Foresight is a valuable tool. Thinking ahead can allow someone to stay a step ahead of their competition. NBA teams can take advantage.

At the same time, too much foresight can be a hindrance. After all, it’s also important to stay grounded in the present. Otherwise, you could make a plan for the future – only to neglect what’s happening here and now. 

With that in mind, we’re about to completely contradict ourselves. After all, things are going so poorly for the Los Angeles Lakers that no possibility is too distant, or drastic, to consider. 

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That includes trading LeBron James. That isn’t something the Lakers can do this year – James’ extension disallows them from moving him before February 14th, which is three days after the trade deadline.

Still, if the Lakers have as rough of a 2022-23 season as their 0-3 record suggests they could, don’t be surprised if James is looking for the next train out of town by the time next summer comes around. 

Here’s a deal that has him arriving on the Phoenix Suns. 

 

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: C Deandre Ayton, G/F Landry Shamet, 2023 First-Round Pick (PHO), 2025 First-Round Pick (PHO), 2027 First-Round Pick (PHO) 

Phoenix Suns Receive: G/F LeBron James