At this point in the season, it is clear that the Los Angeles Lakers are not a championship contender in their current form. The greatness of LeBron James and Anthony Davis wasn’t enough and many are waiting for Rob Pelinka and the front office to make a move to get them closer to that goal.

Of course, there’s another path the Lakers could take that’s more like a rebuild. With LeBron in his 22nd NBA season and still searching for his fifth NBA championship, it would make sense if he wanted to go somewhere else to achieve that goal in the final stretch of his career. The question is whether he would actually ask for a trade and whether the Lakers would actually go through with it.

Apparently the Lakers would be open to the possibility if he wanted. ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins appeared on First Take to discuss the chances and said that the Lakers would consider it if LeBron actually asks for a trade:

“My sources tell me that if at any point LeBron James comes out and says he wants to be traded or that he wants to have a conversation, they will do it. It doesn’t hold him back. Rich Paul stopped doing that last year. Now let’s remember what happened when Golden State called and asked about LeBron. Rich Paul, his agent, kept quiet about it all. LeBron, if you get into this conversation again, I hear that Rich Paul is not in the middle of it.”

This seems highly unlikely as the Lakers have always been about taking care of their stars. The fact that the Lakers just drafted LeBron’s son Bronny James would also play a role. LeBron clearly enjoys being around Bronny and sharing the court with him.

It would make sense for the Lakers to potentially consider this idea, as a James trade would bring back some assets that the franchise could utilize. But a lot would have to happen for LeBron to actually want to leave the Lakers and play somewhere else. Anything is possible, but the Lakers trading James would almost certainly fall into the far-fetched category.

Lakers coach JJ Redick believes four days off could benefit LeBron James

LeBron James recently missed his first game of the season due to soreness in his left foot, but the Lakers superstar has had problems shooting the ball before. After Sunday night’s win, the Lakers have a few days off before getting back on the court, and head coach JJ Redick believes that time off could benefit LeBron.

“Yeah, I mean, you certainly don’t want him out of the lineup,” Redick said. “But it is an opportunity to rest for four days before we train again. So it could be really good for him.”

Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? This is the best way to watch player interviews, get exclusive event coverage, attend live shows, and more!