It’s no secret the Los Angeles Lakers are focused on the Luka Dončić era rather than attempting to win now with LeBron James still on the roster.
This is totally understandable given Dončić is a 26-year-old superstar who unexpectedly landed with them at last year’s trade deadline, while James is possibly in his last NBA season. It’s possible the Lakers go all-in on Dončić’s timeline sooner than expected by cutting ties with James ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline.
Lakers Predicted To Cut Ties With LeBron James in Trade With Cleveland Cavaliers
A fitting way for James to end his career would be with his Cleveland Cavaliers, as this would mark his third tenure with the team. Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz predicts the following major trade between the Lakers, Cavaliers, and Utah Jazz could take place:
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: LeBron James, Bronny James, Adou Thiero
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Lauri Markkanen, Jarrett Allen
Utah Jazz Receive: De’Andre Hunter, Max Strus (via TPE), Sam Merrill, Lonzo Ball, Gabe Vincent, 2027 first-round pick (via Lakers, removing 1-4 protection to make unprotected), 2031 first-round pick (via Lakers, top-4 protected)
For the Cavaliers, the goal instantly becomes winning a championship before James calls it a career. Given how wide open the Eastern Conference is this season, a core of Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, James, and Evan Mobley could certainly make noise in the postseason.
James is still playing at an All-Star level, averaging 22.0 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.9 rebounds on 50.2% shooting in 29 games played.
Los Angeles gains an entirely new frontcourt in this move, as Markkanen and Allen would form a dangerous duo alongside the backcourt of Dončić and Austin Reaves.
The former is averaging 27.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.2 assists on 47.9% shooting and 36.4% shooting from three-point range for the Jazz this season. Meanwhile, the latter continues to play phenomenal defense in the interior for the Cavaliers.
The Jazz are undoubtedly the closest to “losers” of this deal, as they are essentially banking on two Lakers’ first-round picks paying off big. This is unlikely unless Dončić were to shockingly leave the Lakers in free agency down the road.
Dumb take 😂😂😂