Blockbuster Trade Pitch Sends LeBron Back to Cavs for 2 Stars

LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers shows appreciation to fans during a tribute video in the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2023. After hinting at possibly demanding a trade if the Lakers fail to improve the roster to become a championship contender, LeBron James could have the authority to decide his landing spot and likely end his career with his no-trade clause.

Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor could think of just one team that might offer James a storybook conclusion to his eventual Hall of Fame career: a return to Cleveland, where his journey began.

The Cavaliers were a 64-win team last season but faltered in the playoffs. James could come back and ideally propel them to one last championship run, completing the circle. However, executing this would be challenging, starting with the complex nature of the trade setup.

Nevertheless, O’Connor encouraged the Cavaliers to go all-in for James.

“LeBron James to the Cavaliers would entail coming under the second salary cap threshold, which would necessitate losing Jarrett Allen, Darius Garland, and a third player: likely Max Strus,” O’Connor posted on X. “It involves a lot to trade for a player who might not elevate the team over the top and might only play one more season.”

Is it time to split the Darius Garland-Donovan Mitchell pair?

O’Connor’s proposal is akin to hitting two targets for the Cavaliers, who haven’t advanced past the second round with their current core led by the small backcourt of Donovan Mitchell and Garland despite changes in coaching.

The Cavaliers have already attempted to break apart the Mitchell-Garland duo by offering Garland in their unsuccessful attempt to acquire Kevin Durant, O’Connor reported earlier.

Exchanging Garland and Allen for James is an obvious choice, though they are much younger than the nearly 41-year-old Lakers star.

“On the other hand, Allen has struggled in the playoffs, and Garland is a small guard,” O’Connor noted. “Could trading them also be a subtle salary clearance for Cleveland? Then, whenever LeBron retires, the management could have the cap flexibility to build around Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley with players who fit better than Allen and Garland. So, in an unusual manner, adding LeBron could enhance their immediate title prospects while also aiding their long-term plans.

“It’d be a complicated trade. At least a third team would need involvement. A lot would need to be sent out. But if the opportunity arises, the Cavs should go all-in for LeBron.”

Pressure on Lakers to Assemble Championship Roster

James heightens pressure on the Lakers’ front office following Rich Paul’s comments explaining his top client’s choice to opt in rather than opt out as usual and sign a new one-plus-one contract.

“LeBron wants to vie for a championship,” Paul told ESPN. “He recognizes the Lakers are planning for the future. He realizes that but values a real chance of winning it all. We are deeply appreciative of the partnership that we’ve had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and regard the Lakers as a significant part of his career.”

It sounded like a “Thank you” and “Goodbye” message.

“We grasp the difficulty in winning now while planning for the future,” Paul added. “We do want to assess what’s best for LeBron at this juncture in his life and career. He desires to make every remaining season meaningful, and the Lakers understand that, are supportive, and want the best for him.”

ESPN’s senior NBA insider Shams Charania later commented that James is “uncertain about the Lakers roster going forward.”

With the Lakers lacking draft capital and salary cap space, it’s hard to visualize them becoming significantly better next season.

“LeBron James clearly has the mindset of wanting to vie for a championship, and he will be closely monitoring whether the Lakers make moves that place them in a position to seriously compete in that renowned Western Conference,” Charania continued. “And if not, where those conversations lead becomes a key part of the Lakers offseason narrative.”