The Los Angeles Lakers could move on from a four-time NBA champion via a blockbuster trade to the New York Knicks.
Considering the Los Angeles Lakers are among the most popular franchises in the NBA, it is understandable why their offseason storylines have been at the forefront of various conversations.
The franchise has bolstered its roster since the end of the 2024-25 season, but lingering questions remain surrounding its 40-year-old star.
Although LeBron James is still a Laker, recent trade rumors suggest he could be competing with a different organization in the 2025-26 season.
A day after James’ son’s Summer League dud (Bronny recorded two points on 20% field goal shooting against the San Antonio Spurs), Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale predicted the Lakers would trade the 21-time All-Star to the New York Knicks.
“Straight-up swapping Towns for LeBron would make the Knicks a lot older,” Favale wrote Wednesday. So be it. New York still needs another ball-handler to consistently lighten its dependence on Jalen Brunson. Jordan Clarkson moves the needle only so much.”
“Give team president Leon Rose truth serum, and he might even tell you he appreciates the flexibility that the expiring contract of a soon-to-be 41-year-old LeBron would give the Knicks over the three seasons and $171.2 million owed to Towns.”
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“The Lakers would wave bye-bye to their 2027 cap-space plan with Towns in the fold, but there's no guarantee that they'll sign or trade for anyone who's actively better than him. Plus, he will be an expiring contract that summer. Moving him for value or as part of a larger deal would absolutely be on the table.”
Oddly enough, the idea of James landing with the Knicks is more reasonable than ever after New York’s recent coaching move.
The franchise recently hired James’ former Cleveland Cavaliers head coach, Mike Brown, shortly after relieving Tom Thibodeau of his duties after five seasons.
Brown helped maximize James’ potential and prepare him for the next leg of his career with the star-studded Miami Heat.
It also helps that the 55-year-old has won four championships as an assistant and would have more than enough talent to help a James-led Knicks team reach the promised land following their Eastern Conference Finals run.
If James and the Lakers don’t squash the idea of both parties parting ways this summer, it’ll be safe to say that Favale’s trade concept centered around James won’t be the last.
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Category: Basketball
