"Why Would the Lakers Want Two Mid Players": Lakers Fans Baffled at LeBron James to Cavaliers Mock Trade With $197,230,450 PG in Return

LeBron James is in the final year of his two-year $101,355,998 contract with the LA Lakers, causing many to speculate over his future. However, a mock trade sending him back to Cleveland for $197,230,450 point guard in return left fans baffled on Thursday.

FanDuel Sportsbook stirred up social media after posting a mock trade on X (formerly Twitter) that would send LeBron and Bronny James to the Cleveland Cavaliers. In the proposed deal, the Los Angeles Lakers would receive Darius Garland, De’Andre Hunter, and a 2030 first-round pick in return.

"The Cavs get their GOAT back. The Lakers build around Luka & Austin Reaves. Should the Lakers & Cavs make this move to send LeBron & Bronny back to Cleveland? 🤔," they captioned the post.

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Lakers fans were left stunned by the proposal and offered their candid thoughts.

While the proposal left many dumbfounded, few believed the deal would be acceptable, but with a few tweaks.

Although FanDuel’s post certainly grabbed attention with its blockbuster proposal, the trade itself is far from realistic, both financially and on paper. Garland's $197,230,450 contract would be too large for the Lakers, as they are currently hard-capped and would go over the first apron by $8,292,936, making this deal unfeasible.

Additionally, the Lakers have a stacked backcourt with both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves in the form of their lives, while Marcus Smart is a great bench option, making Darius Garland a surplus addition.

Furthermore, Los Angeles has struggled defensively at the start of the season without Bron, who is their best defender on the wings. While De’Andre Hunter brings youth and offensive upside, his skill set doesn’t address the Lakers’ pressing need for defensive reinforcement.

JJ Reddick provides an update on LeBron James' injury as the star looks to make his season debut

LeBron James missed the season opener for the first time in his career this season as the forward continues to struggle with sciatica. The nerve condition has kept him out of the roster, as JJ Reddick hopes to have him back as quickly as possible.

On Wednesday, ESPN's Dave McMenamin echoed Reddick's update on LeBron's injury status on X (formerly Twitter).

"JJ Redick says there is no set return date in mind for LeBron James but the team is eyeing the second or third week of November as the general range. As for Luka Doncic, Redick said the team hopes to have him back sometime in the “next couple of games,” McMenamin wrote.

With Doncic being sidelined for a week with a finger injury, the Lakers will be hoping to have LeBron return to the lineup as soon as possible. His return will be crucial as the team looks to regain momentum and position itself for a deep playoff run this season.

Edited by Arian Kashyap