The Los Angeles Lakers are in the midst of another mediocre season, sitting in eighth place in the Western Conference with a 13-11 record. Despite the head coaching chance that brought JJ Redick in charge in the offseason, the Lakers' struggles continue. With one of the worst defenses in the league, the Lakers don't look like a real title contender.
As a result, trade speculations are in full swing. Usually, these rumors involve the Lakers bringing in reinforcements. The most recent one, however, will disappoint Lakers fans. According to NBA insider Brian Windhorst, the Golden State Warriors have their eyes on LeBron James.
The Golden State Warriors are targeting LeBron James and Jimmy Butler, per @WindhorstESPN
(Via @GetUpESPN ) pic.twitter.com/YFXPJQfuM4
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 11, 2024
LeBron James is turning 40 in two weeks. He has shown no interest in leaving Los Angeles so far. At the same time, he and Steph Curry have talked on numerous occasions about their desire to play together before the end of their careers.
A trade to Golden State would not only allow LeBron to play alongside Curry, but it would also give him a chance to win another ring on a true championship contender.
The Warriors are 14-9 for the season and have a deep and talented roster with a championship-proven head coach in Steve Kerr.
The Lakers are not trading LeBron James unless the King himself requests to be moved. Any trade would presumably be approved by James, but it is safe to say that he would be more than happy to play with the Warriors.
Golden State has plenty of assets that the Lakers could be interested in. Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, and Moses Moody are intriguing young players that the Lakers could make the center of their rebuild. Additional draft capital and salary-matching players like Andrew Wiggins will need to be included in the trade.
It is probably too early to be talking about trade packages for LeBron James, but it is a reality that Lakers fans may need to start thinking about.
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