A quarter of the way through 2024-25 and the Los Angeles Lakers are flailing around like a manic patient.
At 12-11, 10th in the West, their heads are just above water. Nonetheless, with the way that the Lakers were talking up the hiring of JJ Redick, they can’t settle for that. In fact, while having two of the top players in the league —one of whom who has won four championships and NBA MVP awards —their standards are very high.
Never mind that LeBron James is on the verge of turning 40 years old or that Anthony Davis is often as unreliable as he is talented. Los Angeles is putting a mediocre product onto the floor. It’s gotten so bad that there are now ESPN pundits suggesting that the Lakers and Golden State Warriors revisit last season’s trade conversations. In those discussions, it was revealed that the Warriors made overtures for James, hoping to pair him with Stephen Curry. However, James’s agent (Rich Paul) avoided going down that path because of how his client might might be perceived.
Could Lakers Trade Megastar LeBron James To Nuggets In Clippers-Like Move?
Frankly, the thought of James joining the Warriors is still mind-bending. With him developing a bond with Curry and Draymond Green off the court, it’s not impossible to fathom, just strange. Yet, without Golden State sending over Jonathan Kuminga —who they’ve been incredibly reluctant to move with an eye on their future —it’s unlikely that a deal gets done anyways.
As long as we’re discussing frienemies, there is at least one other franchise that James might consider waiving his no-trade clause to join though: the Denver Nuggets.
A Win-Win… Win-Win?
The Nuggets have the Lakers’ number in the regular season and postseason. In fact, Denver has won 13 of their last 14 games against L.A., including seven consecutive playoff victories. Nonetheless, Denver’s gotten off to a cold start this winter, and are just 11-9.
The primary problem appears to be their defense. Jamal Murray can’t stop a runny nose right now. Michael Porter Jr.’s effort doesn’t guarantee effectiveness. Nikola Jokic still isn’t a reliable rim-protector.
The Nuggets have also run into a problem that the Lakers have had for years. Whenever their best player —in this case Jokic —is off the court, they look like fool’s gold.
Denver Nuggets with vs without Nikola Jokić stats are insane pic.twitter.com/I45PNFmVvk
— Per Sources (@PerSources) December 6, 2024
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However, there’s a potential solution that would help all parties.
Denver must be willing to trade Porter to Los Angeles. In said deal, he would be joined by Russell Westbrook, Zeke Nnaji, and Jalen Pickett. In return, the Nuggets receive James and his eldest son, Bronny James.
Inspired By Norman Powell
From the Lakers’ side, this deal allows them to look towards the future while remaining competitive in the present, as Porter is more than 13 years younger than James.
Porter isn’t as dynamic a scorer or playmaker as James. Yet, he’s averaging 19.0 points per game —just -4.0 points fewer than James —as his team’s third option. He could post a similar scoring average to James in a higher usage role. In that sense, it would be similar to the Los Angeles Clippers replacing Paul George with Norman Powell.
Yet, the Powell comparison doesn’t stop there. Like Powell, Porter has long been hoping to be more utilized in the offense. Some players take it upon themselves to assert their dominance, but both of these sharpshooters were willing to play a more team-oriented style. With this trade, Porter can see just how close he gets to reaching his potential.
Westbrook’s return might be sneered at with how poorly his last stint went. Still, since escaping the pressures of being James’s teammate, he’s looked much better. He might come off the bench behind D’Angelo Russell, who would likely get a larger role without James. However, he has a legitimate chance of starting, especially with his improvements as a team defender.
Two-Headed Snake, Three-Headed Monster
Like Porter, James is more than capable from outside and provides a consistent presence on the boards. Like Westbrook, James is dangerous with a head full of steam and his court vision is special. At this point in his career, his defense is inconsistent, like Porter and Westbrook’s.
However, James’s impact is more expansive than both players combined because of his ability to be a go-to scorer. This is actually what’s the most appealing aspect of trading for James. The Nuggets don’t have to rely on Jokic to save the day if they have Batman and Superman.
Meanwhile, Jokic’s passing prowess alleviates the playmaking pressure placed on James. In fact, he and James could develop a beautiful two-man game that increases their efficiency as scorers and facilitators. James could also do this with Murray, especially given his experience playing alongside Dwyane Wade and Kyrie Irving, two other guards with a penchant for post-ups.
Is There A Better Option?
If James has ambitions of winning another ring before retirement, the Nuggets may give him the best chance.
The advantage Denver has over Los Angeles is that they have arguably the best player in the NBA, in terms of current power levels. Even a direct comparison of current running mates favors Jokic. Davis is the better two-way player, but he doesn’t control possessions like Jokic or have his touch. Murray’s ability to score as the third option is another game-changer when considering Russell’s and Austin Reaves’s disappointing performances this season.
In the playoffs, teams with the most unstoppable players usually come out on top.
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