The Los Angeles Lakers are facing a pivotal offseason. With roster moves looming and their future direction in question, a bold trade proposal from Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz could shift the franchise’s trajectory in dramatic fashion — sending LeBron James and Bronny James back to Cleveland.
Lakers Could Reset Around Luka With Garland
The proposed three-team deal would ship out the James duo and bring in Darius Garland, the $193 million All-Star once viewed as a franchise cornerstone in Cleveland. The full trade would look like this:
Cavaliers receive: LeBron James, Bronny James
Lakers receive: Darius Garland, De’Andre Hunter, Max Strus
Nets receive: Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, 2031 first-round pick (via Lakers)
For the Lakers, this is a future-facing move built around Luka Dončić, whom the team has reportedly made its top long-term priority. Garland, 25, is a dynamic scorer and playmaker who could slot in as a modern-day Kyrie Irving-style partner for Luka. De’Andre Hunter gives them a versatile wing defender. Max Strus provides much-needed spacing.
The outgoing pieces? LeBron James, Bronny James — and potentially an era.
LeBron Back to Cleveland?
Getty Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers and LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers wait for a free throw.
Swartz argues the Cavaliers would benefit on and off the court by bringing LeBron home one final time. Financially, the team ducks under the second luxury tax apron and gains about $5.6 million in cap flexibility. On the floor, LeBron would join Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen in a reloaded starting five with serious Eastern Conference firepower.
While Garland and Strus would be tough losses, Cleveland could elevate rotation players like Sam Merrill and lean on the depth of Larry Nance Jr., Dean Wade, and Lonzo Ball.
Health and fit issues have loomed large in recent years — and this trade offers both clarity and upside.
Big Risk, Bigger Statement
For the Lakers, this is a franchise-defining swing. Moving on from LeBron is seismic. But the reality is clear. The team has been bounced in the first round in back-to-back years. LeBron is nearly 41. He’s on a massive contract and no longer the defensive anchor he once was.
This isn’t about blaming LeBron. It’s about building a team that can win in Luka’s window.
If Garland recaptures his All-Star form, and Hunter stays healthy, the Lakers will have a dynamic new core. Add Strus’ shooting and versatility, and this group might not just survive the transition. They could thrive.
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