The trade rumors surrounding Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James will likely continue until he or his agent, Rich Paul, shuts them down. The reason the public began speculating James could depart from L.A. in the first place is, of course, because of the trade for Luka Dončić.
The Lakers’ front office appears committed to creating a dynasty with Doncic at the helm, while the 40-year-old superstar still hopes to hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy. However, there is a serious lack of alignment between these blueprints, so many outlets pitch trades that see James head elsewhere, including the city arguably closest to his heart.
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The Cleveland Cavaliers finished the 2024-2025 season with the top record in the Eastern Conference but came up well short of the NBA Finals. What better way to reach the biggest stage than by bringing back the best player in franchise history to lead the charge?
It would force the Cavaliers to shake up their core, but Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz still predicts this five-team blockbuster trade could occur. The full proposed details are as follows:
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: LeBron James, Austin Reaves, Walker Kessler, 2027 first-round pick (lottery-protected via Miami Heat), save $27.2 million
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Lauri Markkanen, De’Andre Hunter, Max Strus
Utah Jazz Receive: Darius Garland, Maxi Kleber
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Jarrett Allen
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Grant Williams, Jarred Vanderbilt, 2027 first-round pick (top-2 protected via Dallas Mavericks)
“This is a complete blow-up of the roster for Cleveland while still keeping Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley around James,” Swartz wrote. Reaves takes over Garland’s starting spot in the backcourt next to Mitchell, and Kessler is the successor to Allen at center.
Both Reaves and Kessler will need new contracts and significant raises next summer, although James’ expiring $52.6 million contract allows the Cavs some flexibility to complete new deals.
A starting five of Reaves, Mitchell, James, Mobley, and Kessler would be a force in the Eastern Conference, especially next season, with Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton out of commission. For the Cavaliers, making this deal comes down to how much they value the longevity of their title window.
It’s not worth arguing whether Brooklyn or Charlotte would decline this deal, as neither plays as significant a role as the others.
The appeal for the Lakers is that they secure a strong No. 2 or 3 option to Doncic in Markkanen, who still has four seasons remaining on a four-year, $195.9 million contract. While he didn’t live up to this deal entirely in 2025, the proof he’s worthy of such a high salary comes from two campaigns prior.
Lauri Markkanen Highlights pic.twitter.com/ZOLfj0kwaT
— GSW Ball Report (@GSWBallReport) August 1, 2024
He was named Most Improved Player and earned an All-Star nod in 2023. Pairing these accolades and proven success with the privilege of playing alongside Doncic, L.A.’s front office shouldn’t worry about struggles for the Finnish big man.
The Jazz would have possibly the toughest time justifying the acceptance of this trade. Although Garland is three years younger than Markkanen, Utah is building for the future. Cleveland’s two-time All-Star would simply take away touches from Ace Bailey and company. If some amount of draft capital tempts the Jazz, there’s a much stronger argument to be made.
It’s tough to point to one consensus loser in this move, but many parties could come up with reasons to pass.
