Wild Proposed NBA Trade Sends Lakers a $176 Million Star for LeBron James

GettyOne wild trade proposal has the Los Angeles Lakers trading LeBron James to the Los Angeles Clippers.

Count this as one of the crazier NBA trade pitches, but The Ringer’s Bill Simmons floated an idea that has LeBron James going to the Los Angeles Lakers’ crosstown rival. Simmons threw out a hypothetical trade scenario where the Lakers swap James for Los Angeles Clippers star guard Paul George.

“Has anyone thrown out the Paul George for LeBron trade where LeBron gets to stay in LA and Paul George goes to the Lakers?” Simmons pondered during a May 15, 2024 episode of his self-titled podcast. “… That’s kind of a fun trade though, right? I just don’t know if LeBron would ever play for the Clippers.”

It is worth noting that there are a few factors that make this trade unlikely. Simmons admits that the chances of this trade happening are unlikely despite being a “fun” thought exercise.

Not only are these two teams rivals, but both James and George can become free agents this offseason. The two players both have player options that would allow them to become free agents this summer.

For this to work logistically, the players would both need to allow the final year of their current deals to play out rather than hitting free agency. Another less likely option would be a double sign-and-trade occurring if both players were free agents.

Lakers Rumors: LA Likely Passes on This Clippers Trade Proposal for LeBron James

On paper, this deal likely has more appeal for the Clippers than the Lakers. Clippers owner Steve Balmer landing James just in time for the opening of the franchise’s new arena makes a lot of business sense.

Yet, the Lakers would be trading one of the greatest players of all-time for George. It would also be a move that would not seem to move the needle in terms of transforming Los Angeles into a contender.

Lakers Rumors: The Lakers Want LeBron James to Return & Are Willing to Be Flexible With the Star’s Next Deal

Was there any thought that tonight was your last game with the Lakers?

LeBron James: “I’m not going to answer that.”

All indications are the Lakers are willing to have James for as long as the superstar wants to play. The Athletic reported that the Lakers are willing to be flexible with whatever kind of deal James wants next.

“The 39-year-old NBA luminary is expected to play up to two more seasons, one source briefed on James’ thinking told The Athletic,” The Athletic’s Lauren Merola wrote in an April 30 story titled, “Lakers open to 3-year extension for LeBron James, drafting Bronny: Sources.” “But the Lakers are open to discussing any deal that would intrigue him to return for his seventh season in L.A. — after the Lakers’ season ended at the hands of the Denver Nuggets for the second straight year Monday— including the maximum three-year, $164 million extension they can offer, team sources told The Athletic.

“And there’s another carrot to entice the king: the Lakers’ willingness to draft James’ son Bronny in June, which the franchise is open to, team sources said.”

James is slated to have a $51.4 million salary next season as part of his two-year, $99 million contract, unless the star opts out. George, the Southern California native, has been floated as a potential fit for the Lakers throughout his career. The veteran guard will have a $48.7 million salary in 2024-25 if he chooses to play on the final season of a four-year, $176.2 million contract.

LeBron James Won’t Leave Lakers Just Because Bronny Is Drafted by Another Team

Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images

Despite LeBron James’ longstanding desire to team up with his son, Bronny James, LeBron’s future reportedly does not hinge on where Bronny goes in the 2024 NBA draft.

During an appearance Friday on Up & Adams, Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium said that while he would not be surprised if teams reach out to LeBron’s camp to gauge his interest in joining them should they draft Bronny, LeBron’s answer would be “no as of right now.”

Up & Adams@UpAndAdamsShow

What are the chances LeBron goes to whatever team Bronny is drafted to??? <a href=”https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>@ShamsCharania</a> chimes in 🔊<a href=”https://twitter.com/heykayadams?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>@heykayadams</a> <a href=”https://t.co/xvjRT9zJWF”>pic.twitter.com/xvjRT9zJWF</a>

LeBron can become a free agent and sign elsewhere this offseason if he declines his player option with the Los Angeles Lakers, but the current indication is that he will make his decision independent of Bronny’s situation.

Over the years, LeBron has often talked about wanting to make history by being Bronny’s teammate in the NBA.

In 2022, James said on X that being Bronny’s teammate in the NBA was his “plan,” and he doubled down last year, telling ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne he was “serious” about making it a reality.

However, LeBron has also suggested that he will be fine if teaming with Bronny never happens, telling ESPN’s Dave McMenamin the following last year:

“I’ve done what I’ve had to do in this league, and my son is going to take his journey. And whatever his journey, however his journey lays out, he’s going to do what’s best for him. And as his dad, and his mom, Savannah, and his brother and sister, we’re going to support him in whatever he decides to do. So, just because that’s my aspiration or my goal, doesn’t mean it’s his. And I’m absolutely OK with that.”

Bronny, who participated in the 2024 NBA Draft Combine this week, made it clear to reporters that playing alongside his dad isn’t his top priority, saying:

“My dream has always just been to put my name out, make a name for myself and get to the NBA.

“Everything that follows my dad, people just try to link me with that and all the greatness that he’s achieved. I haven’t done anything yet, so I feel like there needs to be that divide between Bronny and LeBron.”

Even so, Charania, Jovan Buha and Sam Amick of The Athletic reported last month that the Lakers are open to the idea of drafting Bronny so LeBron can “fulfill his dream” of being on the same team as his son.

The Lakers own the Nos. 17 and 55 overall picks in the 2024 NBA draft, so they will likely have the opportunity to take Bronny if they so choose.

It was also reported by ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith on the Stephen A. Smith Show this week that the Dallas Mavericks potentially have interest in drafting Bronny in an attempt to land LeBron in free agency.

Despite that, Buha said this week on Buha’s Block (h/t HoopsHype.com) that “all indications” are LeBron will remain with the Lakers by either opting in for next season or opting out and signing a new contract.

As for Bronny, it isn’t even a guarantee that he will remain in the NBA draft pool, as he has until June 16 to withdraw and return to college.

Bronny’s first and only collegiate season to date got off to a late start after he underwent a heart procedure. He missed the first eight games of the season and then struggled to carve out a consistent role at USC, averaging just 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists per contest.

In addition to entering the draft, Bronny entered the transfer portal, meaning he will likely play somewhere other than USC in 2024-25 if he returns to school.

Should Bronny remain in the draft, however, it sound

Bronny James focusing on NBA ‘dream,’ not playing with dad LeBron

It may be LeBron James’ dream to play alongside his son Bronny in the NBA, but a father-son pairing isn’t the utmost goal for the 19-year-old USC Trojans guard.

Instead, Bronny James just wants to be an NBA player, no matter whether it’s with the Los Angeles Lakers or any other team.

“My dream has always just been to put my name out, make a name for myself and get to the NBA,” Bronny James told reporters Tuesday night at the NBA draft combine.

“Everything that follows my dad, people just try to link me with that and all the greatness that he’s achieved. I haven’t done anything yet, so I feel like there needs to be that divide between Bronny and LeBron.”

 

Instead of comparing him to his father, the younger James said he believes his game is more like that of Boston’s Jrue Holiday or Derrick White, or Sacramento’s Davion Mitchell.

James, a 6-4 guard, has declared for the NBA draft, but still has until May 29 to decide whether he wants to stay in the draft or return to college basketball for his sophomore season. He has already said he will enter the transfer portal after one year at USC, where he averaged 4.8 points and 2.8 rebounds over 25 games.

LeBron James has said on several occasions that after a 21-year NBA career that has included four league MVP awards, four NBA titles and 20 All-Star appearances, one of his remaining goals is to play on the same team as his son.

Bronny, however, has more immediate goals − after recently being medically cleared to participate in the combine following a cardiac arrest last July and a procedure to repair a congenital heart defect.

“I’m just trying to put in the work and see where it takes me from there,” he said.

LeBron James receives standing ovation from Cavaliers crowd at playoff game vs. Celtics

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CLEVELAND — LeBron James, primary author of the only championship in Cavaliers’ history, was greeted by thunderous applause and a standing ovation during a timeout in the first quarter of Cleveland’s playoff game against the Boston Celtics on Monday night.

James, 39, attended the game with his wife, Savannah, and longtime agent and business partner Rich Paul, who still represents multiple players on the Cavs’ roster.

The kid from Akron returns 👑

LeBron James is in the building for Game 4 of Cavs-Celtics tonight.

🎥 @NBAonTNT pic.twitter.com/PhO9V15Ts9

— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) May 13, 2024

As is customary when any former Cleveland player from the franchise’s glory days of four consecutive finals from 2015-18 returns, James was treated to a highlight video and bone-rattling introduction. Fans, some of them perhaps unaware he was seated courtside, watched the video presentation during the timeout, and any cheers were drowned out by the sound from the jumbotron.

But when James was introduced, and shown seated in his jean jacket and backwards cap, well, Clevelanders went berserk.

Screaming. Applause. Towel waving.

James sipped his drink of choice, this night a nice white wine, from a disposable coffee cup, while speaking animatedly to Paul throughout the game. Maybe he was into it, or perhaps it was just trying to be heard over the booming music and shrieks of a delighted crowd during a close game.

James, who was 𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧 about 40 miles south of Cleveland, in Akron, Ohio, and played 11 of his 21 NBA seasons as a Cavalier, was the MVP of the 2016 Finals in which Cleveland won in a dramatic, seven-game series. He left the organization for the second time as a free agent in the summer of 2018 and headed to the Los Angeles Lakers, who, for now, still have him under contract.

James has a $51.4 million player’s option with the Lakers for next season. He can opt out and become a free agent. Also, his son, Bronny James, a freshman at USC, declared for the NBA Draft, and it so happens the Cavs have the 20th pick.

Does any of this mean that either LeBron or Bronny is coming to Cleveland? No (the Lakers are expected to make him a huge contract offer and, if he wants them to, would draft his son), but James showing up courtside for a Cavs playoff game brings about such speculation.

When he was here for the 2022 NBA All-Star Game, he refused to rule out another return to the franchise when asked by The Athletic. Or, it just could have been LeBron and Savannah getting back to the Akron area for Mother’s Day, or a drop in at the public school in Akron he opened. Or all of the above.

Members of the Kardashian family, and actor Mark Wahlberg, a noted Celtics fan, were also expected to attend the game.

Several NBA Teams Are Considering Drafting Bronny James In The First Round To Lure LeBron James In Free Agency

 

 

Credit: Fadeaway World

Several NBA Teams Are Considering Drafting Bronny James In The First Round To Lure LeBron James In Free Agency

Multiple NBA executives have indicated that their teams are contemplating selecting Bronny James in the first round of the draft. The primary motivation behind this strategy is not only Bronny’s potential but also the possibility of luring LeBron James to their team through free agency. An anonymous NBA executive told Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times:

“If you’re a contender and you’re not having those conversations, it’s irresponsible.” 

This sentiment underscores the unique scenario where drafting Bronny could significantly influence the free agency decisions of his legendary father.

Bronny James has made it clear that he wishes to be judged on his own merits, separate from the immense shadow cast by his father’s accomplishments. In Chicago, he emphasized his desire to carve out his own path. Despite his aspirations, the reality is that Bronny’s draft stock is inextricably linked to LeBron’s future plans.

The Los Angeles Lakers are among the teams reportedly considering drafting Bronny, albeit in the second round. Their hope is that LeBron will extend his contract with them, securing his presence in Los Angeles for the foreseeable future. However, other teams, like the Dallas Mavericks, are also in the mix, with reports suggesting that they might draft Bronny as a strategy to attract LeBron to their roster.

Adding to the speculation, LeBron James was recently spotted attending a Cleveland Cavaliers game against the Boston Celtics. This visit to Cleveland, where LeBron has a storied history, has fueled rumors about his potential return to his old team. NBA executives are closely watching these developments, pondering the implications of LeBron’s movements and the possibility of him rejoining the Cavaliers.

The prospect of drafting Bronny James is not solely based on his individual potential but is significantly influenced by the strategic advantage of attracting LeBron James. Teams are weighing this unique opportunity carefully, recognizing that securing Bronny could bring a transformative addition in the form of one of the greatest basketball players of all time.

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It Must Be Hard For Bronny James Hearing That He Could Be Drafted Because Of His Dad

For Bronny James, the pressure and expectations are unlike those faced by any other NBA prospect. While most young athletes dream of being recognized solely for their talents and achievements, Bronny’s journey is inevitably intertwined with the legacy of his father, LeBron James.

The speculation surrounding Bronny’s potential draft status—specifically the idea that teams might select him to attract his father in free agency—adds an immense layer of complexity to his already challenging path.

Hearing that teams might draft him primarily as a strategic move to lure LeBron must be difficult for Bronny. It undermines his efforts and achievements, reducing his value to a mere bargaining chip.

Despite his s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s and potential, such narratives could foster a sense of inadequacy, as if his accomplishments are overshadowed by his father’s reputation. This scenario is a stark reminder of the unique challenges faced by 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥ren of famous parents, particularly in the competitive world of professional sports.

The situation is further complicated by the public’s relentless scrutiny and the media’s speculation. Every action, statement, and performance by Bronny is dissected through the lens of his father’s legacy. This constant comparison can be mentally and emotionally taxing, making it harder for him to enjoy his successes and learn from his failures without the added pressure of living up to an almost insurmountable standard.

While Bronny James possesses undeniable talent and potential, the narrative that he might be drafted because of his father’s influence is a double-edged sword. It brings opportunities but also significant emotional and psychological challenges. Navigating this path requires resilience and a steadfast focus on carving out his own legacy in the shadow of one of the greatest basketball players of all time

Fans Shocked by LeBron James’ Involvement in Lakers’ Coaching Search

When you’re a legendary player who carries as much weight and cache as LeBron James, your fingerprints are typically on every aspect of an organization, from the play on the floor to the free agency moves, to the NBA draft decisions.

Over the years, we’ve seen “King James” throw his weight around quite a bit as he’s lobbied for players to get signed with his team and influenced coaches to be hired and fired.

James is in a position to aid in that process once again this offseason with the Los Angeles Lakers looking for a new head coach after Darvin Ham was let go following LA’s first-round playoff exit.

However, it sounds like LeBron won’t be part of that process.

“I’m told LeBron James is not involved in the Lakers head coaching search,” said The Athletic’s Shams Charania. “James has made it clear that this is the organization’s decision, he’s had no conversations with the Lakers about JJ Redick.”

The last name that Charania mentioned may turn some heads, as buzz surrounding former NBA player JJ Reddick’s name for the Lakers’ job has started to pick up. Reddick played for 15 seasons in the NBA, spending time with the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Clippers, and Philadelphia 76ers, most notably.

The connection between LeBron and Reddick makes sense, as the two recently started a new podcast together called “Mind the Game.”

Whether or not that means that Reddick — a person with no professional coaching experience — should be the favorite to be named the next head coach in Los Angeles is up for debate. But whether it’s Reddick or not, it appears that James won’t have a say in the matter, whether you believe that or not.

As it turns out, most fans are skeptical of the report.

LeBron James, Anthony Davis Combine for Kobe-Shaq Era Stat Line in Win

It’s more than fair to say the Los Angeles Lakers would be struggling this season if it wasn’t for their superstar duo; a reality the NBA was emphatically reminded of on Friday night.

 

In the Lakers’ 123-120 win over the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on Friday, LeBron James and Anthony Davis once again put the team on their backs. The pair became the first Lakers duo since Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal to each score over 35 points and dish five assists in a single game.

LeBron James & Anthony Davis – Stats vs Grizzlies

 

Category
LeBron James

Anthony Davis 

PTS
37
36

AST

5
5 

REB
9
14

FG%
65.0
50.0

 

3PT%
42.9
16.7

None of their Lakers teammates managed to reach the 15-point mark on the night. Meanwhile, the lowly Grizzlies put up a fight on their home floor, with four of their five starters scoring over 23 points. Rookie GG Jackson managed a team-high 31 points — sinking seven threes — while Jordan Goodwin gave Davis a battle down-low with 23 points and 17 rebounds.

Lakers Ending Season On High Note

LeBron: “I’ll be ready for Sunday.”

Los Angeles is playing some its best basketball of the season as the 2023-24 campaign winds to a close. With a 7-3 record over their last 10, LeBron and Co. have fought hard in ensuring as high a seed as possible for the inevitable Play-In Tournament.

The Lakers have gone 16-9 since the All-Star break, resurrecting a season that looked doomed to end in an early playoff – or Play-In – exit. While the win over the Grizzlies was less than convincing, every win matters at this point of the season.

“There’s some things we definitely got to clean up but we needed to win this game and we won it.” – Darvin Ham

As it stands, Los Angeles is set to face the Phoenix Suns in the Play-In Tournament. The Lakers are 3-2 against the Suns this season.

Bronny James is not an NBA player nor is he close to being one’: Is LeBron’s son overrated?

Bronny is being scrutinized by analysts and scouts at the NBA Draft Combine.

At the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago, which features the most promising young players aspiring to be selected in the upcoming Draft on June 27, one player drawing significant attention isn’t expected to be in the Top 10, Top 20, or even the Top 40.

This young player, who until recently wasn’t even on the radar, is Bronny James. Despite not being a top prospect, he is the focus of many scouts present at the combine.

Bronny, the son of LeBron James, plans to enter the next NBA Draft. Due to his famous last name and father, he is drawing a lot of attention from analysts.

LeBron James has publicly expressed his desire to share a team with his son before retiring. Considering LeBron will turn 40 this December, Bronny’s future could be linked to his father’s. However, according to reports from scouts, it won’t be easy for a team to decide to select him.

 

His Small Stature (1.87m): Bronny’s Main Handicap

Bronny James is a 19-year-old point guard standing at 1.87 meters (6’2″), which is considered small for the NBA. This height is his main handicap, even though he tries to make up for it with strong defensive play. However, his defense doesn’t seem enough to compensate for his lack of scoring ability.

Experts believe he could only play in the NBA as a secondary player. There are also concerns about his physical condition after suffering a cardiac arrest 10 months ago while training with his university team, USC.

Veteran scouts monitoring his progress at the Draft Combine in Chicago are not very optimistic about his chances of playing in the NBA. In fact, they are quite the opposite.

ESPN NBA analyst Marc Spears shared some opinions about Bronny after his initial practices and games on campus, and some of the feedback is harsh.

 

“He did some good things, but I still don’t think he’s ready for the NBA,” said one anonymous scout, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on discussing draft prospects publicly.

“He’s on the smaller side, so he’ll need to be an elite defender. It’s clear he has good vision, makes the right passes, and takes good shots. But he will need more time. If the Lakers don’t pick him, I don’t see anyone else drafting him.”

 

Highly Critical of His Skills

Spears shared another report from a scout who was much more critical of Bronny’s game. The scout noted that Bronny’s defensive abilities do not compensate for his short stature, as taller players, which is almost everyone, continuously sought to score over him.

“No, he’s not good enough. Maybe if he went back to college for one or two more years. But right now, he’s not an NBA player. He’s not even close.”

In the two practice games he played in Chicago, Bronny did not stand out. He scored four points and grabbed four rebounds in the first game, and in the second game, he slightly improved with 10 points and four rebounds, showing glimpses of solid defense against the ball handler. However, even this improvement did not convince the scouts, who were very harsh in their assessments of the legend’s son.

He’s a conventional athlete, not an elite one. Given his height, he should play as a point guard, but he’s not capable of running an offense. And he has serious issues playing as a shooting guard because he can’t shoot: 0/4 in one game and 1/3 in another. He needs screens to generate shots, and his only points come in the paint after fakes,” said one scout.

The criticisms didn’t stop there. “He can only play on the left side,” they noted as another major flaw.

“His strong suit should be defense, but he loses it as soon as there’s a switch. All the bigger players target him to score more easily in front of him.”

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With the Lakers winning tonight and the Kings + Warriors losing… LAKERS ARE OFFICIALLY THE 8TH SEED.

The Lakers’ win on Friday wasn’t pretty, but it was mandatory. While they made it as annoyingly difficult as seemingly possible, the purple and gold walked out of Memphis with a narrow victory after back-to-back losses.

 

All of the discussions of where the Lakers could land in the play-in standings leading up to Friday included the assumption of a win by the Lakers. After they took care of business, they could then look elsewhere around the league, where every result went their way.

Most importantly, the Pelicans offered a big helping hand to the Lakers by beating the Warriors. In doing so, the Lakers now have some control of their own destiny. The other important game was the Kings and Suns, which came down to the wire. Ultimately, the Suns made a big late comeback and got a huge stop in the final seconds to secure a one-point win.

Because of all of that, the Lakers exited Friday night as the eighth seed. Here’s a look at the standings:

6. Pelicans 49-32

7. Suns 48-33
8. Lakers 46-35
9. Kings 45-36
10. Warriors 45-36 

Now, the Lakers simply are a win away from finishing in the eighth spot and having two chances to win one game. We’ll have a more detailed look at all the scenarios at a later point, but the math is very simple now:

 

Win and seal a spot in the 7-8 game.

Perhaps this was the basketball Gods offering some offerings for losing Anthony Davis in multiple games due to being smacked in the face. For those who were super optimistic, the Suns’ win did eliminate the possibility of the Lakers finishing in the No. 7 seed in the play-in race.

The top of the Western Conference is a bit of a mess, too. All three of the Thunder, Wolves and Nuggets are tied at 56-25. With the tiebreakers, OKC is the No. 1 seed, Minnesota is the No. 2 seed and Denver is the No. 3 seed.

This does mean the Lakers can’t play the Nuggets in the first round. It also means that, if they do finish eighth and make it out of the first round, they will likely meet Denver.

That, though, is way, way too far down the line to worry about. For now, the Lakers will be thankful for having the breaks go their way on Sunday and gaining back control of their destiny.

Former Michael Jordan teammate drops LeBron James truth bomb: “No NBA player actually thinks LeBron is the GOAT”

The GOAT has always included two players at the top, LeBron James and Michael Jordan. Over the years, debates about who the best player in the history of the NBA have been the biggest topic among fans, analysts and players. Recently, a former teammate of Jordan was asked about the GOAT debate and made a surprising statement about it.

 

The GOAT debate centers around the accomplishments of both players. Fans of the former Chicago Bulls star argue that Jordan has more championships and MVPs, some even mention his Finals record of 6-0.

The fans of the LA Lakers star have argued that his all-around accomplishments should be taken into consideration. James is the all- team leader in scoring and is the only player with 40,000 points, 10,000 rebounds and 10,000 assists.

 

Through all this, fans have been curious as to what NBA players think about the GOAT debate. Recently, Kwame Brown was interviewed on the YouTube channel, Dreamers Pro, about the GOAT debate.

 

“People say LeBron is the GOAT because he controls the media… no NBA player actually thinks LeBron is the GOAT,” Brown said.

The former top pick talked about it at the 5:17 mark of the video.