LeBron James could be traded before ever playing a full season alongside Luka Dončić, according to NBA pundit Nathaniel Holloway.
The Los Angeles Lakers made significant roster additions in the offseason, boosting their core with Marcus Smart, Deandre Ayton, and Jake LaRavia. This strengthened their lineup, headlined by the dynamic duo of James and Dončić. Despite not hitting the court together yet, Holloway suggests a potential split in the monster partnership. While the Lakers have rebuffed trade talks involving James, Holloway speculates on a mid-season shift if a tempting offer arises. As James, a future Hall of Famer, excels in his remarkable 23rd NBA season, his contract’s final year raises questions about the Lakers’ strategy. The looming free agency next summer might prompt Los Angeles to explore trading James before the deadline instead of risking losing him for nothing. Surprisingly, the prediction hints at James departing even before fully showcasing his partnership with Dončić.
At present, James is not the focal point of the Lakers’ roster, a scenario rarely seen in his career.