Some consider LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers the father of the NBA player empowerment era. Yes, the Boston Celtics formed a super team before James left the Cleveland Cavaliers (for the first time). Still, James certainly helped to usher in the era.
As a general rule, James has gone where he wanted to go. He’s gotten the teammates that he wanted to get. James has imposed his will on the league as its biggest star.
Will he do it again? Time will tell. It’s been rumored that James and the Lakers are heading for divorce. It’s also been rumored that the Lakers could try to trade for a star. In either case, here are three star players we’d like to see him team up with next.
Trae Young
For the most part, James has thrived alongside star guards. He won NBA championships alongside Kyrie Irving and Dwayne Wade. Could Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks be next?
It feels possible. The Hawks are having a miserable 2023-24 season. Young doesn’t seem to be on the chopping block – in fact, it’s been Dejounte Murray who’s been linked to the Lakers. Still, some reports have suggested that the Lakers would rather hold off to try to trade for Young this summer.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks Updates
Is he a perfect fit with James? It’s hard to say. Young is more ball-dominant than the guards James has thrived alongside. The Lakers may be happy to reduce James’ playmaking load. On the other hand, they could prefer to pair him with a better off-ball player.
Donovan Mitchell
However, we shouldn’t assume Mitchell would be coming to the Lakers. After all, he plays for the Cavaliers. Could James be interested in returning to his hometown team?
It’s a bit difficult to picture. The Cavs would likely have to part with one of Darius Garland or Evan Mobley to make it happen. They may decline that opportunity due to the age difference between them and James.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers Updates
Alternatively, James does have a player option this summer. Any team willing to draft his son Bronny would have a chance to land him. In other words, hypothetically, James could land anywhere.
Joel Embiid
The Lakers won’t be able to trade for Embiid. They don’t have the resources. If this happens, we’ll see James in a Philadelphia 76ers uniform.
Is that so far-fetched? The Sixers picked up considerable draft capital in exchange for James Harden earlier in the year. They should have enough for an aging James. Should they covet him?
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Sure. Remember – James won an NBA title alongside a big man in Anthony Davis. Tyrese Maxey is exactly the type of guard who should thrive next to James. If James likes playing with Embiid, don’t rule out the possibility – arguably, he’s the father of player empowerment.
