I want to start this article off by acknowledging how unrealistic a LeBron James/New York Knicks pairing is. This marriage has been suggested constantly since James was in his early 20s. It was rumored that LeBron was considering the Knicks in his 2010, 2014, and 2018 free agencies, but it never materialized. Instead, James was content to dominate the beleaguered franchise for two decades, while never giving them a second thought. However, the idea of James gracing the iconic floor at Madison Square Garden is tantalizing for all NBA fans. Forgive us for indulging this pipe dream for just a second.
Unlikely Trade for NBA Goat Has Knicks Fans Buzzing
Yesterday, LeBron James opted into his $52.6M player option with the Los Angeles Lakers. This move gives him one more year with the franchise before entering unrestricted free agency in 2026. Although that appears to be a normal decision, it sparked controversy around the league. Rich Paul, James’ agent and longtime friend, stated that while LeBron knows the Lakers are building a future around Luka Doncic, he wants to be somewhere he can compete for a championship.
Breaking: Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James is opting into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul told ESPN.
Paul adds: LeBron “knows the Lakers are building for the future … but he values a realistic chance of winning it all.” pic.twitter.com/q5mT1O2R35
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 29, 2025
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James says he will watch the Lakers moves closely over the coming days, but the reality is that LA is stuck between a rock and a hard place. Just like so many other teams in the second apron era, the Lakers are strapped for cash and don’t have many avenues to improve their current roster. They’ve build a squad around Doncic, James, and Austin Reaves, three players who struggle against athleticism and aren’t known for their defense (James simply because he’s 40). LA also doesn’t have a playable center, and trading Reaves might not yield them one.
To makes this situation stickier, LA now has a 26-year-old Luka Doncic to consider after their infamous robbery of the Mavericks in February. Doncic has a player option after this season, making re-signing him the Lakers’ top priority. That goal directly contradicts James’ stated goal to win a championship this season, which may be his last. He’s certainly running out of time to contend for titles as a superstar, as he’ll be 41 by New Year’s. It may be best for everyone involved to deal James to a team who’s a forward away from contention.
LeBron to the Knicks is Very Doable
People may wonder why LeBron opted IN to his player option if he wants to be moved by the Lakers. Well, with the aforementioned strict salary cap, few teams have the space to sign James outright to a max deal. So, he must be traded for the commensurate salary ($52.6M). One could wonder why he didn’t re-negotiate a cheaper deal if he wants to win a championship so badly. James has never been one to take a pay-cut.
While it’s still very unlikely that New York actually lands the 40-year-old legend, there’s certainly a path. A trade centered around OG Anunoby could work for both sides. It gives NY an upgrade at small forward for the next two seasons as they go all in on Jalen Brunson. Meanwhile, LA gets a 27-year-old two-way stud to pair with Luka. Anunoby is the exact kind of player that Doncic excels with: a dominant defender who is a lethal off-ball scorer.
A Knicks/Lakers LeBron trade could work for both sides, and would be a dream for the league. Watching one of the greatest athletes of all time try to walk off into the sunset with a title for one of sport’s iconic franchises would be incredible cinema.
Featured image: © Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
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