The 2024–25 NBA season has been a difficult one for both the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Los Angeles Lakers. The Cavaliers, despite a stellar 64–18 regular-season record under Coach of the Year Kenny Atkinson, were bounced out of the second round by the Indiana Pacers, rather embarrassingly. Donovan Mitchell has come out firing about coming back stronger next year, but it's safe to say that we aren't impressed or moved by his words.
Meanwhile, the Lakers, led by LeBron James and Luka Doncic, suffered a disappointing first-round exit, losing in five games to the Minnesota Timberwolves. LeBron, at 40, continues to defy age with averages of 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game, but the team's early playoff departure highlights the need for change.
Given these circumstances, a potential trade sending LeBron back to Cleveland emerges as a compelling narrative, and even analyst Nick Wright agrees that it should be at the forefront of The King's mind. Reuniting with the Cavaliers could provide LeBron with a final championship run, while offering Cleveland the veteran leadership needed to capitalize on their talented roster. Such a move could reshape the NBA landscape, turning the Cavaliers into instant title contenders.
Proposed Trade Details
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: LeBron James, Jarred Vanderbilt, Bronny James
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Jarrett Allen, De'Andre Hunter, 2031 First-Round Pick (CLE)
A Perfect Way to End the King's Career
LeBron James, at 40, continues to defy age and expectations. In the 2024–25 season, he averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists over 70 games, maintaining a 51.3% field goal percentage. Despite the Lakers' early playoff exit, LeBron's performance remains elite, posting 25.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game in the first round.
Returning to Cleveland would be a storybook ending for LeBron's illustrious career. Rejoining the Cavaliers, the team that drafted him in 2003, offers a chance to mentor emerging stars and solidify his legacy.
Including Jarred Vanderbilt and Bronny James in the trade adds depth and future potential to the Cavaliers' roster. Vanderbilt brings defensive versatility, averaging 5.1 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game. Bronny, though early in his career, has shown promise and could develop under his father's guidance, making this the perfect Fairytale ending for one of the greatest players of all time.
Cleveland Cavaliers Form the Best Team in the NBA
Acquiring LeBron James, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Bronny James positions the Cavaliers as formidable contenders, something Cavs fans want. LeBron's leadership and experience complement the talents of Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Evan Mobley, creating the best team in the NBA. This lineup could push the Cavs over the top in the East with more talent than the Knicks, Celtics, or Pacers.
Not to be ignored, Vanderbilt's defensive prowess adds a crucial element to what the Cavs aim to do. His ability to guard multiple positions and contribute on the boards makes him a fresh face for a roster that has lacked that in the second round of the playoffs.
Bronny's inclusion not only brings potential but also boosts the team's marketability and fan engagement. With this trade completed, the Cavs have a stacked lineup that could go all the way to winning a second championship in franchise history.
Los Angeles Lakers Get Young and Athletic Around Luka
Trading LeBron James allows the Lakers to reorient their roster around Luka Doncic. Acquiring Jarrett Allen and De'Andre Hunter infuses the team with youth, athleticism, and defensive strength. The Lakers needed a big man desperately, and Allen is the perfect lob partner for the superstar Slovenian.
Allen, who averaged 13.5 points and 9.7 rebounds with a league-leading 70.6% field goal percentage, provides a reliable inside option. Meanwhile, Hunter contributes 17.0 points per game and offers versatility on both ends of the court, and is easily a starting-caliber wing who can start alongside Doncic and Austin Reaves. Hunter is also only 27 years old, and that fits in the Lakers' timeline as well.
This trade aligns with the Lakers' long-term vision of building a competitive team around Doncic and moving on from the aging LeBron James. By focusing on younger talent and future assets, the Lakers position themselves for sustained success in the evolving NBA landscape that could get a lot more interesting moving forward.
