Since Luka Doncic’s return to the hardwood, the Los Angeles Lakers have won two consecutive games, improving their record to 5-2 on the year.
However, questions remain about the organization’s ability to win a championship with its current roster configuration.
An 11-year NBA veteran is among the Lakers’ most prominent critics, as he believes the franchise would be better served building around Doncic and trading his superstar teammate.
“I would like to move off from this guy and, first off, I’m talking about LeBron,” Austin Rivers said on his Off Guard with Austin Rivers podcast last Tuesday. “I think LeBron James is arguably one of the best players of all time. We don’t need to run through the resume.”
“I think at this point in his career, he’s still an unbelievable talent. Look at the numbers, they speak for themselves. I think for him to continue to do these things, he has to have the ball in his hands a lot."
"I don’t know if you’ve watched Luka (Doncic), I want the ball in that guy’s hands. I’m building for the future. Luka is still relatively young; he’s arguably in his prime now. This is the best I’ve ever seen him look.”
“LeBron has a few years on his deal. The business he brings in, the money, everything he brings in, I’m sure you could get two to three good players, young players for LeBron James.”
This isn’t the first time an analyst/journalist has suggested that the Lakers cut ties with their 40-year-old standout forward.
When Los Angeles acquired Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks in February, it was clear that the organization was planning for the future.
James is not only out of his prime but near retirement, making him the odd man out in Los Angeles and Doncic the main priority. To Rivers’ point, James unquestionably has a high enough trade value to help the Lakers land a valuable asset or two in a blockbuster deal centered around the 21-time All-Star.
The franchise can’t drag its feet on a potential in-season transaction, though, as the 2025-26 trade deadline is Feb. 5.
James, who hasn’t stepped foot on the hardwood this year due to sciatica, could finish the season with a different franchise if the Lakers execute Rivers’ plan.
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