Why the Los Angeles Lakers Could Part Ways With $55 Million Father-Son Duo for San Antonio Spurs Young Talent and Pick Swaps
The
Los Angeles Lakers
appear to be fully invested in building around
Luka Doncic
, signaling a significant shift in the franchise's priorities. According to recent reports, the team is no longer tailoring its plans around
LeBron James
.
While relations between LeBron and the Lakers are calm for now, the possibility of a trade request remains in the background.
LeBron's large contract and no-trade clause make moving him a complicated process, but that hasn't stopped trade scenarios from circulating. One of the more intriguing proposals comes from Bleacher Report's Andy Bailey, who has outlined a deal that would send both LeBron and his son, Bronny James, to a Western Conference rival.
Proposed Los Angeles Lakers-Spurs Trade
Bailey's hypothetical trade involves the San Antonio Spurs acquiring the father-son duo in exchange for two young scorers and future draft considerations.
Trade Proposal
LeBron James at the Playoffs against the Timberwolves (Image via Imagn).
Los Angeles Lakers Receive
San Antonio Spurs Receive
Devin Vassell
LeBron James
Keldon Johnson
Bronny James
2031 first-round pick swap (via Kings)
2032 first-round pick swap
Pick swaps acquired by the Spurs from Sacramento in the DeMar DeRozan trade.
Why This Deal Could Work for the Los Angeles Lakers
While fans might expect a superstar return for
LeBron James
, this package offers a different kind of value.
Key Benefits for the
Los Angeles Lakers
:
• Two reliable young scorers: Both Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson have proven they can average close to 20 points per game.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Family Adopted A New 'Dog', But When The Vet Sees It He Calls The Police
Lovemyfamilymag.com
Undo
• Versatile skillsets: Neither is expected to become a franchise star, but both can contribute in multiple roles on a contending team.
• Support for Luka Doncic: Role players who can defend and score efficiently are crucial in the Lakers' new era.
• Future flexibility: The draft pick swaps give the team additional assets without locking them into expensive veteran contracts.
As Bailey notes, 'This might not be the type of LeBron trade return that some Lakers are hoping for, [but] getting an aging superstar off the team for two solid players and draft capital might be the Los Angeles Lakers' best option moving forward.'
Also read:
New York Knicks Reportedly Keeping a Close Watch on Giannis Antetokounmpo's Situation in the Milwaukee Bucks
San Antonio Spurs' Perspective
For the Spurs, the move would bring in a global icon in LeBron James, boosting both on-court performance and marketability. Pairing him with Victor Wembanyama could accelerate their rebuild, while adding Bronny James could help foster a long-term connection to the franchise.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
32 minutes ago
- Time of India
'Jasprit Bumrah didn't win the Test match — Mohammed Siraj did,' ex-Australia cricketer says in bold remark
Manchester: India's Jasprit Bumrah and and Mohammed Siraj appeal for a wicket during the fourth day of the fourth Test match between India and England, at the Old Trafford cricket ground, in Manchester, England. (PTI Photo/R Senthilkumar)(PTI07_26_2025_000186B) Former Australia cricketer Brad Haddin has made a bold remark about India's pace duo Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj . Haddin said that Bumrah didn't win any Test matches for India during the England tour. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! 'India can take a lot out of this — that they can still play without Bumrah,' Haddin said on the YouTube channel LiSTNR Sport. 'Life goes on if the other bowlers find a way. They have so much talent over there in India. But he didn't win a Test match. 'I think Siraj likes being the leader of the attack. He's one of those guys who wants the ball in big situations. Yes, he makes mistakes, but he doesn't shy away from the occasion. If you have players like that — who aren't afraid to make mistakes, who can get under the skin of the opposition because of how much they want to be involved — those are the guys you want.' IND vs ENG: Mohammed Siraj reflects on memorable win at The Oval Jasprit Bumrah was released from India's squad after not being included in the playing XI for the fifth Test against England at The Oval, owing to workload management. Before the five-match series began, chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir had stated that Bumrah wouldn't feature in more than three Tests on the tour due to workload considerations. Bumrah played in the first Test at Headingley, Leeds, followed by the third and fourth games at Lord's and Old Trafford, Manchester, respectively. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Most Beautiful Female Athletes Right Now Undo Poll Who do you think had a bigger impact on India's performance in the Test series against England? Jasprit Bumrah Mohammed Siraj Both had an equal impact In those three games, Bumrah picked up 14 wickets — including two five-wicket hauls — bowling 119.4 overs at an average of 26, making him India's leading wicket-taker before the fifth Test. Meanwhile, Siraj featured in all five Tests, ending as the highest wicket-taker in the series with 22 scalps, helping India level the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2-2. 'Mohammed Siraj wanted the ball in that last hour of play. There's no way in the world he didn't want to bowl every over to win the game. Yes, he dropped a catch — that was a bad miss. Your details have to be better when you're catching in those moments. 'But that one moment didn't define his performance in the Test match. We're not even talking about that catch anymore,' Haddin added. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
'Miyan Magic' tops the charts: Mohammed Siraj surpasses Jasprit Bumrah for this big record
Mohammed Siraj (BCCI Photo) NEW DELHI: Mohammed Siraj may have long lived in the shadow of Jasprit Bumrah , but during the recently concluded India-England Test series, he stepped out in style — and straight into the record books. With a stunning display of grit and fire, Siraj became the leading wicket-taker in away Tests among pacers since his debut, edging past his beloved 'Jassi Bhai'. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! The five-match series ended 2-2, but it was a defining one for the 31-year-old pacer. While Bumrah played just three Tests due to workload management, Siraj featured in all five and ended as the leading wicket-taker with 23 wickets at an average of 32.43, including a six-wicket haul at Birmingham and a match-turning five-for at The Oval. Poll Was Mohammed Siraj's performance in the recent Test series a turning point in his career? Yes, definitely No, he's always been good It's too early to tell His spell of 6/70 at Edgbaston turned the tide in India's favour, helping secure a massive 336-run win — India's largest overseas Test victory by runs. More than just numbers, it was the raw emotion and aggression he brought to the pitch that stood out. IND vs ENG: Mohammed Siraj reflects on memorable win at The Oval Across 41 Tests since his debut, Siraj has now bowled 1069.5 overs, claiming 123 wickets at an average of 31.05. But his most notable feat is the 104 wickets he has taken in 27 away Tests — two more than Bumrah's 102 in 21 matches during the same period. He now sits atop the list of pacers with most away wickets since his debut, followed by Kagiso Rabada (82) and Mitchell Starc (73). by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas in Dubai | Search Ads Get Info Undo (Stats Source - Cricbuzz) At The Oval, when England needed just 73 with seven wickets in hand chasing 374, Siraj stood tall. He pushed relentlessly with Prasidh Krishna , triggering a collapse that sealed a thrilling Indian win. By the time he celebrated with his signature 'Siuuuu', Siraj had transformed — not just from support act to leader — but into the beating heart of India's pace attack. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
'I considered retirement': Smelling salts banned in NFL, and George Kittle isn't taking it lightly
NFL's smelling salt ban leaves George Kittle outraged (Imagn Images) George Kittle has never been one to shy away from making a scene - especially when it's both hilarious and heartfelt. During a light-hearted yet surprising interruption at 49ers training camp, the San Francisco 49ers tight end made headlines after jokingly announcing he was 'distraught' and even 'considered retirement. ' The reason? A brand-new NFL policy that has banned smelling salts and ammonia packets from all league play starting in 2025. George Kittle 'distraught' over NFL's new smelling salt ban The impromptu moment unfolded when Kittle stormed the NFL Network set mid-interview, grabbing the mic while teammate Fred Warner was speaking. 'I honestly just came up here to air a grievance,' he said, prompting laughter from those around. 'Our team got a memo today that smelling salts and ammonia packets were made illegal in the NFL, and I've been distraught all day.' He then tossed in a cheeky bombshell: 'I considered retirement. ' While clearly joking, Kittle wasn't exaggerating his personal attachment to the now-banned item. 'I'm an every-drive guy,' he emphasized, explaining that he uses smelling salts as part of his regular pre-snap ritual. 'I miss them already,' he confessed, before quickly drawing a line at overuse: 'Every play is too much.' The ban, however, is anything but a joke to the league. The science and safety behind the NFL's sudden move According to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, the memo referenced a 2024 alert from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which cited growing concerns over the unregulated use of ammonia inhalants (AIs) — the broader category including smelling salts. The NFL's head, neck, and spine committee echoed these concerns, recommending a full ban due to the potential for AIs to 'mask certain neurologic signs and symptoms,' particularly those associated with concussions. The league's official stance is firm. Players, coaches, and staff are prohibited from using or providing smelling salts in any game context — pregame, during play, or even halftime. The FDA highlighted troubling side effects like shortness of breath, seizures, vomiting, and even fainting, especially from unapproved or cheaply sourced products bought online. Smelling salts, once intended to revive fainting victims, have become a go-to stimulant for athletes in high-impact sports like football and hockey. While Kittle's playful protest might have earned chuckles, the ban is rooted in player safety — a direction the league clearly isn't planning to reverse. Still, fans shouldn't worry. Kittle just signed a lucrative extension, and despite the melodrama, he isn't actually walking away from football. But one thing's for sure — he definitely wants a compromise. Also Read: How Erin Andrews and Charissa Thompson remain unbiased despite close ties with top NFL players Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
