As LeBron James’ future with the Los Angeles Lakers remains in flux, Sports Illustrated’s Ryan Shea envisions a potential homecoming on the horizon for the superstar forward. The analyst provided the framework for a James-centered blockbuster deal that would land LA another top-tier guard to pair with franchise cornerstone Luka Dončić.
James enters his landmark 23rd season in uncharted territory, on an expiring contract ($52.6 million) after not seeking an extension beyond the 2025-26 campaign. Amid the 40-year-old reportedly valuing “a realistic chance” to win his fifth NBA championship, trade speculation has persisted throughout the summer.
While James possesses a no-trade clause, the four-time MVP may be open to waiving it to pursue a third stint with his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers.
Why Does NBA Analyst Think LeBron James Trade is Viable for Lakers?
On Aug. 19, Shea concocted a mock trade involving James being shipped to Cleveland in exchange for a package headlined by star point guard Darius Garland. In the hypothetical deal, the Cavaliers would attach salary filler and draft capital, while James’ son, Bronny James, would be included, likely to appease him.
Proposed Trade:
Lakers Acquire: Darius Garland, Max Strus, 2026 first-round pick
Cavaliers Acquire: LeBron James, Bronny James
Shea added that “a potential third team may be needed in this deal in an effort to balance the salaries.” Regardless, acquiring Garland would be the primary selling point for LA, as the writer noted that he would better fit the organization’s long-term team-building strategy around the 26-year-old Dončić.
“Although there is concern around Garland’s [toe] injury, the Lakers bank on the 25-year-old returning to form when he returns,” Shea wrote. “This formulates a dynamic young duo that sets up a bright future for LA.”
How Does the James-for-Garland Swap Play Out for Cavaliers and Lakers?
Garland, entering the third year of his five-year, $197,230,450 contract, would provide the Lakers with another shifty playmaker and a smooth-shooting complementary scoring option.
That said, the two-time All-Star would join a crowded backcourt spearheaded by Dončić and rising star shooting guard Austin Reaves. Meanwhile, defense would likely be a major concern, possibly necessitating a follow-up move to balance out LA’s roster.
On the other hand, dealing Garland for James would mark an all-in move for the Cavaliers, whose Eastern Conference-best 64-win finish last season culminated in a second-round playoff exit.
However, Shea foresees the addition of the 21-time All-Star’s versatility and championship experience positioning the Donovan Mitchell-led squad as 2026 favorites for a title.
“With the Cavs in win-now mode, they look to acquire one of the greatest players of all time, LeBron James,” Shea wrote.
“They ship off the injured Garland, who some question if he will be the same player when he returns. James brings plenty of championship pedigree as he has four NBA Finals trophies to his name, and has gotten to the Finals a total of 10 times, making the Cavs the clear favorites to hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy in the 2025-26 season.”
James could replace Garland’s facilitating while benefitting from the defensive prowess of Cleveland’s standout frontcourt duo, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Bringing a second title to his home team after delivering the Cavaliers their first championship in 2016 would likely mark the ideal send-off for his illustrious career.
