The trade rumors surrounding LeBron James and the Golden State Warriors are nothing new. Over the past few seasons, it's a discourse that has inspired unlikely trade proposals. The Los Angeles Lakers star is experiencing a rocky season. In light of the fan base's frustrations, the recent reemergence of the fantasy trade triggered ESPN's Stephen A. Smith to say, "LeBron James doesn't deserve" Stephen Curry.
Following a 3-7 stretch, accumulating a -11 net rating, which ranks 26th in the NBA, the Lakers reached the point of utter frustration from all angles. JJ Redick expressed his disappointment in the team following the Lakers 134-93 beatdown at the hands of the Miami Heat.
"I'm embarrassed," Redick said. "We're all embarrassed... It's not a game. I thought we had the right fight, the right professionalism… I own this, but need some ownership on the court as well. There's not a sense from me that we're together right now."
What do Redick's comments after such a brutal loss have to do with James getting traded to Golden State and Smith's reaction to such a deal?
The Lakers are primarily in this position due to a lack of talent surrounding the 39-year-old James and Anthony Davis. James' power influence propelled the Lakers to make moves they possibly wouldn't have otherwise made.
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Smith mentioned the Russell Westbrook trade as the reason why the Lakers lack the flexibility to make significant changes to the roster as a tool to improve it.
"We get so caught up in the greatness of James, the individual player, that we don't pay attention to the power of his influence and the moves that he compels to make that serve to derail a franchise like he did in Los Angeles," Smith said. "You don't get to leave that and go to Golden State. Stay your (expletive) in LA with Davis and figure it out. "
The Warriors have multiple first-round picks they could use to trade for James, but that's all theoretical. Los Angeles trading James seems like a far-fetched move, and the Warriors ditching their few assets for the near-retirement star alludes to a ticket-selling plan rather than a championship-focused maneuver.
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Perhaps Smith is correct in colorfully stating that James should stay in Los Angeles.
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This story was originally published December 10, 2024, 6:12 PM.