The Los Angeles Lakers are 3-2 on the season, despite not having LeBron James and having Luka Doncic miss the last three games. How are the Lakers remaining competitive? The play of Austin Reaves.
Related: Austin Reaves saves Lakers with game-winner against Timberwolves
Reaves has been on a tear in the last three games that many players do not reach in their entire careers. He scored 51 and 41 points in back-to-back games. Then, he followed that by recording 28 points and 16 assists, while also nailing the game-winner.
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Reaves’ play, along with Doncic’s playing style, forces us to ask the all-important, yet controversial question… should the Lakers trade LeBron?
Lakers’ trade dilemma
LeBron is arguably the greatest NBA player we’ve ever seen. There is no denying that. The fact of the matter is that LeBron is 40 turning 41 years old in December. He is also entering his 23rd season once he returns to action.
The Lakers are a strong team as presently constructed. Still, they have weaknesses, especially when it comes to three-point shooting.
Last season, the Lakers ranked 14th in three-point percentage. So far this season, they’re ranked 26th in three-point percentage, and 27th in three-pointers made.
LA needs solid spot-up shooters around their stars. This, they could achieve, by trading LeBron away.
Another reason it may be time to trade LeBron is because of conflicting playing styles. LeBron, Doncic, and Reaves are all ball-dominant players. This makes the Lakers’ offense a little static at times.
Also, the three are not the greatest defenders, which has hurt the Lakers on multiple occasions. This includes last year’s playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Trading LeBron for a package of spot-up shooters and defenders could easily make the Lakers a top championship contender.
Will LeBron accept a trade?
LeBron is the only player in the NBA to have a no-trade clause in his contract. This means LeBron can reject any trade that LA tries to include him in.
LeBron has made it known that he’d like to finish his career in LA. The Lakers have also made it known that they want the four-time NBA champion to finish his career wearing purple and gold.
“We would love if LeBron’s story would
be, he retired a Laker,” Lakers president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka said. “That
would be a positive story.”
It remains to be seen if the Lakers decide to pull the trigger and move LeBron. Also, it appears to be a long shot that any team would be willing to give up their core for a player in their 23rd season.
Should the Lakers try and trade LeBron? Or should King James retire as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers?
