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Los Angeles Lakers: The only returns worth trading LeBron James for

By Jason Reed

OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 25: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers goes up to shoot and gets fouled by Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors during the first half of their NBA Basketball game at ORACLE Arena on December 25, 2018 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 25: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers goes up to shoot and gets fouled by Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors during the first half of their NBA Basketball game at ORACLE Arena on December 25, 2018 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

1. Klay Thompson and Draymond Green

Wouldn’t this be something? The Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors working out a deal that would shift the balance of the league and would certainly lead to some interesting changes in the Western Conference.

The crazy part about this trade is that it actually would make sense for both parties involved. The Warriors are possibly losing Kevin Durant in free agency this summer and Klay Thompson is a free agent and is potentially disgruntled in his role.

Because of Thompson’s contract, the Warriors would have to execute a sign and trade with the Los Angeles Lakers. This might seem pointless but it would be beneficial for the Lakers as they could get a fifth year on Thompson’s contract.

Draymond has another year under contract so it would give the team a piece to build around in 2019 without any long-term risks. The Lakers would then have enough salary cap space still to add either one decent third option or can build the depth.

As for the Warriors, a Golden State team without Thompson and Durant would not contend for a title. So instead of doing that, the Warriors could flip both Green and Thompson for LeBron, start a new age with LeBron and Curry and have the salary cap space to build around them.

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