LeBron James has left quite a legacy in the NBA. Some consider him the best player in the league’s history. No matter what happens with the rest of his career, he’ll be talked about for generations to come.
Imagine if he played with his son. That’s something we’ve never seen before. It may happen next year: Bronny James is set to enter the draft. The possibility that he could join his father is a testament to his father’s legacy.
It’s a distinct possibility. Some have suggested that James would move mountains to play with his son. Could the Philadelphia 76ers make that dream a reality?
NBA Trade Proposal
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: F Tobias Harris, F/C Paul Reed, 2028 First-Round Pick (LAC via PHI), 2029 First-Round Pick (PHI)
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: G/F LeBron James
James’ legacy is irrefutable. That doesn’t mean it’s completely untarnished. James has his critics – doesn’t every all-time great?
Some will point to his habit of changing teams. To be sure, the historic great didn’t do that. Michael Jordan spent almost his entire career on the Chicago Bulls. Magic Johnson and Larry Bird never switched teams. Is that a fair knock on James?
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Perhaps. On the other hand, success has followed James wherever he’s gone. He’s certainly pulled his share of the weight as well. No matter how you feel about James’ career, you can’t deny his place in NBA history. Should he take his talents to Philadelphia next?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
Again – this is all under the pretense that the Sixers are drafting Bronny James. It’s long been speculated that a team could select James strictly to attract his father. That’s effectively what the Sixers would be doing here.
There’s another caveat. The Sixers would be sending Harris to the Lakers by way of sign-and-trade. Harris would have to be open to that – he’s an unrestricted free agent. At the same time, the Sixers could absorb James’ contract by simply letting Harris and the rest of their free agents walk.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Either way, if the Sixers can find a way to add James, they should do it. He’ll join Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey to form arguably the best trio in the league. Should the Lakers help them assemble that trio?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
The Lakers have no leverage here. James has a player option. If he wants to go to the Sixers, he can simply decline that option. James may even take a discount to play with his son.
So, the Lakers may as well get something. Whether they’ll want Harris on a long-term basis will remain to be seen. The Lakers could like him as a complement to Anthony Davis. As a big market team, they may want to maintain relevance until they can attract another star.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Alternatively, they could rebuild. In that event, they should be able to flip Harris for some assets. Either way, this is the best the Lakers can do for a player who has all the leverage. If you haven’t noticed, having leverage has been part of James’ legacy as well.
