With the Los Angeles Lakers once again failing to reach the NBA Finals, there’s been nonstop speculation about LeBron James’ future. However, James’ decision may ultimately come down to what happens from now until free agency. More to the point, if the Lakers aren’t able to swing a trade for a star or if they make a head-scratching head coach hire, it may not even matter if they draft his son.
That said, a handful of teams could entice James to join them this offseason.
Knicks Can Build Big 3 with LeBron James
The Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, and Philadelphia 76ers all have as much of a chance to make a deep playoff run as the Lakers. Golden State may not be a feasible destination unless the Warriors are willing to trade Jonathan Kuminga. At this juncture, that seems unlikely. Philadelphia presents an interesting scenario for James, though concerns about Joel Embiid’s injury history could make him hesitant to sign.
However, if New York can get Rich Paul on the horn, all they might have to do from there is get Los Angeles on a three-way. A sign-and-trade sending James to the Knicks may be the best move for all parties.
Here’s what the deal would look like:
Lakers receive — Bojan Bogdanovic, Mitchell Robinson, Miles McBride, Jericho Sims, two 2024 first-round picks, cash
Knicks receive — LeBron James
For the Lakers
For the Lakers, making this deal first requires acceptance. L.A. doesn’t have to help get James to the Knicks but if that’s where he wants to go, who are they to stop him. He’s played for the Lakers for six seasons, giving them everything he has. He delivered their first championship in a decade.
Of course, if James really wants to put pressure on L.A. to make the move, he has to at least feign interest in signing with the Philadelphia 76ers. Projected to have $55.5 million in cap space this offseason, the Sixers are the only championship-contender that can sign him to a max contract outright. That said, James’ recent praise of Sixers guard Tyrese Maxey lends itself to that cause.
In any case, once this acquiescence takes place, L.A. can appreciate their haul for James. Bojan Bogdanovic has averaged 18.3 points per game on 40.3 percent shooting from 3 over the past six seasons. Mitchell Robinson, a true 7-footer, has a career average of 1.9 blocks per game. Miles McBride and Jericho Sims have tremendous defensive upside. Indeed, McBride had a career season in 2023-24, averaging 8.3 points per game on 41.0 percent shooting from 3. Getting two first-round picks on top of all is a solid haul. Especially for a player that will retire soon.
Of course, anyone would rather have James. Nonetheless, that quartet of players and the additional draft capital is better than nothing. Nothing is what the Lakers will have if James leaves for the Sixers.
For the Knicks
Jalen Brunson has been on a tear since arriving in New York. Julius Randle has been a tough guard. Together, they form one of the best scoring duos in the league, averaging 52.7 points per game combined in 2023-24. However, they’re neither can be completely relied upon.
In Brunson’s case, the issue isn’t that he’s too small to be the best player on a championship team. The problem is that he takes a heavy diet of tough shots. When he’s the only volume scorer available, his performances fall in one of two categories: eyebrow-raising or eyesore.
Fortunately for Brunson and the Knicks, Randle’s injury-ravaged 2023-24 campaign was an anomaly. While limited to 46 games in 2023-24, he played at least 71 games in seven of the eight previous seasons. However, he too is plagued by poor shot-selection and inconsistent ball-movement.
With James’ arrival, the Knicks aren’t just getting a four-time NBA champion, four-time MVP, and 20-time All-Star. They aren’t just getting the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. They’re getting a player who will teach them the right way to play basketball. Highlight-reel dunks aside, there are two things that James is known for on offense: playmaking and efficiency. That makes him all but the antithesis of Brunson or Randle, who can score efficiently and facilitate at a high rate but don’t do it quite often enough.
Of course, James isn’t just there to impart lessons or help build a winning culture. He’s also there to make a difference on the floor. Averaging 25.7 points, 8.3 assists, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game in 2023-24, he’ll have the largest all-around impact.
As James turns 40 years old in December, there’s no telling when the wheels will fall off. That’s one reason why joining forces with scorers like Brunson and Randle benefits him. Nonetheless, due to his size, skill and basketball IQ, if he does decline he should be able to do it gracefully.
Until then, with a Big 3 of James, Brunson, and Randle, the Knicks may be the toughest team to beat in the East. They’ll still have Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo, who have enhanced their chemistry as much as their defense. Re-signing OG Anunoby will bring back their primary wing defender. Speaking of defense, Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau is one of the best in the league.
None of that guarantees the Knicks will win their first championship since 1973. However, considering what they’re doing without James (or Randle) this postseason, it’ll certainly be possible.
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