NBA Teams Wonder If LeBron James Would Be Open To A Trade

[RealGM Wiretap]

LeBron James has seemingly made it clear he wants to be with the Los Angeles Lakers for the rest of his career. That hasn't stopped rival teams from wondering if the Lakers down year has changed James' mind. While speaking about the difficulty of making trades under the new CBA, ESPN NBA insider Brian Windhorst brought up James and the Lakers.

"I would be lying if I said that there haven’t been some conversations in the league (around), 'Would LeBron at some point this year revisit that?'" Windhorst said. "Because you remember last year at the trade deadline, the Warriors called."

Conversations between Los Angeles and the Golden State Warriors never got very far, because James said he didn't want to be traded. Now, the CBA would make any kind of major deal between the Lakers and Warriors a difficult one to pull off.

"But I just want to say a couple of things. First off, any trade that the Warriors make is gonna be complicated. (The Warriors) have only $500,000 that they’re allowed to spend more in this season. It’s first, second apron stuff — I know it’s boring. Any trade that they make, they really can’t take on more money. Guess what? The Lakers are not allowed to take on any money because they’re in the first apron," Windhorst said.

"So, it’s possible if LeBron wanted it. Also, LeBron has a no-trade clause. Also, the Lakers don’t own their first-round pick. It goes unprotected to the Atlanta Hawks."

Windhorst continued on to explain where James mindset has been over the last two times he had the opportunity to leave Los Angeles.

"Twice in the last 10 months, LeBron has had an opportunity to leave the Lakers. One, at the trade deadline last year when the Warriors called. The Lakers went to LeBron and said, ‘Do you seriously want to get traded?’ He said, 'No.' Last summer he became a free agent. He re-signed with the Lakers.

"LeBron has repeatedly made it clear he wants to be a Laker. And if that’s the case, he’s got a no-trade clause. There’s nothing really to talk about."

Via Brian Windhorst/ESPN

[YourGM99]

The Lakers misjudged their window for winning with LeBron and AD. Probably because they were using Kobe as a gauge of how LeBron’s decline would be. They literally have a formula for what’s needed to win a championship with LeBron and AD and it’s exactly what the team has been in desperate need of the past few seasons; a center so AD can play the 4 and a legitimate 3 and D player that can guard the best perimeter player on the opposing team. Most people will blame LeBron for the lakers roster moves but if you pay close attention you will notice that the lakers roster decisions have all been based on not committing long term salary to players and trying to persevere future draft capital for the eventual rebuild. This goes all the way back to at least the decisions to not pay Caruso and not pay Schroder. The Schroder decision is really what resulted in the Westbrook trade which also allowed them to offload long term salary (KCP and Kuzma) and a player (Montrez) who about to be a free agent.

[PaulGaston]

The Lakers misjudged their window for winning with LeBron and AD. Probably because they were using Kobe as a gauge of how LeBron’s decline would be.

What do you mean? If they were using Kobe as a gauge, LeBron would have been washed up 6 years ago

[YourGM99]

The Lakers misjudged their window for winning with LeBron and AD. Probably because they were using Kobe as a gauge of how LeBron’s decline would be.

What do you mean? If they were using Kobe as a gauge, LeBron would have been washed up 6 years ago

Exactly. Which is why I feel they didn’t go all in after they won the championship. Obviously the year after they dealt with injuries but it seems after that they went in a different direction. Maybe I worded that statement poorly or maybe I didn’t lol.

[Rek]

The Lakers misjudged their window for winning with LeBron and AD. Probably because they were using Kobe as a gauge of how LeBron’s decline would be. They literally have a formula for what’s needed to win a championship with LeBron and AD and it’s exactly what the team has been in desperate need of the past few seasons; a center so AD can play the 4 and a legitimate 3 and D player that can guard the best perimeter player on the opposing team. Most people will blame LeBron for the lakers roster moves but if you pay close attention you will notice that the lakers roster decisions have all been based on not committing long term salary to players and trying to persevere future draft capital for the eventual rebuild. This goes all the way back to at least the decisions to not pay Caruso and not pay Schroder. The Schroder decision is really what resulted in the Westbrook trade which also allowed them to offload long term salary (KCP and Kuzma) and a player (Montrez) who about to be a free agent.

Pelinka made the mistake of trying to go in a different direction instead of continuing the same model that got them to the finals. They no longer have the 2-way role players that bolstered their weakness and they no longer have multiple 3-point threats in that mix. And most damaging is that they wasted picks on the Schroder and Westbrook trades along the way only to lose Shroder for nothing and then to waste more draft capital offloading Russ. Then he scapegoated Vogel for his own terrible decisions.

Pelinka should have been fired after the Russ trade. Simple as that. I don't see things improving for the Lakers while Jeanie is still entrusting Rob to run the team.

[arbsn]

LB isn’t going anywhere with Bronny there.

Would be fun to see him on a few diff teams though.

He’d be insane in the Draymond spot on GSW

[YourGM99]

The Lakers misjudged their window for winning with LeBron and AD. Probably because they were using Kobe as a gauge of how LeBron’s decline would be. They literally have a formula for what’s needed to win a championship with LeBron and AD and it’s exactly what the team has been in desperate need of the past few seasons; a center so AD can play the 4 and a legitimate 3 and D player that can guard the best perimeter player on the opposing team. Most people will blame LeBron for the lakers roster moves but if you pay close attention you will notice that the lakers roster decisions have all been based on not committing long term salary to players and trying to persevere future draft capital for the eventual rebuild. This goes all the way back to at least the decisions to not pay Caruso and not pay Schroder. The Schroder decision is really what resulted in the Westbrook trade which also allowed them to offload long term salary (KCP and Kuzma) and a player (Montrez) who about to be a free agent.

Pelinka made the mistake of trying to go in a different direction instead of continuing the same model that got them to the finals. They no longer have the 2-way role players that bolstered their weakness and they no longer have multiple 3-point threats in that mix. And most damaging is that they wasted picks on the Schroder and Westbrook trades along the way only to lose Shroder for nothing and then to waste more draft capital offloading Russ. Then he scapegoated Vogel for his own terrible decisions.

Pelinka should have been fired after the Russ trade. Simple as that. I don't see things improving for the Lakers while Jeanie is still entrusting Rob to run the team.

Pelinka also gave Woods and Reddish player options which resulted in them not having any open roster spots this offseason. This is the reason the lakers weren’t signing players this past offseason. Some of their deficiencies could have been addressed by players who signed on minimum contracts.

[MrPainfulTruth]

LB isn’t going anywhere with Bronny there.

Would be fun to see him on a few diff teams though.

He’d be insane in the Draymond spot on GSW

Are you serious? Do you realize how important Draymond is for their defense? And you want to replace him with "i'll run back next time" LBJ?

If the Warriors were dumb enough to make that move it would be a joy to see them give up 160 points on average

[hauntedcomputer]

"There’s nothing really to talk about."

Windhorst probably earned several grand mouthing that paragraph. And then here comes a bunch of replies. Are we really this bored?

[SkyBill40]

Let's stop kidding ourselves here: James isn't going anywhere and holds the ultimate trump card in a no-trade clause. He's made it abundantly clear he wants to be a Laker regardless of whether it's for their benefit or his (even though it's mostly to their detriment). The Bronny thing was pure spectacle and nothing more. And so long as the elder James is on the roster, Bronny will be safe. It's pretty clear he won't make it as an NBA player and the moment his dad is no longer around he's getting cut.

[GoSixersBro]

Warriors aren't going after LeBron anymore. Giannis will be in Golden State next season.

[PaulGaston]

Let's be honest, he's not going anywhere. He still has another son, daughter and multiple rescue dogs who he needs to nepo on the team like Bronny. As long as the Lakers are willing to circumvent max contract rules to hand out multi-million dollar guaranteed contracts to amateur bums in his family, he'd be leaving too much money on the table going to another team.

[chilluminati]

Lol nah

[jmbish87]

"There’s nothing really to talk about."

Windhorst probably earned several grand mouthing that paragraph. And then here comes a bunch of replies. Are we really this bored?

Your comment suggests that we are.

[Vegeta10176]

Let's be honest, he's not going anywhere. He still has another son, daughter and multiple rescue dogs who he needs to nepo on the team like Bronny. As long as the Lakers are willing to circumvent max contract rules to hand out multi-million dollar guaranteed contracts to amateur bums in his family, he'd be leaving too much money on the table going to another team.

Curcumvent Max contract rules wtf are you on about.. What about giannis brother Austin rivers etc.. Also Lebron took less than his max and was willing to take way less if say they landed klay or someone.. Is it nepotism yes do I agree with it no.. Is bronny the first one nooo.. Is the money substantial for Lebron absolutely not it is for Bronny of course.

[Vegeta10176]

Let's stop kidding ourselves here: James isn't going anywhere and holds the ultimate trump card in a no-trade clause. He's made it abundantly clear he wants to be a Laker regardless of whether it's for their benefit or his (even though it's mostly to their detriment). The Bronny thing was pure spectacle and nothing more. And so long as the elder James is on the roster, Bronny will be safe. It's pretty clear he won't make it as an NBA player and the moment his dad is no longer around he's getting cut.

They won a championship explain the detriment.. They have been to the wcf and to the playoffs most years.. They lost in the trade for AD noone who us a super star.. The westbrick trade sure was a disaster killed them being contenders but I still don't see detriment.. They make more money with James and they do better overall.. Another decade failed rebuild after this good luck.. If they want to trade AD and rebuild go for it I guess

[Vegeta10176]

The Lakers misjudged their window for winning with LeBron and AD. Probably because they were using Kobe as a gauge of how LeBron’s decline would be. They literally have a formula for what’s needed to win a championship with LeBron and AD and it’s exactly what the team has been in desperate need of the past few seasons; a center so AD can play the 4 and a legitimate 3 and D player that can guard the best perimeter player on the opposing team. Most people will blame LeBron for the lakers roster moves but if you pay close attention you will notice that the lakers roster decisions have all been based on not committing long term salary to players and trying to persevere future draft capital for the eventual rebuild. This goes all the way back to at least the decisions to not pay Caruso and not pay Schroder. The Schroder decision is really what resulted in the Westbrook trade which also allowed them to offload long term salary (KCP and Kuzma) and a player (Montrez) who about to be a free agent.

Pelinka made the mistake of trying to go in a different direction instead of continuing the same model that got them to the finals. They no longer have the 2-way role players that bolstered their weakness and they no longer have multiple 3-point threats in that mix. And most damaging is that they wasted picks on the Schroder and Westbrook trades along the way only to lose Shroder for nothing and then to waste more draft capital offloading Russ. Then he scapegoated Vogel for his own terrible decisions.

Pelinka should have been fired after the Russ trade. Simple as that. I don't see things improving for the Lakers while Jeanie is still entrusting Rob to run the team.

Pelinka also gave Woods and Reddish player options which resulted in them not having any open roster spots this offseason. This is the reason the lakers weren’t signing players this past offseason. Some of their deficiencies could have been addressed by players who signed on minimum contracts.

All this is 100% correct how the heck does pelinka still have a Job it's a joke.. The man should be fired

[SkyBill40]

Let's stop kidding ourselves here: James isn't going anywhere and holds the ultimate trump card in a no-trade clause. He's made it abundantly clear he wants to be a Laker regardless of whether it's for their benefit or his (even though it's mostly to their detriment). The Bronny thing was pure spectacle and nothing more. And so long as the elder James is on the roster, Bronny will be safe. It's pretty clear he won't make it as an NBA player and the moment his dad is no longer around he's getting cut.

They won a championship explain the detriment.. They have been to the wcf and to the playoffs most years.. They lost in the trade for AD noone who us a super star.. The westbrick trade sure was a disaster killed them being contenders but I still don't see detriment.. They make more money with James and they do better overall.. Another decade failed rebuild after this good luck.. If they want to trade AD and rebuild go for it I guess

That was then and this is now. We're not talking about past accomplishments. The detriment to the roster is in the time frame of the PRESENT. And making money with James doesn't help the product on the floor one bit; only wins from a well balanced roster are worth anything and James isn't the man he was even last season.

[Pickled Prunes]

Pelinka made the mistake of trying to go in a different direction instead of continuing the same model that got them to the finals. They no longer have the 2-way role players that bolstered their weakness and they no longer have multiple 3-point threats in that mix. And most damaging is that they wasted picks on the Schroder and Westbrook trades along the way only to lose Shroder for nothing and then to waste more draft capital offloading Russ. Then he scapegoated Vogel for his own terrible decisions.

Pelinka should have been fired after the Russ trade. Simple as that. I don't see things improving for the Lakers while Jeanie is still entrusting Rob to run the team.

Pelinka also gave Woods and Reddish player options which resulted in them not having any open roster spots this offseason. This is the reason the lakers weren’t signing players this past offseason. Some of their deficiencies could have been addressed by players who signed on minimum contracts.

All this is 100% correct how the heck does pelinka still have a Job it's a joke.. The man should be fired

I don't disagree with the premise that Pelinka has screwed the pooch on multiple occasions... but there is nothing stopping the Lakers from signing minimum deals. Those two contracts (Woods/Reddish) total a combined $5.5m. That's nothing. The thing preventing the Lakers signing vet minimum guys is a lack of vets interesting in signing a minimum deal with the Lakers. There are a dozen better situations.

[zimpy27]

The Lakers misjudged their window for winning with LeBron and AD. Probably because they were using Kobe as a gauge of how LeBron’s decline would be. They literally have a formula for what’s needed to win a championship with LeBron and AD and it’s exactly what the team has been in desperate need of the past few seasons; a center so AD can play the 4 and a legitimate 3 and D player that can guard the best perimeter player on the opposing team. Most people will blame LeBron for the lakers roster moves but if you pay close attention you will notice that the lakers roster decisions have all been based on not committing long term salary to players and trying to persevere future draft capital for the eventual rebuild. This goes all the way back to at least the decisions to not pay Caruso and not pay Schroder. The Schroder decision is really what resulted in the Westbrook trade which also allowed them to offload long term salary (KCP and Kuzma) and a player (Montrez) who about to be a free agent.

Yeah you nailed it and it goes deeper.

After their championship Rondo was offered $9m, they needed another playmaker and targeted Schroeder with Danny Green and FRP.

They offered Schroeder $80m/4 during 20-21 season, he declined, they then went looking for another playmaker in Westbrook. They lost KCP and Kuzma in the trade but that wasn't the main issue, main issue was losing Caruso who wanted $10m per year while Lakers would only go to $7m per year for 3 seasons. Lakers paid THT $10m per year for 3 seasons, this was the big mistake because at least an expiring Westbrook provided potential for a rebuild but Caruso was gone forever and he provided the transition defense, extra playmaking and athleticism on the perimeter that the Lakers never got back.

The 21-22 season proved the Lakers had no idea what they were doing. They surrounded Westbrook, LeBron, Davis with terrible defenders and yeah it was a disaster.

In 22-23 they move Westbrook for DLo and Vando. This was a good decision but only while Vando is healthy do they have a perimeter defender. They also have Schroeder. Their perimeter athleticism is decent and they make WCF.

In 23-24, no Vando or Gabe or Schroeder. Absolutely no perimeter athleticism. They fail.

In 24 offseason they tried and failed to bring I perimeter athleticism. We now sit and wait for them to realise that they need perimeter athleticism.