Lakers Advised To Trade LeBron James To Become Contenders Again

The Los Angeles Lakers struggle to find their groove and the front office has to make a change. General Manager Rob Pelinka considered trading Russell Westbrook in the offseason, but most teams wanted him and two first-round picks. The Lakers didn’t want to give up on their future picks because they need these players to rebuild the roster following LeBron James’ departure. Yes, the four-time NBA champion will have to leave the team at one point. It could be a trade or a retirement. Trading the king of basketball? Yes, some experts believe the Lakers should trade LeBron James.

Former Lakers forward Lamar Odom bets on this trade. He insists that LeBron’s departure can help the Lakers become contenders again. King James is the GOAT and trading him could give the Lakers a bunch of great players.

Lamar Odom says if the Lakers traded LEBRON, it would put them right back into contention ?? pic.twitter.com/IkP73Ctuom

— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) November 16, 2022

The Lakers can trade LeBron James at the trade deadline

LeBron’s extension with the Lakers expires in 2023. He will enter the open market next offseason and the Lakers can actually trade him at the deadline in February.

The Lakers may be dealing with serious issues right now, but LeBron trusts the process. He “believes in the Lakers” as suggested by Brian Windhorst from ESPN.

“Basically I was told because LeBron believes in the Lakers,” Windhorst said. “LeBron believes in the Lakers. Long story short.”

The Lakers may have second thoughts when it comes to trading their future first-round picks. They had a chance to trade for talented veteran and boost their roster, but it didn’t work. LeBron may have some instructions for the front office. Will his comments make a difference?

“With the team’s trajectory trending south, sources indicate the front office is unlikely to attach those picks to a potential trade out of concern that such a transaction would not significantly change the course of the season,” Haynes reported. “It is not universally believed internally that a trade for Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner and sharpshooter Buddy Hield would move the needle to title contention, sources say. If that concern proved to be accurate, the Lakers would be devoid of lucrative resources for the remainder of James’ contract, which runs through 2024-25.”