Lebron future question

Moderators: MoneyTalks41890, HartfordWhalers, Texas Chuck, BullyKing, Andre Roberstan, loserX, Trader_Joe, Mamba4Goat, pacers33granger

Astaluego
Starter
Posts: 2,394
And1: 907
Joined: May 02, 2020
   

Lebron future question 

Post#1 » by Astaluego » Thu Feb 20, 2025 8:01 am

I understand that this is baseless nonsense at this point in the season and above all that a legendary player like Lebron transcends pure basketball motives and will do what he wants, will he prioritize his life in LA over winning at basketball?
Would a guy like Bronn who is extremely ambitious and competitive want one last dance..? If that is his ambition, the LAKERS are probably not the best place, his fit with Luka (yes, I know it's very early) is less than ideal, they are redundant and do not complement each other at all... similar in virtues and defects...
I'm sure this half season with Lebron can be invaluable for Luka, since he could learn a lot about leadership, conditioning etc... but I think they have to separate their paths from there, if they want to maximize themselves (especially time is running out for Lebron)..
I would love to know what you think about this (the opinion of the board, it gives me clarity)... So which team would Lebron be interested in going to? I
Is this a pipe dream and he is not going anywhere?
What would be the current value, for maybe 1 or 2 seasons?
I personally can only think of 3 destinations that could make sense for him. The WARRIORS?..
I think that ship sailed with the Butler trade but... The CAVS? Back home, for one last run..
And my favorite The MAVS..? I
Ironically, his fit on the court would be perfect, he would give the Mavs much of what they lost with Luka, there are his 2 good friends and former teammates with whom he was a champion, he also has a relationship with the coach and it would definitely help with the terrible view that people in general have of the Mavs office...

Thoughts?

How would the trade be if it happens..?
Old Mike Lorenzo
giberish
RealGM
Posts: 17,408
And1: 7,156
Joined: Mar 30, 2006
Location: Whereever you go - there you are

Re: Lebron future question 

Post#2 » by giberish » Thu Feb 20, 2025 8:51 am

It looks like he really wants to stay in LA.

I'd also add that a 41 yo LeBron making 35% money isn't that great of an asset for a title contender. Based strictly on on-court play he'll be overpaid (perhaps by a significant amount depending on how much he declines with another year). Obviously he's got a ton of off-court value but that's less important for a title contender (who are hoping to increase the medium and long-term franchise esteem by winning a title).
ReggiesKnicks
Veteran
Posts: 2,747
And1: 2,269
Joined: Jan 25, 2025
   

Re: Lebron future question 

Post#3 » by ReggiesKnicks » Thu Feb 20, 2025 2:55 pm

LeBron moved to LA in 2019 because he prioritized all aspects of life. He isn't going to leave LA 7 years later and a shell of himself as a basketball player.
Apz
Head Coach
Posts: 6,754
And1: 2,494
Joined: Jan 18, 2019
 

Re: Lebron future question 

Post#4 » by Apz » Thu Feb 20, 2025 3:31 pm

I think lebron stays and luka leaves this summer. Dont think he want anything to do with anyone involved in the trade, just doesnt seem to enjoy playing atm, no joy in the game. So luka forces his way to spurs, and lebron get to still run lakers
Stanq
Senior
Posts: 519
And1: 515
Joined: Jun 23, 2016
 

Re: Lebron future question 

Post#5 » by Stanq » Fri Feb 21, 2025 12:34 pm

There is no evidence that LeBron and Luka on the same team are redundant. LeBron is an amazing player off ball, often asks for a starting PG since 2020 (and also did that in his 2nd Cavs stint). Both players have raved about playing together. The fit with Kyrie, who is much more ball dominant and ISO player got them to the finals, imagine what he can do with LeBron after acclimating.

LeBron will also not ring chase in the final years of his career. He will do his best to force the Lakers into being competitive - and I think the Lakers already feel some of this pressure with Doncic just to re-sign him. The only other scenario I can see for him is going back to Cleveland for one final year, in case the Cavs can't get over the hump this year (or this and next) and he comes back for one final championship with a squad that is only missing a leader.
User avatar
MasterIchiro
RealGM
Posts: 21,388
And1: 6,845
Joined: Jan 18, 2013
Location: The Dirty Water
       

Re: Lebron future question 

Post#6 » by MasterIchiro » Fri Feb 21, 2025 1:28 pm

LeBron is not going to forfeit 52.6 million dollars over a ring.

$ is numero uno.

But after he plays out next season, I think we will see him sign cheaply in Cleveland to chase a couple rings as a Udonis Haslem. Long shelf-life.

He definitely wants to add rings to his legacy given MJ is 6-0 in the NBA Finals, and seen universally as a winner.

But money stands in the way of a premature exit.
It has been written...
kobe_vs_jordan
RealGM
Posts: 10,656
And1: 5,065
Joined: Jan 07, 2012
Location: Atl
   

Re: Lebron future question 

Post#7 » by kobe_vs_jordan » Fri Feb 21, 2025 3:31 pm

Apz wrote:I think lebron stays and luka leaves this summer. Dont think he want anything to do with anyone involved in the trade, just doesnt seem to enjoy playing atm, no joy in the game. So luka forces his way to spurs, and lebron get to still run lakers

If Luka wants to leave smarter for him sign extension first then force a trade. It's only his path to recover his super max money.
kobe_vs_jordan
RealGM
Posts: 10,656
And1: 5,065
Joined: Jan 07, 2012
Location: Atl
   

Re: Lebron future question 

Post#8 » by kobe_vs_jordan » Fri Feb 21, 2025 3:32 pm

MasterIchiro wrote:LeBron is not going to forfeit 52.6 million dollars over a ring.

$ is numero uno.

But after he plays out next season, I think we will see him sign cheaply in Cleveland to chase a couple rings as a Udonis Haslem. Long shelf-life.

He definitely wants to add rings to his legacy given MJ is 6-0 in the NBA Finals, and seen universally as a winner.

But money stands in the way of a premature exit.

If he want to chase rings he signs cheap with Denver or OKC IMO
kobe_vs_jordan
RealGM
Posts: 10,656
And1: 5,065
Joined: Jan 07, 2012
Location: Atl
   

Re: Lebron future question 

Post#9 » by kobe_vs_jordan » Fri Feb 21, 2025 3:33 pm

Trade wise, which contender could easily match his salary? I don't expect lakers to get assets in a LeBron trade but imagine they want expiring mostly
User avatar
MasterIchiro
RealGM
Posts: 21,388
And1: 6,845
Joined: Jan 18, 2013
Location: The Dirty Water
       

Re: Lebron future question 

Post#10 » by MasterIchiro » Fri Feb 21, 2025 7:51 pm

kobe_vs_jordan wrote:
MasterIchiro wrote:LeBron is not going to forfeit 52.6 million dollars over a ring.

$ is numero uno.

But after he plays out next season, I think we will see him sign cheaply in Cleveland to chase a couple rings as a Udonis Haslem. Long shelf-life.

He definitely wants to add rings to his legacy given MJ is 6-0 in the NBA Finals, and seen universally as a winner.

But money stands in the way of a premature exit.

If he want to chase rings he signs cheap with Denver or OKC IMO


I suspect his brand demands he look homebound, and will use Cleveland as a shield to blunt any appearances suggesting he's riding coat tails. But that's exactly what he will be doing. Just won't own up to it.
It has been written...
User avatar
zimpy27
Forum Mod
Forum Mod
Posts: 45,436
And1: 43,579
Joined: Jul 13, 2014

Re: Lebron future question 

Post#11 » by zimpy27 » Fri Feb 21, 2025 7:56 pm

He will stay with Luka.

Lakers team construction can work. Just need a C upgrade over Hayes.
"Let's play some basketball!" - Fergie
kobe_vs_jordan
RealGM
Posts: 10,656
And1: 5,065
Joined: Jan 07, 2012
Location: Atl
   

Re: Lebron future question 

Post#12 » by kobe_vs_jordan » Fri Feb 21, 2025 8:14 pm

MasterIchiro wrote:
kobe_vs_jordan wrote:
MasterIchiro wrote:LeBron is not going to forfeit 52.6 million dollars over a ring.

$ is numero uno.

But after he plays out next season, I think we will see him sign cheaply in Cleveland to chase a couple rings as a Udonis Haslem. Long shelf-life.

He definitely wants to add rings to his legacy given MJ is 6-0 in the NBA Finals, and seen universally as a winner.

But money stands in the way of a premature exit.

If he want to chase rings he signs cheap with Denver or OKC IMO


I suspect his brand demands he look homebound, and will use Cleveland as a shield to blunt any appearances suggesting he's riding coat tails. But that's exactly what he will be doing. Just won't own up to it.

Brand already takes a hit the day he doesn’t secure a max.
SlimShady83
RealGM
Posts: 14,551
And1: 4,395
Joined: Jun 19, 2012

Re: Lebron future question 

Post#13 » by SlimShady83 » Fri Feb 21, 2025 9:23 pm

zimpy27 wrote:He will stay with Luka.

Lakers team construction can work. Just need a C upgrade over Hayes.


What do you and others think about Deandre Ayton from Blazers?

I know his paid a lot and I'm not a huuuuge fan, but I think he needs a new team for motivation etc and him on Lakers playing with Luka/Bron would do wonders

Ayton as a starter and Hayes off the bench wouldn't mind It.

Ayton: $34m ... 26years ... 1year contract.
My Go Team
Magic, Jordan, Pippen, Duncan, Shaq

My Counter
Stockton, Kobe, Bird, Rodman, Dirk

Today's Team
Luka, SGA, Tatum, Giannis, Wemby
User avatar
Texas Chuck
Senior Mod - NBA TnT Forum
Senior Mod - NBA TnT Forum
Posts: 92,371
And1: 98,216
Joined: May 19, 2012
Location: Purgatory
   

Re: Lebron future question 

Post#14 » by Texas Chuck » Fri Feb 21, 2025 9:27 pm

I mean if anyone's brand needs no further burnishing its Lebron James. He has the best NBA resume of all-time and there really isn't a close 2nd. Only guy you can even possibly argue is Bill Russell.

I expect him to stay and retire a Laker, but no matter what he chooses to do his brand and legacy will be just fine.
ThunderBolt wrote:I’m going to let some of you in on a little secret I learned on realgm. If you don’t like a thread, not only do you not have to comment but you don’t even have to open it and read it. You’re welcome.
JRoy
RealGM
Posts: 16,535
And1: 13,893
Joined: Feb 27, 2019
 

Re: Lebron future question 

Post#15 » by JRoy » Fri Feb 21, 2025 9:28 pm

SlimShady83 wrote:
zimpy27 wrote:He will stay with Luka.

Lakers team construction can work. Just need a C upgrade over Hayes.


What do you and others think about Deandre Ayton from Blazers?

I know his paid a lot and I'm not a huuuuge fan, but I think he needs a new team for motivation etc and him on Lakers playing with Luka/Bron would do wonders

Ayton as a starter and Hayes off the bench wouldn't mind It.

Ayton: $34m ... 26years ... 1year contract.


Doubtful there is a deal that works for both sides.
Edrees wrote:
JRoy wrote:Monta Ellis have it all


I was hoping and expecting this to be one of the first replies. You did not disappoint. Jroy have it all.
SlimShady83
RealGM
Posts: 14,551
And1: 4,395
Joined: Jun 19, 2012

Re: Lebron future question 

Post#16 » by SlimShady83 » Fri Feb 21, 2025 9:32 pm

JRoy wrote:Doubtful there is a deal that works for both sides.


Thought you guys really wanted to get rid of him and almost for anything, because his contract Is too big etc??
My Go Team
Magic, Jordan, Pippen, Duncan, Shaq

My Counter
Stockton, Kobe, Bird, Rodman, Dirk

Today's Team
Luka, SGA, Tatum, Giannis, Wemby
User avatar
zimpy27
Forum Mod
Forum Mod
Posts: 45,436
And1: 43,579
Joined: Jul 13, 2014

Re: Lebron future question 

Post#17 » by zimpy27 » Fri Feb 21, 2025 9:36 pm

SlimShady83 wrote:
zimpy27 wrote:He will stay with Luka.

Lakers team construction can work. Just need a C upgrade over Hayes.


What do you and others think about Deandre Ayton from Blazers?

I know his paid a lot and I'm not a huuuuge fan, but I think he needs a new team for motivation etc and him on Lakers playing with Luka/Bron would do wonders

Ayton as a starter and Hayes off the bench wouldn't mind It.

Ayton: $34m ... 26years ... 1year contract.


I really like RW3, I think Lakers go for him.
"Let's play some basketball!" - Fergie
SlimShady83
RealGM
Posts: 14,551
And1: 4,395
Joined: Jun 19, 2012

Re: Lebron future question 

Post#18 » by SlimShady83 » Fri Feb 21, 2025 9:37 pm

zimpy27 wrote:
SlimShady83 wrote:
zimpy27 wrote:He will stay with Luka.

Lakers team construction can work. Just need a C upgrade over Hayes.


What do you and others think about Deandre Ayton from Blazers?

I know his paid a lot and I'm not a huuuuge fan, but I think he needs a new team for motivation etc and him on Lakers playing with Luka/Bron would do wonders

Ayton as a starter and Hayes off the bench wouldn't mind It.

Ayton: $34m ... 26years ... 1year contract.


I really like RW3, I think Lakers go for him.


I was thinking of him, but would you start him though? I think his more of a bench player and we have that In Hayes.
My Go Team
Magic, Jordan, Pippen, Duncan, Shaq

My Counter
Stockton, Kobe, Bird, Rodman, Dirk

Today's Team
Luka, SGA, Tatum, Giannis, Wemby
User avatar
zimpy27
Forum Mod
Forum Mod
Posts: 45,436
And1: 43,579
Joined: Jul 13, 2014

Re: Lebron future question 

Post#19 » by zimpy27 » Fri Feb 21, 2025 9:39 pm

SlimShady83 wrote:
zimpy27 wrote:
SlimShady83 wrote:
What do you and others think about Deandre Ayton from Blazers?

I know his paid a lot and I'm not a huuuuge fan, but I think he needs a new team for motivation etc and him on Lakers playing with Luka/Bron would do wonders

Ayton as a starter and Hayes off the bench wouldn't mind It.

Ayton: $34m ... 26years ... 1year contract.


I really like RW3, I think Lakers go for him.


I was thinking of him, but would you start him though? I think his more of a bench player and we have that In Hayes.


Yeah I would definitely start him. He's a starting C you play for 18-20mpg.
"Let's play some basketball!" - Fergie
Apz
Head Coach
Posts: 6,754
And1: 2,494
Joined: Jan 18, 2019
 

Re: Lebron future question 

Post#20 » by Apz » Fri Feb 21, 2025 11:57 pm

kobe_vs_jordan wrote:
Apz wrote:I think lebron stays and luka leaves this summer. Dont think he want anything to do with anyone involved in the trade, just doesnt seem to enjoy playing atm, no joy in the game. So luka forces his way to spurs, and lebron get to still run lakers

If Luka wants to leave smarter for him sign extension first then force a trade. It's only his path to recover his super max money.


He can never recover that 130m. In a snt he can go wherever he wants and that team will get him on the cheap so it still can contend. Think fox+ 1 1st or so. No reason to extend first, will just put him at the whim of gms again and the team trading for him getting talent and asset poor

Return to Trades and Transactions