LeBron James was speculated to part ways with the Los Angeles Lakers before the beginning of the 2022-23 NBA season. However, he decided to wear the purple and gold for yet another season.
The Lakers stand 13th on the Western Conference table with only 19 wins in the 42 games played. According to Chris Mannix and Howard Beck of Sports Illustrated, the Lakers have a plan to sell Lebron James in their mind. They believe that the target would be to add big-name targets to their roster. Pushing LeBron James towards his exit from the franchise.
They said, “I touched on this in a column Monday, but I can see both sides of the picks debate. I can see LeBron’s side; he’s 38 and in the middle of an MVP-level season.”
“With a little help—and with Anthony Davis’s health—James can envision pushing the Lakers through a super team-less conference field. Why does he care about a first-rounder in 2027? I thought our pal Brian Windhorst had a great note in a recent podcast: 20 years into his NBA career and LeBron has played with exactly five rookie first-round picks.”
Will the Laker’s grow better after trading LeBron James before 2023-24 season?
The Sports Illustrated NBA Insiders even added that younger elite players would be able to concentrate more on LA Lakers’ plans. “Internally, I’m sure the Lakers are selling James on an offseason when Bradley Beal or Damian Lillard becomes available, and L.A. swoops in with its picks to acquire them. But that’s more fantasy than reality.”
That being said, if the trade deals between Damian Lillard or Bradley Beal and Los Angeles Lakers pulls through. The NBA would have to consider to tough competition from at least one team for Los Angeles.
The real question at the present moment for the Lakers’ is, Can LeBron James power them through to the post-season? He is averaging 29 points per game with 8.4 rebounds and 6.8 assists.
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