The Houston Rockets are off to a surprising 17-9 start to the 2024-25 season.
The franchise could reach the postseason without acquiring a superstar, but landing a Los Angeles Lakers phenom would drastically change their season outlook.
“This trade offer from the Houston Rockets is an ambitious move to catapult themselves into championship contention,” Fadeaway World’s Eddie Bitar wrote Thursday.
“Jalen Green, the centerpiece of the package, is a dynamic scorer with star potential (19.5 points per game, 4.7 rebounds per game), making him an appealing addition to the Lakers’ core while Dillon Brooks (12.8 points per game, 3.7 rebounds per game) brings elite defense on the perimeter.
“For Houston, acquiring LeBron James would pair him with a young roster including Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr., and possibly Bronny James.”
“Adding LeBron’s leadership and championship pedigree could transform the Rockets into playoff threats instantly.”
“While losing Jalen Green stings for a franchise focused on the future, LeBron’s ability to elevate a team is a once-in-a-generation opportunity, and expect head coach Ime Udoka to go after this trade at all costs if it is feasible.”
James will turn 40 on Dec. 30, but the four-time NBA champion still produces at an impressively high level.
In Year 22, James hasn’t lost the ability to overpower defenders in the lane, locate open teammates on the run, and occasionally drill nonchalant pull-back triples on the perimeter.
The 20-time All-Star averages 23.0 points, 9.1 assists, and 8.0 rebounds per game on a Lakers team attempting to turn the corner in mid-December.
With Green competing with D’Angelo Russell for the most erratic performer in the league award, it wouldn’t be asinine for the Rockets to enter win-now mode and trade for a franchise-elevating piece in James.
However, there’s a good chance the Rockets’ trade package for James wouldn’t move the needle for the Lakers, making it nearly impossible to complete a blockbuster deal.
More NBA: Lakers predicted to cut ties with LeBron James in favor of Bucks’ $112 million star
