Lakers Swap LeBron James, Bronny for $135 Million Star in Wild NBA Trade Idea

The Los Angeles Lakers send LeBron and Bronny James to the San Antonio Spurs in this trade proposal

Feb 1, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) checks in for forward LeBron James (23) during the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers and future Hall of Fame forward LeBron James have been in an interesting situation this NBA offseason, with many unsure where their relationship stands at this point. The Lakers have seemingly been prioritizing their relationship with Luka Doncic, pushing the argued GOAT to a second option.

Of course, it makes sense for the Lakers to start building around the 26-year-old superstar, who they just granted a huge contract extension, rather than the 40-year-old star on the brink of retirement, but the general expectations were that the franchise would try to win a championship while they are still playing together.

Apr 22, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) and Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) leave a court after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 94-85 in game two of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Of course, if James decides he wants to leave Los Angeles, he would have his say in where he wants to end up. A handful of potential suitors would certainly emerge, like the Cleveland Cavaliers, LA Clippers, Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks, and Golden State Warriors, but an unexpected team could steal the show.

The San Antonio Spurs are one of the most intriguing teams for any star player, as 21-year-old superstar Victor Wembanyama is the NBA's next big thing, and it is only a matter of time until they are competing for a championship. If James wants to leave the Lakers, teaming up with Wembanyama and company for a year or two could be an intriguing move.

What would a LeBron-to-Spurs trade look like?

Bleacher Report's Andy Bailey proposed a trade that sends LeBron and Bronny James to the Spurs in exchange for a young wing duo and two pick swaps.

San Antonio Spurs receive: LeBron James, Bronny James

Los Angeles Lakers receive: Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, 2031 first-round pick swap (best of SAC), 2032 first-round pick swap

LEBRON JAMES. pic.twitter.com/BD5J2kTsq3

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 8, 2025

The James family duo is likely a package deal in any trade, and this is not too outlandish of an idea for the Spurs to consider.

Vassell is entering the second season of a five-year, $135 million contract, and while the Spurs would likely rather trade him away for a star they can keep long-term, he would be a necessary sacrifice if they really wanted to bring in James for the end of his career.

However, there is doubt on whether or not James will actually leave the Lakers.

REPORT: LeBron James has not requested a trade or a contract buyout, per @DanWoikeSports.

The Lakers have continued to prioritize roster flexibility as they build around Luka Doncic. pic.twitter.com/r0EzxrHahk

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) August 4, 2025

It seems unlikely that the Lakers will part ways with James anytime soon, but the Spurs would undoubtedly be a consideration for the aging superstar. The Spurs have plenty of pieces to compete for a title as soon as possible, and while trading for James would mess up their timeline around Wembanyama, it is an intriguing avenue to explore.