LeBron James to Cavaliers trade talk gets major Jarrett Allen twist

It's another offseason where everyone is talking about whether there is one final chapter remaining in LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers' storybook ending. The reality is that anything could happen, but the bargain could be a lot for the Cavs to deal with.

ESPN's Brian Windhorst has raised one idea on how the Cavaliers can land James in a sign-and-trade arrangement with the Lakers. However, the arrangement would need the Cavs to send their center Jarrett Allen to the Lakers.

"There is a thought process out there in Los Angeles, and I think if the Cavs were interested in this, the Lakers would sit up in attention right now, that they would sign and trade LeBron for Jared Allen," Windhorst said.

The insider also noted that for this to happen, the Cavs would first need the green light from James. Windhorst also highlighted that the Lakers would instantly accept the deal if it means getting Allen in exchange.

"And I think if the Cavs were willing to do that, they could have LeBron," the insider added. "Obviously, LeBron would have to want to sign with the calves, but if your pathway to pay LeBron the money is to trade Jared Allen for him, the Lakers would kill for Allen. Kill for him. They would do that deal in 17 tenths of a second."

"I think if the Cavs were willing to do that, they could have LeBron, obviously LeBron would have to want to sign with the Cavs," - @WindhorstESPN says the Lakers would KILL to get Jarrett Allen in a trade for LeBron. pic.twitter.com/WiFmIABUiE

MORE: Lakers get major update on LeBron James' future with Los Angeles

Why Lakers would instantly accept Jarrett Allen-LeBron James swap

Ever since Anthony Davis was traded to the Dallas Mavericks in a blockbuster trade that brought in Luka Doncic, the Lakers have had a clear need in the center position.

Jarrett Allen would instantly solve that problem for them, as we all know about his finishing abilities and rim protection in the front court. With Doncic, he can be a reliable lob threat. Remember how the former Mavericks guard took Dallas to the NBA Finals with the help of Dereck Lively II, P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford. Now, just imagine how he could run the offense with a well-oiled center in Allen.

Meanwhile, for the Cavs, the decision needs some thinking. The excitement to get James is overwhelming, but the cost would be to lose a central part of their frontcourt. Alongside Evan Mobley, Cleveland was able to get the better of many teams in the paint with Allen present. With him gone, they may need to look deeper into their system or get a trade candidate that could satisfy their needs, keeping in mind their financial constraints.

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