“Why would you trade Devin Booker for LeBron James?”- NBA insider rules out 4x MVP’s move to Suns amid Bronny James interest
With the Phoenix Suns reportedly coveting Bronny James, murmurs of LeBron James joining Kevin Durant in the desert have picked up steam. However, LA Lakers insider Jovan Buha has ruled out that possibility. Buha reported the Lakers have no intentions of trading. Meanwhile, he said it doesn't make sense for Phoenix to make a move for the four-time MVP.
"LeBron James is not going to Phoenix, and if you’re Phoenix, why would you trade Devin Booker for LeBron James?… I don’t see it making sense for either side, but I can just say from the Lakers’ side, they’re not trading LeBron."
Making a trade for LeBron James will require the Lakers to sign and trade him if he opts out of his $51.4 million player option. If the Suns intend to pair James with Durant, their only option is to include Devin Booker in the deal for salary-matching purposes and to entice LA. Bradley Beal also fits salary criteria, but he's not the most coveted asset in the market, and certainly not enough for the Lakers to move on from their superstar.
However, none of that would matter as Buha suggested, the potential framework of this deal doesn't make sense for the Suns. Booker, 27, is their best asset and the team's centerpiece. Bradley Beal is past his prime, while Kevin Durant is probably in the twilight of his career.
Suns to bring in LeBron James' son Bronny James for second workout
The Phoenix Suns' interest in Bronny James seems to have increased as they reportedly have a second workout with LeBron James' son, per Draft Express. The Suns boast the No. 22 pick in the draft and could move down to select the former USC prospect.
Bronny, who also worked out with the Lakers, impressed in his first workout with the Suns. He made a "solid impression" on the front office, per Suns' insider Duane Rankin.
Meanwhile, the Lakers remain in contention to sign Bronny James and team him up with his father, LeBron James. The Lakers have the #17 and #55 picks in the draft. They are expected to trade the first-round selection for immediate help or draft another top prospect while using the #55 pick for Bronny.
According to rumors, the Lakers could also trade up in the second round to sign the 19-year-old, with a few teams showing interest, including the Suns. He's impressed the Lakers with his 3-and-D skillset, too. So apart from ensuring LeBron stays with the team beyond this offseason, the Lakers have more motivation to get Bronny.