Despite apparent dissension between LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers, the 21-time All-Star has not requested a trade or a buyout from the franchise, according to The Athletic.
However, all that could change quickly if James feels the Lakers don’t present him with a chance to win his fifth NBA championship, which remains his top priority, as relayed multiple times by his agent, Rich Paul.
If James does request a trade, a reunion with the Miami Heat makes sense for both parties involved. Fadeaway World floated a Lakers trade that would see James return to South Beach in exchange for a sizeable haul of players and draft assets.
Heat would receive: LeBron James
Lakers would receive: Andrew Wiggins, Terry Rozier, Jaime Jaquez Jr., 2028 first-round pick (unprotected)
How the Trade Helps Lakers
While Andrew Wiggins, a former NBA champion and All-Star, would seamlessly slot into one of the wing spots, complementing the skill sets of Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic, Terry Rozier and Jaime Jaquez Jr. can provide scoring punch off the bench. Furthermore, the 2028 first-round pick could be invaluable for a Lakers team that is deprived of too many draft assets in the coming years.
“With James on the way out, Wiggins would become a vital addition in the starting frontcourt alongside Rui Hachimura and Deandre Ayton,” read the article. “Although he wouldn’t be as capable of a scoring threat as James, his perimeter shooting and defensive upside would have a lot of value.”
Furthermore, Jaquez Jr., whom the Heat deemed untouchable in trade talks for Kevin Durant, would provide youth and depth to the Lakers.
“Jaquez has been held in very high regard by the Heat organization for his potential. Although he only averaged 8.6 points and 4.4 rebounds for the team last season, Jaquez could be a high-value addition to the team as a bench player.”
Heat Inquired About James: Report
The Heat were among the four teams that contacted James’ agent, Rich Paul, about a potential trade, according to multiple insiders. During the NBA Summer League, Paul hinted to ESPN’s Shams Charania that he and his team are exploring all options.
“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” Paul told ESPN. “He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we’ve had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.
“We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future. We do want to evaluate what’s best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career. He wants to make every season he has left count, and the Lakers understand that, are supportive and want what’s best for him.”
According to ClutchPoints’ Anthony Irwin, at least three teams are closely monitoring the James-Lakers situation.
“Sources say the Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks and New York Knicks are among the teams waiting for such an end to the James-Lakers relationship,” he wrote on July 16.
“Easily the likeliest outcome to all this is James reluctantly staying with the Lakers and once again trying to make the most out of a clearly deficient roster while they wait for him to retire.”
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