Golden State Warriors Shock The NBA By Acquiring Lakers Superstar LeBron James In Blockbuster Trade Proposal

LeBron James and Stephen Curry talking after game.
LeBron James and Stephen Curry (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

A blockbuster trade proposal has the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors agreeing to a historic deal involving 40-year-old superstar LeBron James.

Just after midnight on Sunday, the Lakers and Dallas Mavericks stunned the world by agreeing to a jaw-dropping blockbuster involving Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis. The three-team trade — also involving the Utah Jazz — saw the Mavs send their franchise star to Los Angeles, with Davis heading to Dallas.

There’s no indicator that LeBron James and the Lakers want to end their successful partnership, but Sunday’s unexpected transaction is a reminder that there are no untouchables in the NBA.

The Lakers now have their long-term franchise face in place for the post-LeBron years. But what if the Purple and Gold decided to break the internet again by trading another Hall of Famer to a conference rival?

Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus proposed a massive trade idea that has the Lakers trading LeBron James, Bronny James, Christian Wood and Cam Reddish to the Warriors in exchange for Jonathan Kuminga, Buddy Field, Kevon Looney, Dennis Schröder, Gary Payton II, Kyle Anderson and a first-round pick:

“The Lakers may not have the best team in the West, but this would be a better squad to surround Dončić with. Only Hield and Anderson have salaries beyond the season, but they’re at team-friendly figures. L.A. gets a first-round pick in June (and any other considerations it can add beyond the suggested deal). And if some pieces don’t fit perfectly, the Lakers can try to add in a third team.

It’s entirely up to James, who can block any trade this week or over the summer if he opts in. San Francisco is a short flight away from Los Angeles, and he’ll gain the opportunity to finish his career alongside the greatest shooter in NBA history (and with his son).”

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As crazy as a James-to-Warriors scenario sounds, Pincus’ proposal actually makes sense for both sides here. Going to Golden State would give LeBron a better chance to win a fifth ring in the short term, while the Lakers would get significant assets to rebuild their roster around Doncic.

It’s highly unlikely, but crazier things have happened (see the Doncic trade three nights ago).

LeBron James Can Opt Out Again In The Summer

The four-time NBA champion signed a two-year extension last season that included a no-trade clause, but the second year of the deal carries a player option. So if James wants to leave the Lakers, he can do so and consider free agency for the fourth time in his career.