While LeBron James and Anthony Davis are the focal points of the Los Angeles Lakers’ strategy, Stephen Noh of The Sporting News suggested a trade that would send James back to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Noh’s plan would send James back home and completely upend the league.
Lakers acquire Jarrett Allen and Darius Garland
James and Gabe Vincent to the Cavaliers
In order for a sign-and-trade to be successful, the Lakers must cooperate. Noh commented on May 14 that “if James really did demand to go to Cleveland, he has enough cachet for Los Angeles to accommodate that request.” However, it would need to be worthwhile for the franchise. Allen and Garland would mark the item.
“One of the league’s most promising young point guards, Garland was an All-Star just a few years ago. To perform at his peak, he has needed to have the ball in his hands, which hasn’t happened very often with Mitchell. He’s a fantastic shooter and passer who would work well with Anthony Davis.
However, since they would go through a different stage as a club, the Lakers need to be keen to acquire picks in exchange for James.
LeBron James informed the Los Angeles Lakers that he would be attending the Cleveland Cavaliers game.
James was asked if he wanted to go back home after watching the Cleveland Cavaliers play the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Playoffs’ second round.
The Lakers were informed that James will be present by his agent, Rich Paul, according to Brian Windhorst on ESPN’s “Get Up” program.
“When this incident occurred, the first thing that sprang to mind was when, ten years ago, LeBron, then a player for the Miami Heat, returned to watch Zydrunas Ilgauskas retire his jersey. He took a night off while in Chicago, flew over for it, and signed with the Cavaliers a few months later.
Windhorst remarked, “I’ve been informed that LeBron was in Cleveland because he and Savannah were visiting their mothers on Mother’s Day.” It was a day later when he left at that same time. Furthermore, the Lakers weren’t shocked when Rich Paul, who attended the game and represents a number of the Cavaliers, called them to let them know that LeBron will be attending tonight’s game.
James has previously applied pressure to the front office in such circumstances; the most recent instance of this occurred during the New York Knicks trade deadline. James was spotted wearing a Knicks towel around his neck following a Madison Square Garden match.
How James Could Assist the Cavs
The Cleveland Cavaliers would become an immediate competitor in the Eastern Conference if James were to be traded from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Cavs. Many Lakers fans would like to see James and Donovan Mitchell together in Los Angeles, but Cleveland would also host this combo in this scenario.
James had his finest season ever this year, averaging 25.7 points per game and shooting 41.0% from three-point range, demonstrating to the Lakers that he can still be a top option on a championship team.
The Cavaliers knew how to succeed while James was a member of the team, so adding another player to surround Mitchell and Evan Mobley could help them do it once again.