NBA Trade Idea Sends LeBron James From Lakers To Spurs

A new NBA trade idea, involving the Los Angeles Lakers trading LeBron James to the San Antonio Spurs, has been proposed. 

Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report proposed the following trade idea between the Lakers and Spurs:

San Antonio Spurs Acquire: LeBron James

Los Angeles Lakers Acquire: Keldon Johnson, Harrison Barnes, Jeremy Sochan, 2027 first-round pick (via ATL)

This trade idea pairs James with Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox. 

“If this is merely a one-season rental after which James hits free agency and leaves, the price the Spurs are paying is still probably worth it,” Hughes wrote. “The value of James’ mentorship could be massive for Wembanyama, whose game and demeanor make him far more complementary to LeBron than Luka Dončić is in Los Angeles.

“From James’ perspective, there’s a strong case to be made that Wemby will outperform Dončić in the upcoming season and every one after it. If it’s a title shot LeBron craves, the Spurs might actually be better positioned to give him one than L.A., which just allowed key starter Dorian Finney-Smith to leave for nothing in free agency.”

Buzz about James requesting a trade from the Lakers heated up after his agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group, issued the following statement to NBA insider Shams Charania of ESPN after LeBron picked up his 2025-26 player option with Los Angeles:

“LeBron wants to compete for a championship. He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we’ve had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.

“We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future. We do want to evaluate what’s best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career. He wants to make every season he has left count, and the Lakers understand that, are supportive and want what’s best for him.”

James turns 41 next season. He averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 8.2 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.6 blocks for the Lakers last season and made the All-NBA Second Team. 

Los Angeles lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the 2025 playoffs in five games. James, a four-time champion, hasn’t been to the NBA Finals since 2020. 

The Spurs would likely be a title contender with James, Wembanyama and Fox leading the way next season. It will be fascinating to see if LeBron asks out of Los Angeles this offseason or remains with the purple and gold.