Proposed NBA Trade Has Lakers Send LeBron James to Knicks for Haul

The future of LeBron James with the Los Angeles Lakers continues to be a focal point in ongoing NBA rumors. One team that has continuously been linked to James throughout his NBA career is the New York Knicks.

The easiest way for James to end up with the Knicks would be a swap for Karl-Anthony Towns. If the Lakers are reluctant to take on Towns’ $220 million contract, there are additional Knicks trade packages that could work for the Los Angeles.

The Athletic’s Fred Katz put together a list of potential trades for James. For the Knicks, a non-Towns deal could be some combination of Mikal Bridges or Josh Hart along with OG Anunoby.

THE MOVE. THE FINISH.

BRON IS TAKING OVER IN THE GARDEN 💪 pic.twitter.com/DjpfeTnt04

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 2, 2025

Another option would be the Knicks sending Anunoby, Mitchell Robinson and Miles McBride to the Lakers in exchange for James.

“Purely from a standpoint of matching salaries, the Knicks could construct various types of offers for James,” Katz wrote in a July 2, 2025, story titled, “LeBron James trade fits: Cavs, Warriors, Mavericks and more possibilities.” “The most chaotic deal would be flipping All-NBA big man Karl-Anthony Towns for James, straight up — two teams betting on the other’s star. Of course, this could leave the Knicks center-less, given Mitchell Robinson’s injury struggles.

“They could pair a couple of wings, OG Anunoby and either Josh Hart or Mikal Bridges, in a trade for James. They could piece together a trio to offer for James: Anunoby, Robinson and point guard Miles ‘Deuce’ McBride.”

LeBron James on Playing the Knicks at Madison Square Garden: ‘It’s Always Special to Come Into This Building’

James has been vocal about his love for both New York City and playing at Madison Square Garden. If James does push for a trade, finishing his career with the Knicks could make some sense.

“It’s always special to come into this building,’’ James said in February, per The New York Post. “It’s the Mecca of basketball [and] probably the greatest basketball arena in the world.

“… The fans here have always treated me with respect and I always try to give it back to them. I understand the history of this building. I’ve been a part of Madison Square Garden for 20-plus years.”

Rich Paul on Lakers Star LeBron James’ Future: ‘He Wants to Make Every Season He Has Left Count’

The chatter about James’ future comes after his agent Rich Paul released a bombshell statement about the star’s future on the eve of NBA free agency. Paul appeared to open the door for James to finish his career elsewhere, despite opting into the final season of his current contract with the Lakers.

“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” Paul told ESPN’s Shams Charania in a June 29, statement. “He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we’ve had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.

“We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future. We do want to evaluate what’s best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career. He wants to make every season he has left count, and the Lakers understand that, are supportive and want what’s best for him.”