NBA Bracing for Massive Shake-Up Involving Kawhi Leonard, LeBron James, and Giannis Antetokounmpo

Either LeBron or Giannis was heavily rumored to join the Golden State Warriors after this season. The Dubs nearly went all in on their trade package in February for Giannis before backing down in the last minute. That scenario will certainly be visited again in the summer.

As for Kawhi, it’s quite murky where he’ll land. He is still under contract with the Clippers until 2027. However, his contract could be voided by the league if he is found guilty of his shady off-court deal with Aspiration.

LeBron James Bracing For A Tough Playoff Battle Sans With Two Of His Co-Stars

Of the three superstars, LeBron James has the highest chance to add another title to his resume this season. However, he’ll have to do it without two of his co-stars, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, at least in the first round of the playoffs. Safe to say he thinks about his backcourt mates in LA and what could have been if they’d both been healthy.

“This current iteration of the group is all we have right now,” LeBron James said. “But… we’re still thinking about Luka… that’s just human nature.”

“In the back of our minds, front of our minds, and side, we’re still thinking about Luka and AR. Those guys mean so much to our team,” he added. “We’re not just going to be like, ‘OK, move on.’ That’s not how we built this.”

There’s a chance that Doncic comes back sooner, perhaps in the middle of LA’s seven-game series against the Houston Rockets. But as for Reaves, the Lakers might not see him play until the first or second week of May. And that’s assuming that the Lakers miraculously survive their series against the Rockets.