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Blockbuster trade idea sends LeBron James to Knicks for $224M Kentucky star, Luka Doncic lob threat


This summer has been an unusual one for the Los Angeles Lakers. Instead of building around LeBron James for one final run, the team appears to be shifting its focus toward a future centered on Luka Dončić. For the first time in his career, James doesn't seem to have control over his team's direction—and he may not be happy about it.

"He's still that good. I don't think it's his last year, but the fact that the Lakers did not discuss a 1-in-1, or a 2-in-1, or contracts beyond this year with him. They just let him sit back... that tells you a lot. It's not in his control with LA," ESPN's Ramona Shelburne said.

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Amid speculation about James' potential dissatisfaction, some insiders believe the Lakers could be open to trading the superstar. While such a move seems unlikely, it's not entirely off the table.

"A LeBron trade still seems highly unlikely, but that hasn't stopped some teams from at least reaching out as, according to Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst of ESPN, there have been inquiries from a few teams to the Lakers on a potential deal," Lakers Nation's Corey Hansford wrote.

The idea of James being on the trade block is shocking, given that it's never been a realistic possibility throughout his career. One proposed trade package has Jame s heading to the New York Knicks in exchange for Karl-Anthony Towns in a straight-up deal.

"Purely from a standpoint of matching salaries, the Knicks could construct various types of offers for James," The Athletic's Fred Katz wrote. "The most chaotic deal would be flipping All-NBA big man Karl-Anthony Towns for James, straight up — two teams betting on the other's star. Of course, this could leave the Knicks center-less, given Mitchell Robinson's injury struggles."

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If this trade were to happen, James would join a contending team in an Eastern Conference that looks wide open this upcoming season. On the other side, Luka Dončić would gain another elite big man to catch lobs from him. In theory, this deal could benefit both teams.

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