Lakers predicted to cut ties with LeBron James, acquire $91 million Cavaliers All-Star

Lakers predicted to cut ties with LeBron James, acquire $91 million Cavaliers All-Star originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

LeBron James is the center of attention in mid-May for the second consecutive season.

After the Los Angeles Lakers’ season-ending loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves last year, there was speculation that James would either retire or leave Los Angeles for a new NBA opportunity.

James ultimately elected to pick up his $52.6 million player option and remain with the Lakers for another season. After getting eliminated by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round of the postseason, though, James has found himself back in the spotlight.

ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins recently floated the idea of the Lakers cutting ties with James via sign-and-trade in favor of a Cleveland Cavaliers All-Star center.

“I guarantee you, (LeBron James) will take Jarrett Allen’s money,” Perkins said on ‘Get Up’ Tuesday.

“I’m pretty sure that Luka (Doncic) would love a lob threat like Jarett Allen, you know, if the Lakers don’t want LeBron James, and you’re looking for a big because Deandre Ayton shouldn’t be back, right, with what he displayed.”

“But if you can sign and trade, and you can do LeBron for Jarett Allen,  Cleveland is doing it in, and the Lakers are doing it.”

Perkins’ sign-and-trade scenario would be the best case for James and the Lakers. For James, it would be a golden opportunity to return to the franchise that helped shape his NBA career.

The Cavaliers drafted James in 2003, and in addition to earning a ridiculous number of accolades with Cleveland, the four-time NBA Finals MVP guided the organization to its first-ever championship in 2026. A storybook reunion is arguably the best way for James to end his awe-inspiring career.

For the Lakers, it would provide them with a high-energy center who can rim-run at a high level, explode for above-the-rim finishes in pick-and-roll situations, and serve as an underrated rim protector.

Allen is currently averaging 13.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game with a Cavaliers squad that possesses a 3-2 lead over the Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. 
If Los Angeles is keen on moving on from Ayton after a disappointing season, Allen should be viewed as an adequate replacement.

Simply put, a James-Allen swap would benefit all parties involved this summer.

More NBA news:

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