After signing an extension with the Los Angeles Lakers, Luka Doncic is the future face of the franchise, but for the time being, the spotlight remains on LeBron James as well. At 40 years old, he enters the final year of his contract without an extension, and the lack of a long-term commitment creates some uncertainty.
All summer, trade rumors swirled around him, and with his career nearing its end, the real question hangs in the air: Is Los Angeles still the place where he should chase one last title?
LeBron James Trade: Why Denver Makes Sense for LeBron
If LeBron wants another championship run before retiring, he could find the perfect fit with the Denver Nuggets. Nikola Jokic anchors a team that already blends scoring, defense, and veteran experience at a high level. By adding LeBron, along with Bronny, the Nuggets would instantly roll out one of the most fearsome lineups in the league.
LeBron to the Nuggets: Potential Trade Idea
Denver Nuggets Receive: LeBron James, Bronny James
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Jamal Murray, Peyton Watson, DaRon Holmes II
The Potential of a LeBron-Jokic Duo
The Nuggets went 50-32 last season and pushed their playoff streak to seven straight years. With Nikola Jokic driving the offense, Denver has stayed in the contender mix, but adding LeBron would push their ceiling even higher.
LeBron still puts up elite numbers with more than 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists per game on strong efficiency. He dictates pace, creates plays, and delivers in crunch time, skills that would mesh perfectly with Jokic’s passing genius. Together, they could form one of the most unstoppable duos in league history while opening scoring chances for Aaron Gordon, Cam Johnson, and the other secondary pieces in Denver. Age and durability raise fair questions, but the championship payoff would make the gamble worth it.
Why the Lakers Would Consider It
The Lakers signaled a shift in direction by hesitating to extend LeBron. His nearly $50 million salary eats up about 35% of their cap and restricts roster flexibility.
Since Luka has stepped into his prime as the franchise centerpiece, dealing LeBron would both match their long-term vision and fetch meaningful assets in return. By trading him now, Los Angeles can secure proven talent and young depth instead of risking the chance of losing him for nothing in free agency.
What Los Angeles Gains in the Deal
Jamal Murray built his name as one of the NBA’s most dangerous postseason scorers. He consistently raises his level when the stage gets bigger, which makes him an ideal partner for Doncic. With averages of 21 points a night, sharp shot creation, and proven clutch play, Murray supplies the steady scoring punch the Lakers would need in James’s absence.
Peyton Watson established himself as a dependable 3-and-D option. Despite playing on the wing, he ranked among the league’s best shot blockers, proving his defensive range. At the same time, his sharper three-point stroke and growing offensive confidence turned him into a rotation piece with plenty of upside left to tap into.
DaRon Holmes arrived from Dayton as an energetic big with clear long-term upside. He brings efficiency around the rim, solid rebounding instincts, and reliable shot protection. As he expands his game, showing flashes as a passer and perimeter defender, he looks like a natural fit for the Lakers’ frontcourt.
Final Thoughts: A Win-Win Scenario
A LeBron James trade to Denver might seem far-fetched right now, but the reasoning holds. The Nuggets could strengthen their title window around Jokic by adding the most accomplished star of his generation. At the same time, the Lakers could fully embrace the Doncic era with a roster designed to win both immediately and down the road.
If things keep deteriorating in Los Angeles, this scenario could shift from fantasy to reality. Pairing LeBron with Jokic wouldn’t just alter the balance of power in the NBA, it would create one of the most intriguing
