Lakers trade prediction sends $81M young trio to Kings for $73M 6X All-Star, former LeBron rival

The Los Angeles Lakers are enduring what could be the final season of LeBron James in purple and gold. It could also potentially be his final season in the NBA altogether, depending on what he decides at the conclusion of the year. Comments James made on Sunday raised major questions about whether the end may be near.

“At the end of the day, everything has to come to an end at some point. So, no matter what it is, it's going to be like, ‘S—, I'll never play again in Madison Square Garden. I'll never play again in certain arenas. I’ll never play again, period,” James told the media.

If this does end up being his final season, James has made it clear since the summer that his priority is competing for a championship.

“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.”

One proposed deal from SI’s Grey Dayo would have the Lakers sending Rui Hachimura, Jake LaRavia, Dalton Knecht, and draft capital to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for DeMar DeRozan and Drew Eubanks.

“DeRozan, at the age of 36, is not a part of the Kings' future, especially with where they currently stand. This mock deal allows them to turn the page on a failed veteran core and enter a full rebuild. Sacramento gains both young players who could be part of said rebuild, and they get more draft capital, giving them chances of accommodating franchise pieces down the road. Both Dalton Knecht and Jake LaRavia, at the age of 24, have the potential to be winning players for a franchise. Knecht notably showed this in his rookie season, and LaRavia has had moments in this current season to indicate this,” Dayo wrote.

The deal would significantly improve the Lakers’ offense while adding a veteran with extensive playoff experience. The only thing DeRozan lacks is an NBA championship — something that could change with this Lakers roster.

For Knecht, the move would provide the fresh start he has been waiting for. Hachimura would be moved as an expiring contract, while LaRavia’s youth remains a valuable asset in a rebuilding scenario.