January 16 News Recently, The Athletic reporter David Aldridge wrote an article analyzing Lakers forward LeBron James
The trade outlook for this summer.
The reporter analyzed the top 5 most likely buyers of James, and rated the transaction possibility rating and hypothetical transaction proposal.
1. Eagle
Lakers send James and Patrick Beverley (via sign-and-trade)
Hawks send Dejounte Murray, John Collins, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Justin Holiday and Hawks/Kings lower 2024 first-round pick
Trade Likelihood: 5.5/10
2. Bulls
The Lakers sent James
Bulls Send DeMar DeRozan, Alex Caruso, Patrick Williams
Trade Likelihood: 5/10
3. Pelican
The Lakers sent James
Pelicans send Brandon Ingram, Devonte’ Graham, ownership of Lakers’ 2024 first-round pick
Trade Likelihood: 3.5/10
4. 76ers
The Lakers sent James
The 76ers sent Tyrese Maxi, Tobias Harris, Matisse Sable, and the 76ers’ highest pick among the three second-round picks in 2023
Trade Likelihood: 4/10
5. The sun
The Lakers sent James and Thomas Bryant (sign first and then trade)
The Suns sent DeAndre Ayton, Landry Shamet, Jae Crowder (sign first and then trade)
Trade Likelihood: 4.5/10