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LeBron James might not technically be on the trade market, but that doesn’t mean that people aren’t talking about what’s next for the four-time NBA Most Valuable Player. After James’ first season with the Los Angeles Lakers ended in a complete sh*tshow by missing the playoffs, internal dysfunction and, finally, Magic Johnson quitting the day before the season ended, there are some wondering if LeBron James even wants to stay with the team after this year.
For months, we’ve heard rumors about how other superstars might not want to play alongside LeBron James, who, as we all know, is a volatile and explosive personality, typically in control of everything the franchise he plays for does. Remember, it was James’ agent and good friend, Rich Paul, who began the Anthony Davis trade drama, which led to the Lakers completely falling apart and finger pointing within the organization.
Well, with all the dysfunction and lack of direction that’s going on with the Los Angeles Lakers right now, would LeBron James really consider asking for a trade? At least a couple of NBA Insiders, Ric Bucher and Jason Whitlock, seem to think so, with the two laying out interesting dilemmas on FOX Sports’ Speak for Yourself earlier today. Take a listen for yourself at how Bucher lays out a scenario in which James could end up on the Milwaukee Bucks playing alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo.
"Right now the Milwaukee Bucks are desperate to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo… What if they said Giannis… we’re going to bring LeBron in because we want you playing for a championship right now."@RicBucher believes the Bucks could possibly trade for LeBron pic.twitter.com/fAuRZqoVBC
— Speak (@SpeakOnFS1) April 11, 2019
Although Bucher does say he doesn’t foresee the Lakers trading LeBron James, which is something he’s generally heard from people around the league, here’s the real kicker to that scenario that he tossed out there: he allegedly was told about the idea from a current general manager, meaning that James to the Bucks to join forces with this year’s probable MVP, Antetokounmpo, does have some legitimacy.
Whether LeBron James gets traded or not, only time will tell. But Ric Bucher’s colleague on the Speak for Yourself, Jason Whitlock, does think that it’s time for the Lakers to cut ties with the three-time NBA champ after just one season, because, in Whitlock’s own words, “LeBron no longer wants to play for the Lakers. It’s best for both parties to go their separate ways.” Take a look at his hot take below.
Whitlock: LeBron no longer wants to play for the Lakers. It's best for both parties to go their separate ways. @WhitlockJason pic.twitter.com/kt9CXgEdWa
— Speak (@SpeakOnFS1) April 11, 2019
With the NBA Playoffs about to start in a couple days and LeBron James missing out for the first time since his second year in the league, it definitely seems a little strange. But, with the current state of the Lakers as it is, James may still dominate headlines as his fellow stars chase a championship — and it’ll be interesting to see if he ends up sticking with the Lakers or finding his way out of LaLa Land and on some other team this summer. If you’re a Bucks fan, you have to be pumped about the current rumor going around right now.