LeBron James trade rumors: 3 realistic landing spots for The King if he leaves LA Lakers
There is little doubt that LeBron James and LA Lakers are not having an ideal time in the NBA regular season.
All-Star candidate Anthony Davis has been injured, and Russell Westbrook's struggles to fit in with his teammates have been on display for all to see. The Los Angeles Lakers are currently 14-21 and need a quick turnaround if they are to make the playoffs. Nonetheless, LeBron's desire to win more rings suggests that he can seek a trade in the upcoming offseason.
Despite the team's struggles, LeBron James (37813 points) continues to lead the way, averaging 27.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game. The King is on pace to pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (38387) as the league's all-time leading scorer soon, and he should also make his 19th consecutive All-Star appearance.
Congrats to @KingJames of the @Lakers for moving to 10th all-time in games played! https://t.co/ko9VimUWjw
3 destinations for LeBron James if he leaves LA Lakers
#1 Cleveland Cavaliers
First and foremost, LeBron James' former team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, has been linked to a trade for the superstar. This speculation has sparked debate and excitement among fans, as James is a beloved player who has previously enjoyed great success with the Cavaliers.
It is unclear at this time if there is any truth to these rumors, or if James has any plans to return to Cleveland. Still, LeBron wishes to play alongside his son, and while the Cavaliers might struggle to present a good package, they do have a 2024 first-round draft pick, at the same time when Bronny James. is expected to join the NBA draft.
"I'm a winner and I want to win. And I want to win and give myself a chance to win and still compete for championships. That has always been my passion... Playing basketball at this level just to be playing basketball is not in my DNA. It's not in my DNA anymore."
- LeBron James https://t.co/Oq01mbborx
#2 Golden State Warriors
Moving on, multiple sources have touted a possible combination of LeBron James and Stephen Curry at the Golden State Warriors. While highly unlikely, the trade will give LeBron a chance to compete for titles again alongside some top-class talents. Of course, such a trade is highly unlikely and the Warriors will have to move around a plethora of assets to make it happen.
Currently, they simply do not have the cap space to make way for someone of LeBron’s stature. A similar situation applies to the Pheonix Suns, who have also been touted as a potential destination that allows LeBron to compete for titles.
#3 Memphis Grizzlies
Finally, we have the Memphis Grizzlies, the only team on the list which has the practical ability to sign LeBron.
The Memphis Grizzlies have had a strong season and are currently ranked third in the Western Conference with a record of 41-20. Talented point guard Ja Morant leads the team, which also includes Dillon Brooks, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. If LeBron James were to join the Grizzlies in free agency, they would likely become favorites to win a championship due to his presence and the team's success this year.
While James may not have as much familiarity with the Grizzlies as he does with other teams like the Golden State Warriors or Phoenix Suns, the Grizzlies have a favorable financial situation with a projected practical cap space of $76.6 million for 2023-24.