‘Blockbuster’ Trade Proposal Sends LeBron James To Warriors, Jonathan Kuminga, Andrew Wiggins, Brandin Podziemski To Lakers

Dan Favale of Bleacher Report proposed the following trade idea between the Lakers and Warriors:

Golden State Warriors Receive: LeBron James (must pick up player option)

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Jonathan Kuminga, Kevon Looney, Brandin Podziemski, Gui Santos, Andrew Wiggins, 2025 first-round pick, 2026 first-round swap, 2027 first-round pick, 2028 first-round swap, 2029 first-round swap, 2030 first-round pick (protected Nos. 21-30)

The Warriors tried to acquire LeBron at this year’s trade deadline. LeBron can become an unrestricted free agent this summer if he declines his 2024-25 player option with the Lakers. 

LeBron, the leading scorer in NBA history, appeared in 71 games for the Lakers this season. He averaged 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 8.3 assists while shooting 54.0% from the field, 41.0% from beyond the arc and 75.0% from the free-throw line. 

LeBron is close friends and shares the same agent (Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group) as Warriors forward Draymond Green. LeBron also has a rapport with Golden State superstar Stephen Curry. 

“I don’t care that LeBron is about to turn 40,” Favale wrote. “He’s still LeBron—one of the veeery few players with the juice to reopen the Dubs’ title window. For salary-cap dorks like myself: Yes, this trade is legal. Golden State doesn’t have to worry about brushing up against the second apron and its aggregation constraints if it waives Chris Paul‘s non-guaranteed salary. (Fun subplot: Would he re-sign at the minimum to play with his buddy LBJ?)

Since the Warriors are sending out more than $47 million as part of this package, they shouldn’t have any issue squeezing Klay Thompson into a tighter payroll. That maneuvering would only get easier if the Lakers took on Gary Payton II (player option), though his defensive portability would have value to Golden State following the departures of Kuminga and Wiggins.”

The Warriors would be title contenders with Curry and LeBron leading the way. Curry is the greatest shooter in the NBA, while LeBron is still an elite all-around player despite being the oldest player in the league. 

LeBron and Curry will be teammates this summer on Team USA in the Olympics.