The exercise in frustration and inconsistency that has been the Los Angeles Lakers’ 2023-24 season has continued unabated, and it has led to some conversations the team’s fans may not want to have.
Trade rumors have swirled around the organization since early in the season, and over the last several weeks, much of that talk has centered around Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray.
But this week, there has been some wild speculation that the Lakers may even try to trade LeBron James. As a result, various pundits have been making trade proposals involving him.
ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith’s proposal was simple: James should ask for a trade to the New York Knicks if he wants to win his fifth NBA championship (h/t The Cold Wire).
.@stephenasmith makes a BIG proposal to LeBron 👀
"If LeBron James wants to put himself in position to win a championship, get traded to the New York Knicks." pic.twitter.com/zosIyXg0s0
— First Take (@FirstTake) February 2, 2024
Smith’s reasoning is that the red-hot Knicks, who are currently riding a nine-game winning streak, have the defense and a brilliant incumbent star in guard Jalen Brunson to give James to support he needs to win it all.
Rich Paul, James’ agent, said publicly that James doesn’t want to and won’t be traded.
The superstar and his team will get an up-close-and-personal look at the Knicks when they face Brunson’s crew at Madison Square Garden on Saturday.
