Despite the February deadline being two months away, the New York Knicks have been urged to pursue LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers. James was linked to trade rumors in the offseason after he opted into the final year of his contract.
In his first appearance in a podcast since leaving ESPN in June 2023, Max Kellerman wanted the Knicks to go after James, if possible. Kellerman suggested a straight-up trade of OG Anunoby to the Lakers in exchange for “The King” on The Bill Simmons Podcast.
“I think the Knicks trade that makes all the sense in the world for both parties, OG for LeBron,” Kellerman said.
However, Simmons immediately turned it down because the Knicks are over the first apron and are not allowed to aggregate salaries to make a trade. James is earning $52.6 million, while Anunoby’s salary this season is just $39.6 million.
James also has a no-trade clause and would need to waive it first if the Lakers want to sent him away somewhere.
Why LeBron James to New York?
While LeBron James to New York is next to impossible, Max Kellerman did explain why he thought the soon-to-be 41-year-old superstar is perfect for the Knicks.
“Think of him like super Draymond Green on offense for the Knicks. He’s becomes the pick and roll partner for Jalen Brunson, and you can play five out with him even if Mitchell Robinson‘s in. For high-leverage moments, if you can keep him healthy and he’s doing much less,” Kellerman said.
Simmons agreed that the Knicks would benefit from having James in high-pressure situations, especially in the playoffs. He might not be the defender he used to be, but he could still be in spurts, which is what New York would need if they want to win their first championship since 1973.
Kellerman and Simmons thought that the current Knicks roster should be good enough to make the NBA Finals, but they don’t see them challenging the Oklahoma City Thunder.
LeBron James Feeling Old
Father Time might finally be catching up with LeBron James, who admittedly felt old after getting ruled out on the first set of their back-to-back against the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday.
James told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin the following the night after their loss to the Phoenix Suns why he had to sit out the Pelicans game.
“It’s called old. You get it, you understand. You just wake up with s— that you didn’t have the night before,” James said.
“The King” will turn 41 years old on December 30, and he has started to show real signs of slowing down. He’s averaging 15.2 points, 4.0 rebounds and 7.2 assists in five games this season.
It’s the lowest of his career, and he’s already settling in as the third option on offense behind Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. He still brings a lot to the table, but he’s also coming off a sciatica injury in the offseason.
His streak of scoring at least 10 points per game is in real jeopardy, and he’s no longer eligible for any awards this season after missing his 16th game of the campaign.
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