Stephen A. Smith makes proposal to LeBron James

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Stephen A. Smith makes big proposal to LeBron James

By Ethan Scott | Last updated 2/2/24

Is a LeBron James trade on the horizon?

Rumors are swirling around the NBA about the potential for a blockbuster trade involving Los Angeles Lakers superstar James. Davis Pingalore of KTLA in Los Angeles reported Thursday night that James is at "the top" of the Lakers' trade list.

"[Lakers GM Rob] Pelinka is looking for the right team to dance and is close to a suitor," Pingalore wrote on X. One prominent personality in sports media then took the rumor and ran with it.

"I'm going to make a proposal to LeBron James to virtually guarantee him a trip to the NBA Finals if not a championship," ESPN's Stephen A. Smith said Friday morning on "First Take." "Get traded to the New York Knicks."

.@stephenasmith makes a BIG proposal to LeBron

"If LeBron James wants to put himself in position to win a championship, get traded to the New York Knicks." pic.twitter.com/zosIyXg0s0
— First Take (@FirstTake) February 2, 2024

This speculation might be more of a fantasy and wishful thinking by Smith, a longtime Knicks fan. James' agent, Rich Paul, publicly denounced any trade possibilities Friday morning.

"LeBron won't be traded, and we aren't asking to be," Paul said per ESPN's Brian Windhorst.

Yet, the concept remains compelling and would potentially give James a superior opportunity to win his fifth NBA championship compared to his current prospects with the Lakers.

The idea of James donning a New York Knicks (32-17) jersey and joining forces with Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle is tantalizing. Such a move would undoubtedly send shockwaves throughout the NBA and shift the landscape, firmly positioning the Knicks as a formidable championship contender.

This powerhouse trio – bolstered by New York's depth, defensive prowess and leadership of Tom Thibodeau – would elevate the team to elite status, rivaling even the Boston Celtics (37-12) in the Eastern Conference hierarchy, something which the Celtics currently have an iron grip on.

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