Lakers predicted to acquire $54 million Warriors outcast in Lebron James-centered trade

The Los Angeles Lakers have time to make a trade they believe would set themselves up for future success. 

Multiple reports suggest the Lakers are interested in multiple assets, leaving the door open for a pre-NBA trade deadline deal. Sports Illustrated’s Mark Morales-Smith believes the Lakers would be wise to consider acquiring a 33-year-old Golden State Warriors outcast in a LeBron James-centered trade.

“If the Lakers don't believe that they are true contenders this season, this is a slam dunk trade for Los Angeles (LeBron and Bronny James to the San Antonio Spurs for Devin Vassell, Harrison Barnes, Jeremy Sochan, and a first-round pick).”

“They would be adding young players to build around who could help both now, but more importantly, in the future, as role players surrounding (Luka) Doncic, for a 41-year-old pending free agent. There is even a scenario where LeBron wants to be in Los Angeles, and they could trade him to allow him to compete for a title shot, then bring him back next year.”

Barnes began his career with the Warriors after a standout collegiate career with North Carolina, and things started pretty well. 

The 6-foot-7 forward increased his scoring each season with the Warriors and helped the franchise defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2015 NBA Finals. 

However, following an unimpressive showing against the Cavaliers in the following year’s finals (he averaged 9.3 points while shooting below 36% from the field and from three in the disappointing seven-game series), the Dubs replaced him with former Oklahoma City Thunder star Kevin Durant. 

To Barnes’ credit, the Ames, Iowa native has played well since leaving the Warriors for the Mavericks in 2016.

Barnes is currently an underrated role player with the ascending San Antonio Spurs, contributing 10.5 points on 43.7% field goal shooting and 36.5% from long distance in addition to holding his own on the defensive end.

Landing Barnes would give the Lakers a respected veteran forward who plays his role to perfection and has already competed alongside Doncic in the big leagues (2018-19 with the Dallas Mavericks). 

That said, James is expected to remain with the Lakers until at least the end of the 2025-26 season, making Morales-Smith’s trade concept one that likely won’t materialize this week.

More NBA: Warriors urged to pair Stephen Curry with $276 million future Hall of Fame duo, chase title