When LeBron James signed with the Los Angeles Lakers last year, it was considered more of a business decision than a basketball one.
The young core in Los Angeles was still not ready for prime time, and LeBron was expected to carry the roster to glory much like he did in Cleveland. But, it simply hasn’t worked out. (RELATED: Here’s How Fans Welcomed LeBron James In Return To Cleveland)
It’s time for LeBron to demand a trade, and ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith suggested that people close to Lakers Owner Jeanie Buss have been “imploring” her to trade him.
I’m told people in Hollywood have told Jeanie Buss to trade @KingJames! pic.twitter.com/PzaOvC3uF0
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) May 9, 2019
After the Lakers botched their chance to hire Ty Lue as their next head coach, it’s clear that the organization lacks direction. (RELATED: Los Angeles Lakers Fans Plan To Protest Outside The Stadium)
LeBron is the greatest player in NBA history, and it would be terrible for the league and its fans if he spends the last few years of his prime in obscurity. He has to get away from Los Angeles as soon as possible.
So, where would the King go?
Could he go back to Cleveland?
![LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts against the Golden State Warriors during Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 8, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)](https://cdn01.dailycaller.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/lebron-fox-sports-president-e1530803499970.jpg)
LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts against the Golden State Warriors during Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
The Cavs would certainly have some good trade chips. Cleveland has point guard Collin Sexton, who is coming off a fantastic rookie season. They also may well have the number one overall pick and a chance at Duke phenom Zion Williamson. The combination of Sexton and Zion would be hard for the Lakers to pass up.
Another team that makes sense would be the Philadelphia 76ers. They could offer a package centered around Ben Simmons that would also be hard for Los Angeles to reject.
Regardless of where LeBron ends up, it should be far away from the dysfunctional franchise he’s with now.
For the sake of the fans, the quality of the game and your legacy, please LeBron: Demand a trade, and do it now.