A quarter of the way through 2024-25 and the Los Angeles Lakers are flailing around like a manic patient.<\/p>\n
At 12-11, 10th in the West, their heads are just above water. Nonetheless, with the way that the Lakers were talking up the hiring of JJ Redick, they can\u2019t settle for that. In fact, while having two of the top players in the league \u2014one of whom who has won four championships and NBA MVP awards \u2014their standards are very high.<\/p>\n
Never mind that LeBron James<\/a> is on the verge of turning 40 years old or that Anthony Davis<\/a> is often as unreliable as he is talented. Los Angeles is putting a mediocre product onto the floor. It\u2019s gotten so bad that there are now ESPN pundits suggesting that the Lakers and Golden State Warriors revisit last season\u2019s trade conversations<\/a>. In those discussions, it was revealed that the Warriors made overtures for James, hoping to pair him<\/a> with Stephen Curry<\/a>. However, James\u2019s agent (Rich Paul) avoided going down that path<\/a> because of how his client might might be perceived.<\/p>\n Frankly, the thought of James joining the Warriors is still mind-bending. With him developing a bond with Curry and Draymond Green<\/a> off the court, it\u2019s not impossible to fathom, just strange. Yet, without Golden State sending over Jonathan Kuminga<\/a> \u2014who they\u2019ve been incredibly reluctant to move with an eye on their future<\/a> \u2014it\u2019s unlikely that a deal gets done anyways.<\/p>\n As long as we\u2019re discussing frienemies, there is at least one other franchise that James might consider waiving his no-trade clause to join though: the Denver Nuggets.<\/p>\n The Nuggets have the Lakers\u2019 number in the regular season and postseason. In fact, Denver has won 13 of their last 14 games against L.A., including seven consecutive playoff victories. Nonetheless, Denver\u2019s gotten off to a cold start this winter, and are just 11-9.<\/p>\n The primary problem appears to be their defense. Jamal Murray<\/a> can\u2019t stop a runny nose right now. Michael Porter Jr.<\/a>\u2019s effort doesn\u2019t guarantee effectiveness. Nikola Jokic<\/a> still isn\u2019t a reliable rim-protector.<\/p>\n The Nuggets have also run into a problem that the Lakers have had for years. Whenever their best player \u2014in this case Jokic \u2014is off the court, they look like fool\u2019s gold.<\/p>\n Denver Nuggets with vs without Nikola Joki\u0107 stats are insane pic.twitter.com\/I45PNFmVvk<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Per Sources (@PerSources) December 6, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\nCould Lakers Trade Megastar LeBron James To Nuggets In Clippers-Like Move?<\/h2>\n
A Win-Win\u2026 Win-Win?<\/h3>\n
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