LeBron James has never been traded. That shouldn’t come as a surprise. James is one of the best players in NBA history. Who would trade him?
Typically, his abilities have led to team success. It’s been an unwritten rule in the NBA for a long time. If James is on your team, you’ve got a chance to advance to the NBA Finals. Unfortunately for the Los Angeles Lakers, that hasn’t happened in 2023-24.
Perhaps that’s why some have suggested that the Lakers could trade James. Let’s be clear – this probably won’t happen. Yet, if James were on the market, he’d have no shortage of suitors.
Could the Oklahoma City Thunder acquire him?
NBA Trade Proposal
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: F Davis Bertans, G/F Luguentz Dort, G Vasilije Micic, G/F Ousmane Dieng, 2025 First-Round Pick (Top 6 Protected – PHI via OKC), 2027 First-Round Pick (Top 5 Protected – DEN via OKC), 2028 First-Round Pick (OKC)
Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: F LeBron James
LeBron James has also been in the NBA for a long time. Throughout much of his prime, trading a star was unthinkable. That wasn’t how star players changed teams.
They did it in the free agency market. Look at James’ career. He left the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Miami Heat. Eventually, he’d leave the Heat to rejoin the Cavaliers – only to leave them for the Lakers. James made all of these moves in free agency.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
Arguably, that makes him a central figure in the player empowerment movement. With players being so willing to leave, teams have become more willing to move them. Could the Lakers really move James?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
It feels very unlikely. The Lakers are more likely to trade for another co-star for James: whether now, or this summer. Still, you could make the case that this would be the best decision for the organization.
After all, this team is heading nowhere fast. Meanwhile, the Lakers are virtually without assets. This team’s present is bleak, and its future isn’t especially bright either.
This deal is about the future. Dieng has some star potential. Dort will be an NBA rotation player for another decade or more. Still, this is about landing three first-rounders above all else.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
Granted, two of those picks are protected, but that’s still a huge return for a player who’s nearing retirement. Should the Thunder spend so much on James?
Why The Oklahoma City Thunder Do The Deal
The Thunder should do their homework first. They should know whether James is likely to remain with the team. With that said, the Thunder can offer the Lakers something that few teams can. If they wanted, they could virtually guarantee that they’ll draft his son this summer.
After all, they’ll have three picks in the next draft. The Thunder can trade up or down at their leisure. Yet, their ability to land Bronny James isn’t the main point here. Should they want his father?
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
Why not? The Thunder are the second-best team in the Western Conference. Adding James to a core featuring Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren would make them bonafide title contenders. Who knows? The Thunder could be the first team to trade for LeBron James.
