Amid a disappointing 2021-22 NBA season for the Los Angeles Lakers, there’s been speculation at times about what the future has in store for LeBron James.
James, who is averaging 29.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 6.2 assists on the season, is still playing elite basketball at 37-years-old. After the Russell Westbrook trade, the Lakers have a depleted supporting cast and the outlook for title contention appears non-existent.
It remains unlikely for James to move on from the Lakers given his desire to be in Los Angeles. If he were to change his stance on staying with the franchise long-term, could he move elsewhere to land with a team that has more of a chance to compete?
“This is the franchise that I see myself being with,” James told reporters. “…I’m here, I’m here, I continue to tell you guys… I literally live in the moment. I do, I live in the moment and I see myself being with the purple and gold as long as I can play. But I also have a goal that, if it’s possible, I don’t even know if it’s possible, but if I can play with my son, I would love to do that.”
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When pondering potential options, Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix and Howard Beck on “The Crossover NBA Show” identified the Philadelphia 76ers as an intriguing potential option. With the team keeping Tyrese Maxey and Matisse Thybulle after the James Harden, perhaps they could piece together a solid trade package.
“The craziest one in all of this, could you send him to the Sixers to play with Harden and Embiid?” Beck pondered during an episode of “The Crossover NBA Show, “I know there’s too many guys who are going to want to have the ball in their hands. We’re already experiencing this with the Lakers team.
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“But [Sixers GM Daryl Morey] absolutely would do it. Could you get [Tyrese] Maxey and [Matisse] Thybulle out of it? And then they offload Tobias Harris and give Daryl more flexibility in his payroll? I don’t know. Again, folks, I’m just spitballing, I’m not making serious trade proposals here. Don’t freak out.”
The Philadelphia 76ers could do have the contract of Tobias Harris to use as a key salary-matching piece. However, his contract has him signed through 2024 could make it challenging for the Los Angeles Lakers to accept a deal.
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