Give LeBron James his flowers. Soon enough, you won’t be able to do so. This is one of the best players in the history of the NBA. He won’t be in the league for much longer. Soon enough, James will be retiring and the Los Angeles Lakers need to take that into consideration with roster building.
How will the rest of his career play out? Time will tell. His son, Bronny, will be in the next draft class. It’s been widely reported that James has an interest in playing with his son. That would be an incredible story. Everyone would love it – besides the Los Angeles Lakers, that is.
After all, they owe their first-round pick in the next draft to the New Orleans Pelicans. The Lakers won’t be in any position to select James’ son – unless, of course, they got their pick back. Here’s a deal that has them doing so – and acquiring CJ McCollum in the process.
The Trade Proposal
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: G D’Angelo Russell, F Rui Hachimura, F Taurean Prince
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G CJ McCollum, 2024 First-Round Pick (LAL via NOP)
James was never supposed to be a Lakers legend. He’s the best player in Cleveland Cavaliers history. Miami Heat fans will always acknowledge Dwayne Wade is their savior, but let’s be honest – James may be the best player in that team’s history as well. When he left Cleveland for Miami, it was supposed to be a pit stop – like a young adult moving away from their hometown. Once they come back, typically, they stay.
Not James. He brought his hometown Cavaliers the only championship in their history. He’ll always have the keys to that city as a result. Still, James left. The rest is history. James won an NBA title as a member of the Lakers as well.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: CJ McCollum, New Orleans Pelicans & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
So if he leaves the Lakers, nobody should hold it against him. If he’s going to play with his son, that holds even truer. With that said, it’s been reported that the Lakers would like to do everything in their power to bring Bronny on board. Does this deal have them going too far in their efforts?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
In all actuality, this isn’t about Bronny James. It can’t be. Landing this pick does nothing to guarantee that the Lakers will select him. It’s likely to be a late first-rounder: that won’t give the Lakers a limitless range of options. This is actually about landing CJ McCollum.
After all, he’s the best player in this trade. Is he on a questionable contract? Sure. That’s a moot point for the Lakers. They need to invest whatever they can in winning another title with James on the roster. McCollum would help. He’s an elite shooter who can make plays for himself and others when asked to do so.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: CJ McCollum, New Orleans Pelicans & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Still, getting their pick back is useful as well. Even if the Lakers can’t use it on James, they could acquire an intriguing young player with this selection – or trade it next summer. Either way, it benefits a team to control their own draft. Should the Pelicans surrender that control?
Why The New Orleans Pelicans Do The Deal
McCollum’s contract may be a non-issue for the Lakers. For the Pelicans, it’s a problem. This young team should be striking a balance between the present and the future. Meanwhile, the Pelicans are built around an offensively gifted player with some defensive limitations. McCollum isn’t an ideal fit alongside Zion Williamson due to his own defensive shortcomings.
Here, the Pelicans get off of his contract. With that said, McCollum is too talented for a salary dump. The Pelicans would have to get a quality return for him – especially if they’re attaching a first-round pick to his deal. That’s what they’re doing here. The Pelicans would be a much deeper team following this deal.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: CJ McCollum, New Orleans Pelicans & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Hachimura and Young would bolster their depth. Meanwhile, Russell is the type of floor general this team needs. His ability to set up teammates should benefit all of the Pelicans’ young stars. In the end, this deal should be best for all parties – even if it helps the Lakers bring father and son together.
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