What if LeBron James packed up and left the Lakers, but didn’t leave Los Angeles?
Sounds wild, right? But here we are, staring down a scenario that just might be the biggest twist of the NBA offseason. The King could switch locker rooms and end up wearing Clippers red, white, and blue. And the buzz? It’s real.
With the Lakers falling short in 2024-25 and still figuring out how to build around LeBron and Luka Doncic, the future suddenly feels shaky. Sure, landing Doncic was a stunner. But that splash didn’t solve everything. Meanwhile, LeBron isn’t sticking around just to mentor young guys. He’s chasing one more ring, and time isn’t waiting.
Kawhi-For-LeBron Swap Could Rock L.A.
In a July 2 feature for The Athletic, Fred Katz threw gasoline on the fire. He floated the idea of LeBron jumping to the Clippers in a blockbuster swap involving none other than two-time Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard. Yes, that Kawhi. And this one makes some sense on the books.
Leonard, currently on a deal worth roughly $149 million through 2027, would give the Lakers another elite wing still in his prime. For the Clippers, moving Kawhi clears significant cap space ahead of a loaded 2026 free agency class. James’ deal expires next summer, which means LA’s other team could reset while staying competitive.
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Katz also suggested a more conservative option. The Clippers could create a supporting cast of Norman Powell, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Derrick Jones Jr., all solid, plug-and-play guys who could slot next to LeBron. But that would likely thin out the depth that made the Clippers dangerous last season. And the real needle-mover? It’s still the potential Kawhi-for-LeBron blockbuster.
Then there’s the family angle. Staying in L.A. lets LeBron stay close to his son, Bronny, who just entered the league with the Lakers. That alone could weigh heavily in any decision.
LeBron’s longtime agent, Rich Paul, told ESPN’s Shams Charania in late June, “LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” adding that while he appreciates his partnership with the Lakers, “he values a realistic chance of winning it all.”
So don’t rule this out just yet. LeBron to the Clippers sounds crazy. But in today’s NBA, crazy doesn’t mean impossible.
Also Read: REPORT: LeBron James Could Be Leaving The Los Angeles Lakers
