The Los Angeles Lakers chose not to pursue a major trade or free-agency signing this summer, potentially setting the stage for a franchise reset as LeBron James’ tenure progresses.
LeBron James re-signed with the Lakers on a two-year, $101 million deal, including a no-trade clause and a player option for the 2025-26 season. This agreement gives James the power to stay in Los Angeles and possibly play with his son, Bronny James, who the Lakers drafted in the second round of the 2024 NBA draft.
Turning 40 in December, James remains two championships short of Michael Jordan’s six, a milestone in the debate over the greatest player in history. The Lakers have been the seventh seed in the Western Conference for the past three years, exiting in the first round twice.
With the team over the salary cap and facing luxury tax issues, their options for significant improvements this summer or before the February 2025 trade deadline are limited. They could potentially use D’Angelo Russell’s $19 million salary and two future first-round picks (2029, 2031) for a trade, but securing a true third star to join James and Anthony Davis remains challenging.
James might fulfill his dream of playing with his son early in the season and then pursue a fifth championship with the Golden State Warriors before the trade deadline, potentially aiding Bronny in securing a four-year NBA contract worth $8 million.
The Warriors, with three first-round picks and rising star Jonathan Kuminga, could assemble a trade package that keeps them competitive while aiding the Lakers in a rebuild around Davis.
Warriors Open to Blockbuster Trade
The Golden State Warriors have been active in free agency after losing Klay Thompson to the Dallas Mavericks and are pursuing Lauri Markkanen from the Utah Jazz. Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that trade discussions between the Warriors and Jazz included Moses Moody, first-round picks, second-round picks, and pick swaps. Utah’s counteroffer included Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski, which the Warriors deemed a “non-starter.”
Kevin Pelton of ESPN noted that the Warriors might be more inclined to trade Kuminga rather than Podziemski, considering future financial implications.
Davis and Kuminga: A Future Duo for the Lakers
A trade involving James to the Warriors for Kuminga and draft assets could help the Lakers in a competitive rebuild centered around Anthony Davis. Kuminga, a young talent eligible for a significant extension, offers elite athleticism and two-way potential.
To accommodate Kuminga and Davis in the lineup, the Lakers would need to prioritize shooting in the other positions, as neither is a high-level 3-point shooter. However, both provide strong defense and scoring capabilities. Kuminga posted career-high averages in points (16.1), rebounds (4.8), assists (2.2), and steals (0.7) last season, indicating his potential as a full-time starter.
Davis, meanwhile, averaged 24.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.3 blocks, and 1.2 steals, earning Second-Team All-NBA and First-Team All-Defense honors.
LeBron James and Stephen Curry: A Winning Duo
A trade sending James to the Warriors could be mutually beneficial. While Markkanen, 27, is younger, he lacks James’ extensive All-Star experience. James and Stephen Curry have demonstrated strong chemistry with Team USA, preparing for the Paris Olympics.
Warriors and Team USA head coach Steve Kerr praised the duo’s developing partnership, and James has expressed his desire to play alongside Curry. This potential trade aligns with both the Lakers’ long-term goals and the Warriors’ immediate championship aspirations.
