Lakers' 3-team trade prediction sends $104M veteran to Cavaliers for Luka Doncic's dream $329M duo

The Los Angeles Lakers are finally starting to fully click as a team after enduring several struggling weeks during the month of January. However, it now seems clear what the Lakers’ long-term direction may be. For LeBron James, his focus remains simple — he wants to be on a contending team at the end of his career.

“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” Rich Paul told ESPN. “He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we've had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.”

James and the Lakers shared an unusual dynamic over the summer, one that led many to believe a trade could eventually become a real possibility.

“My conversations over the last 3 days have crystallized that the Lakers are essentially viewing LeBron as an expiring contract... I'm just unlocking the door because I am not as convinced as before if it's impossibility,” ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said.

With the NBA trade deadline approaching, Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz proposed a three-team deal that would send James back home while giving Luka Doncic two ideal centers.

Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: LeBron James, Bronny James, Adou Thiero

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Lauri Markkanen, Jarrett Allen

Utah Jazz Receive: De'Andre Hunter, Max Strus (via TPE), Sam Merrill, Lonzo Ball, Gabe Vincent, 2027 first-round pick (via Lakers, removing 1–4 protection to make unprotected), 2031 first-round pick (via Lakers, top-4 protected)

The deal would undoubtedly set the Lakers up well alongside Doncic and could go down as a dream scenario for the franchise. Los Angeles would be moving on from James while bringing in two elite lob threats, exactly what the new superstar wants in L.A.

The Jazz would receive an influx of talent that they could either develop, move in future deals, or resolve through buyouts. As for Cleveland, they would reunite with their hometown hero for one final run, potentially giving James the storybook ending to his legendary career.