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The Los Angeles Lakers should hope for the best but prepare for the worst with LeBron James.
Could James return to the Lakers for another season and likely retire with the franchise? Possibly, but leaving Los Angeles and considering retirement are other options the four-time NBA champion will mull this offseason.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have been deemed a popular destination for James for obvious reasons, and according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, a deal might materialize. Luckily for the Lakers, Windhorst said the franchise could land a 6-foot-11 All-Star center if it loses James via a blockbuster sign-and-trade.
"If you're willing to touch the idea of Jarrett Allen, if you're willing to touch the idea of Evan Mobley, there will be other options, and you explore that pathway,” Windhorst stated Tuesday. “That pathway could lead you to LeBron James.”
Mobley was a fluid rim-runner, effective mid and low post operator, high-level pick-and-roll finisher, and adequate interior defender with the Cavaliers all year. The USC product averaged 18.2 points, 9.0 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.8 blocks in 65 regular-season games, shooting 54.6 % from the field.
Regarding Mobley’s postseason contributions, the 24-year-old play certainly wasn’t the reason the Cavaliers fell short in their championship pursuit. Mobley was a 17.0-point, 8.1-rebound, 3.9-assist, and 1.8-block contributor for Cleveland in 18 playoff contests (he shot 53.5% from the field).
Replacing Deandre Ayton with Mobley would be great news for Luka Doncic and the Lakers. However, out of the two options mentioned, Cleveland is more likely to move on from Allen (who wouldn’t be a bad option, but Mobley is undoubtedly the better player).
Let the Cavaliers-Lakers offseason rumors continue.
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