The Los Angeles Lakers are at a crossroads.
With LeBron James entering the final year of his contract and battling a lingering sciatica injury, questions are mounting about whether the franchise might explore a midseason trade — and who could fill the void if it happens.
On The Kevin O’Connor Show, Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor and ESPN’s Bobby Marks pegged the New York Knicks as the leading candidate if the Lakers move their superstar before the February 2026 trade deadline.
“If he were to be traded midseason, the Knicks make sense for salary purposes, for roster fit purposes, for what they could desire — what they feel like they might need to take a leap,” O’Connor said.
Bobby Marks: Salary Mechanics Narrow the Field
Marks outlined how the NBA’s new CBA second-apron rules would limit options if LeBron pushed for a buyout.
“If he ever said, ‘I want to be bought out,’ we basically eliminate all the apron teams,” Marks said. “So we eliminate the Clevelands, the Dallas’s, the Golden States. But in a straight trade, I’d lean toward New York. They have contracts — the [Karl-Anthony] Towns number, or OG [Anunoby] and [Mikal] Bridges — that could make something work.”
The Knicks’ combination of tradeable salaries and playoff-ready talent gives them a flexibility few teams can match — though any move remains speculative.
Lakers Searching for a Championship-Level Wing
Even if LeBron stays, the Lakers are quietly evaluating ways to raise their championship ceiling, the reason they were heavily linked to Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins this past summer.
Front-office discussions have centered around finding a two-way wing capable of anchoring perimeter defense while complementing Luka Dončić, who recently signed a three-year, $165 million extension as the Lakers’ new franchise cornerstone.
The Knicks have both Anunoby or Bridges — the very players tied to Knicks trade rumors — who fit the profile.
Both fit the Lakers’ needs: defensive versatility, shooting, and playoff poise. Should LeBron remain in Los Angeles through midseason, the team could pivot toward acquiring that type of impact wing to maximize its title window.
LeBron’s Legacy at a Crossroads
At 40 and turning 41 in December, LeBron’s future is complicated. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, he’s expected to miss three to four weeks due to sciatica.
While he’s recovering, he will be closely monitoring the Lakers’ performance.
“LeBron’s gonna be watching while he’s out,” ESPN’s Dave McMenamin said on NBA Today. “If they’re struggling, that could lead to the next step — maybe he’s gonna have to go elsewhere to find that winning combination.”
Odds Still Favor Dallas, But Pressure Mounts in LA
While Bovada lists the Knicks fourth (+550), the Dallas Mavericks (-120) remain the favorite, followed by Cleveland (+350) and Golden State (+450).
If the Lakers falter during LeBron’s absence, the front office may be forced to choose between a blockbuster trade or doubling down on roster upgrades to stay in title contention.
For now, the focus remains clear: keep the Lakers competitive, identify the right wing partner for Dončić, and prepare for whatever LeBron decides next.
“He’s always said he wants to compete for a championship,” James’ agent Rich Paul told ESPN in June. “We just have to evaluate what’s best for him at this stage of his life and career.”
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