The proposed trade would send Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James to the San Antonio Spurs in exchange for Keldon Johnson, Harrison Barnes, Jeremy Sochan, and a 2027 first-round pick (via Atlanta).
LeBron James is no longer the centerpiece of the Los Angeles Lakers franchise. With the roster now being built around Luka Doncic, James' role has shifted.
LeBron James
LeBron James
LeBron James
MIN: 35.31
PTS: 24.49 (56.91%)
REB: 7.88
As: 8.04
ST: 1.07
BL: 0.64
TO: 3.64
GM: 75
He recently picked up his $52.6 million player option, positioning himself for unrestricted free agency in 2026. As a result, the likelihood of a trade is higher than it's been in years.
With LeBron and the Lakers reportedly "not in the best place," Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report floated a trade scenario that would send the 40-year-old NBA icon to the San Antonio Spurs.
San Antonio Spurs receive:
LeBron James
Los Angeles Lakers receive:
Keldon Johnson
Harrison Barnes
Jeremy Sochan
2027 first-round pick (via Atlanta)
Hughes explains, "If this is merely a one-season rental after which James hits free agency and leaves, the price the Spurs are paying is still probably worth it.
"The value of James' mentorship could be massive for Wembanyama, whose game and demeanor make him far more complementary to LeBron than Luka Doncic is in Los Angeles."
Hughes also suggests that, from LeBron's perspective, there's a strong case that Victor Wembanyama could outperform Doncic next season—and in every season after that.
Credit Getty Images via AFP - Scanpix
If James is chasing one more title, the Spurs might be better positioned to help him get it than the LA Lakers, who just let key starter Dorian Finney-Smith leave for nothing in free agency.
For the Lakers, the trade would provide much-needed wing depth. While L.A. might push for additional draft assets, the Spurs could hold firm—knowing few other teams can match their offer of quality rotation players with minimal long-term salary commitments.
That said, it's worth noting that multiple reports suggest San Antonio's top target this summer remains Giannis Antetokounmpo.
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