LeBron to Brooklyn: Would You Do It?

[Landsberger]

I get that nobody wants Simmons back for LeBron, but be realistic about what the return would actually be...
The reality is Jeanie is never going to entertain a LeBron trade, so these ideas are all just comedy anyway...

Addition by subtraction in the larger picture.

The larger issue with the Lakers is the desperation by which they make moves.

We got an * chip.... time to move on and rebuild. The problem is the rebuild needs to start at the ownership level.

[Godfather13]

Hello, Laker Nation. This Nets fan comes in peace.

I think that Brooklyn might be a particularly well positioned suitor, IF the Lakers chose to shop James. Since we owe HOU many of our future picks, we have incentive to be competitive. We're planning on a big FA pursuit in the summer of 2025, so a 1-year deal with King James wouldn't alter that plan. If anything, it could re-legitimize Brooklyn as a destination for stars.

Now, this trade pre-supposes that LAL and LeBron do not come to terms on an extension, AND that LBJ decides to opt into his deal, perhaps seeing the few options on the open market.

Would you do this deal?

Simmons/Thomas/Sharpe for James/Russell/Hayes

The Nets become a short-run upstart in the East.
Russell, Bridges, James, Johnson, [Claxton]
Schroeder, Whitehead, Wilson, Clowney, Hayes


The Lakers pivot away from LeBron entering his age-39 year, with younger pieces and future flexibility. Cam is a lethal scorer, while Day'Ron is an elite rebounder and post defender, giving AD a break from banging down low. Simmons is no Lebron clone, but if Ben can stay on the court, he gives you a point forward option a la Kyle Anderson.
Thomas, Reaves, Hachimura, Simmons, Davis
Vincent, Hood-Schifino, Lewis, Vanderbilt, Sharpe

Few notes -

- Lebron would have an unsaid no-trade clause if/when he chooses to move somewhere. He hasn't done it in 21 years, so it's hard to see why it would start now. Maybe, cos he makes 5 mil extra per year and gets to sign the max 2+1 year extension only via the Lakers. If he did agree, you wouldn't have to give up more than a FRP for him, certainly not Cam Thomas.

- It's a great idea. The Lebron fit with a wrotting Lakers franchise has been embarrassing. Lakers needed to start a rebuild like 8 years ago, but the jersey sales with Lebron probably just hit different. And Lebron needs to go to any of the 25 other franchises that might perhaps enjoy the idea of winning more than PR.

- From the Lakers angle though, I think they'd much rather deal with someone like OKC or Spurs, cos of those teams' ability to take on salary. So perhaps you'd be dumping Ben's money with a pick to one of those franchises, while simply absorbing Bron. Lakers get some cap space to shop for younger free agent talent. Nobody of note essentially, but definitely some FAs their teams don't value enough that can get overpaid in LA.

And rebuilding might mean Jeanie has to let go of her numbskulls and hire an actual Front Office. Lakers just need to hit rock bottom - 5-10 more years of peripheral all stars like Aldridge snubbing interviews and KD laughing at the very idea of it all, for Jeanie to maybe realize that her dad built the franchise on the back of relentless winning, not penny pinching.