Despite having a record of 19-10, the Los Angeles Lakers have greatly struggled in recent weeks.
Entering Sunday’s matchup against the Sacramento Kings, the Lakers have lost three of their last four games, including double-digit defeats to the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Clippers. Blame can be assigned to essentially everyone on the Lakers not named Luka Dončić, and even he has had a few off nights for his standards.
Due to their woes, an NBA champion believes LeBron James could see a change of scenery in the coming months.
Lakers Predicted To Trade LeBron James and Bronny James
‘Father Time’ is finally beginning to catch up to James. Although he is noticeably slowing down, the four-time NBA champion is still averaging 20.2 points, 6.8 assists, and 5.1 rebounds on 48.5% shooting in 13 games.
This proves James can contribute to winning basketball, but NBA champion Jeff Teague believes that he may be better off finishing out his illustrious career with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
“Cleveland, who are you trading out of Cleveland?” Teague asked on the Club 520 podcast. “Bronny and Bron go back for Jarrett Allen and D-Hunt [De’Andre Hunter].”
From the Cavaliers’ perspective, they are undeniably adding the best player involved in this deal in James. However, there’s a chance the 21-time All-Star calls it a career once his contract expires after the 2025-2026 season, meaning Allen and Hunter were given up for a half-season rental of a 40-year-old.
Not to mention, James has a no-trade clause, so he needs to have a desire to return to Cleveland once again.
Los Angeles gains two strong contributors in this major trade, one of whom has been an All-Star. One concern with acquiring Allen is he has a three-year, $90 million extension that starts in the 2026-2027 season, meaning the front office is committing long-term money to him.
There is a wide belief the Lakers are looking to keep their books clean for the projected loaded 2027 free agency class, which could prevent negotiations centered around Allen from ever happening.
