Some NBA trades fly under the radar. We’re talking about solid deals that help a team make incremental progress. On the other hand, some deals are seismic events.
LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers has never been part of one of those deals. James has never been traded. Realistically, the very notion of him getting moved feels ridiculous. How could anyone trade LeBron James?
Recently, some have speculated that the Lakers could be the first team to do just that. It isn’t likely. The Lakers will likely hang onto one of the best players in the history of basketball. Here’s a deal that sends him to the Brooklyn Nets anyway.
NBA Trade Proposal
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: F/C Ben Simmons, F Dorian Finney-Smith, 2025 First-Round Pick (PHX via BKN), 2027 First-Round Pick (PHX via BKN), 2029 First-Round Pick (Swap – BKN)
Brooklyn Nets Receive: F LeBron James
If you’re still reading, we appreciate you. Some readers have already closed this article – if they were even willing to open it in the first place. We understand. The idea of LeBron James getting moved is a bold one.
With that said, this is not your father’s NBA. Players get moved more than we’ve ever seen in history. Stars like James Harden and Kevin Durant seem to find a new home every year.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, Brooklyn Nets Updates
None of which is to say that this is a likely scenario. In clear terms, it is not. Still, the Lakers have struggled lately. This possibility feels more open than it did before. Could the Lakers seriously trade James?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
Again – in all likelihood, no. We can’t overstate that. Let’s indulge in some thought experimentation. Why would the Lakers do this?
Well, they’re probably not going to win an NBA title this year. That much is clear. The Lakers have been linked to players like Dejounte Murray leading up to the trade deadline. If you believe that’s enough to lead this group to a championship, we admire your optimism.
We don’t share it. The Lakers do this deal to start over. James is nearing retirement – landing two first-round picks and a swap for him would be tremendous for this organization.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, Brooklyn Nets Updates
Meanwhile, Simmons has looked effective when healthy this year, and Finney-Smith is a strong 3-and-D wing. Should the Nets give so much up for James?
Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal
The Lakers are more than a Dejounte Murray away from a title. Are the Nets a LeBron James away from title contention? That’s a different question.
After all, James is one of the best players of all time. He’s aging, but he’s still performing at an All-NBA level. He’d have a deeper supporting cast in Brooklyn as well. With Mikal Bridges as a secondary scorer and a deep platoon of 3-and-D wings, his life would be easier than it is currently.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, Brooklyn Nets Updates
Will the Nets win a title? We’re not sure. That said, they can probably bank on James being a star next season. This deal gives Brooklyn a sudden title window – even if it’s extremely unlikely to happen.
