Lakers Predicted To Shockingly Cut Ties With LeBron James To Find Luka Dončić’s ‘Secondary Option’

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Could the Lakers be ready to make one of the boldest moves in recent NBA history? After seven straight seasons with LeBron James, whispers around the league suggest Los Angeles might consider a major roster shakeup.

With Luka Dončić now firmly at the center of the franchise and a fresh $165 million extension, the Lakers could be eyeing a new path forward — one that might drastically reshape both their present and future.

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What Could a LeBron James Trade Mean for the Miami Heat?

A mock trade floated by Sports Illustrated imagines the Lakers sending LeBron and Bronny James to the Miami Heat in exchange for Andrew Wiggins, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and a future first-round pick.

In Miami, James would join a potential Big 4 with Tyler Herro, Norman Powell, and Bam Adebayo, giving the Heat an immediate superstar boost. Even at 40, James continues to dominate offensively, averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game last season, with 51.3% FG and 37.6% 3P, meaning his presence will rattle opponents’ defenses right away.

Likewise, Bronny adds a younger dimension, giving the Heat potential upside while James chases his fifth championship. Miami hasn’t won it all since LeBron’s first stint, falling short in the 2020 Finals and again in 2023, with recent first-round exits adding urgency.

With Eastern Conference powerhouses like the Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers dealing with injuries to stars like Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton, this could be the perfect window for Miami to make a title push without mortgaging the future.

What Would Lakers Gain With James Tarde As Luka Dončić Era Begins

For Los Angeles, the trade would mark a significant turning point. James has been the face of the Lakers for seven consecutive seasons — the longest stretch of his career at any team — but he turns 41 in December. Moving him now would allow the Lakers to maximize the return on a player whose prime years are inevitably winding down.

Andrew Wiggins would become Dončić’s secondary option, and his scoring ability could finally flourish with defenses keyed on Dončić. At the same time, Jaime Jaquez Jr. will add depth and versatility, while a future first-round pick strengthens the Lakers’ long-term flexibility.

The team now also boasts veteran presence with Deandre Ayton on a two-year contract and Marcus Smart providing defense under the bi-annual exception, creating a balance between experience and youth.

James has never requested a trade and even opted into his $52.6 million player option, showing his commitment. Yet, the Lakers have made clear their future revolves around Dončić, signing him to a three-year, $165 million extension.

Trading James will be more than a roster move — it would signal a generational shift, setting Dončić up as the undisputed leader while ensuring the Lakers don’t lose value from an aging superstar.

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