would lessen LeBron James’ ball-handling responsibilities, assuming he doesn’t retire, of course. Anthony Davis’ rim protection can make up for a lot of Harden’s defensive deficiencies on the perimeter as well.
“A Los Angeles native who played his high school basketball in the area until attending Arizona State, this would be a homecoming of sorts for Harden, who would have a real chance at winning his first title alongside James and Davis.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers, Houston Rockets & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Harden averaged 21.0 points and 10.7 assists this season for the Sixers while shooting 44.1% from the field, 38.5% from beyond the arc, and 86.7% from the free-throw line. The 10-time All-Star led the NBA in assists per game for the second time in his career.
The Sixers lost to the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Semifinals in seven games. The Beard finished the 2023 postseason with averages of 20.3 points, 6.2 rebounds and 8.3 assists in 11 games versus the Brooklyn Nets and Celtics.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers, Houston Rockets & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Meanwhile, the Lakers lost to the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals in seven games. According to Heavy Sports senior insider Sean Deveney, LeBron James is not a fan of D’Angelo Russell, so the purple and gold could have a new point guard next season.
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