The Los Angeles Lakers are facing a difficult challenge in keeping their superstars happy. LeBron James is in the final stage of his legendary career, Luka Dončić wants the future built around him, and Austin Reaves is nearing a well-deserved payday. Tension seems to be growing, particularly with James, as he looks to join a true contender now rather than wait for the future.
“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” Rich Paul told ESPN. “He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we’ve had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.”
Still, there’s a scenario where James could seek an exit from Los Angeles, according to Lakers insider Jovan Buha.
“I think one thing that could shift this potentially to a 75/25 is asking, ‘is this LeBron’s last season?’ How important is it getting the swan song in L.A. and finishing his legacy as a Laker, or competing for a championship. Two things would have to happen, in my opinion, for this to drastically change. He announces he’s retiring after this year, and then the Lakers are, for whatever reason, underperforming around the deadline,” Buha wrote.
In a hypothetical trade, the Lakers could send James to the New York Knicks to form a new Big Three with Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns.
“The East is wide open. If the Knicks land LeBron, they instantly become the favorites,” The New York Daily News’ Kristian Winfield wrote. “A Big Three of James, Brunson, and Towns would rival Oklahoma City’s trio of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren as the best in basketball.”
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This could prove to be a more promising path for James. The Eastern Conference is expected to be less grueling than the West this season. For LeBron, the priority remains contending for championships, and this move could provide just that. While the trade would be costly on New York’s end, it’s certainly a possibility worth considering.
