LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 27: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers during game four of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 27, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Lakers to trade LeBron James next? They should. But the Lakers did make a big splash this weekend when they traded big man Anthony Davis to the Mavericks for Luka Doncic. The Mavs won this deal. The Lakers are worse. So they should strip it down and trade LeBron James and his son Bronny too, while they are at it.
Why the hate? There is no hate. Just solid analysis. Let's start with why the Lakers are worse off. It may seem strange to say they are worse off because they are gaining one of the greatest offensive players in the NBA in Doncic. LeBron has always said he'd love to play with him and now he gets his wish.
But there are two problems with Doncic. First, he is Swiss cheese defensively. Say what you will about AD, but he was great defensively. Now his presence in the paint is gone. Secondly, Doncic is never in shape. Sure he is in shape compared to you and me. But he is not in basketball shape. He is a little pudgy around the edges. Compare that to LeBron who is a machine when it comes to his peak physical readiness. I'm not sure LeBron will be pleased with Doncic when it comes to his endurance.
On the other side, AD to Dallas works. Kyrie Irving is in his prime and he will be the clear cut first option on offense. No more sharing the ball with Doncic. And they replaced Doncic's lack of defense with a true stopper inside with Davis.
Davis did not have a no-trade clause but he did have a $600K fee he was owed if traded. He waived that so the Mavs could have cap room to possibly make another deal before this week's trade deadline.
TRADE LEBRON JAMES
Lakers to trade LeBron James next? Probably not. He has a rare no-trade clause and he will not waive it. Whether the Lakers are serious contenders for a title or not (Not!), his business empire is centered in LA. And his son plays for the organization. He's not moving. If he changes his mind, the Lakers should trade LeBron James next and start over.
For more basketball talk tune in each weekday to Craig Shemon and Company on ESPN Southwest Florida from 2-6pm.
