The Los Angeles Lakers have been in the midst of a tough streak over the past few weeks. After a strong start to the new season, Los Angeles has fallen back down to earth in terms of contention.
This has led many to believe that the Lakers will be very active at the upcoming trade deadline as the team searches for another title run. But recent rumors have also led some to believe that Los Angeles could pull a drastic measure and trade superstar LeBron James.
Of course, James wouldn’t be moved unless he asked for a trade. There have been a few teams mentioned if the four-time MVP were to become available via trade.
The Golden State Warriors have been the most heavily linked squad, but other teams could get involved. James would likely have full say in where he was traded, with Los Angeles helping him in the process.
One anonymous NBA executive spoke with Steve Bulpett of Heavy.com about the possibility of James landing with the Sacramento Kings.
“The one place that I don’t hear a lot of talk about with LeBron is Sacramento,” he said. “He could change them, and they might have the kind assets to make a trade work. They have a lot of young talent, and because they’re a small market, they haven’t spent like drunken sailors. They have some draft picks a young talent. If they could get to the salary, LeBron would take (De’Aron) Fox and (Domantas) Sabonis and elevate the hell out of them — particularly Fox. With that threesome, those guys could be a force.”
Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images
James landing with the Kings would be interesting for multiple reasons. On the one hand, Sacramento is a direct rival of the Lakers and Los Angeles could be hesitant to deal him there.
But the team could also be one player away from truly contending for a title. James could be the missing piece and linking up with De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis could be intriguing.
Sacramento does have a few young players and draft picks that could entice the Laers into making a deal. Even if James asks out, the Lakers will still want to receive a haul for his services, wherever he is traded.
At this point, it’s unlikely that the Lakers will trade James, as he has made no indication he wants to be moved. In all likelihood, Los Angeles will try to revamp the team around James and co-star Anthony Davis in search of another NBA title.
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