The Los Angeles Lakers appear to mostly have the team’s roster set for the upcoming NBA season. Yet, LeBron James’ future could be the one thing that prompts a late offseason shakeup amid ongoing Lakers rumors.

Sports Illustrated’s Mark Morales-Smith put together a proposed trade that sends LeBron James to the New York Knicks. It is worth noting that a third team would likely be needed to facilitate the trade given the salary cap complications.

The proposal has the Knicks land James along with his son Bronny James. In exchange for the James duo, the Lakers acquire OG Anunoby, Josh Hart and a first-round pick. James’ affinity for New York City and playing at Madison Square Garden is no secret.

Let’s explore this trade proposal for both the Lakers and Knicks.

LeBron James Has a No-Trade Clause in His Contract With the Lakers

James has a no-trade clause in his contract, meaning the superstar can veto any deal. The legend’s agent Rich Paul has thrown cold water on the idea that James would sign off on a trade.

Yet, a strong argument can be made that James would stand a better chance of winning his fifth NBA championship with the Knicks, especially with the Eastern Conference appearing weaker given the rash of injuries.

“The Lakers need to pick a lane and come up with a defined game plan. Having one foot in and one foot out has not worked out,” Morales-Smith detailed in an August 7, 2025, story titled, “NBA Mock Trade: Lakers Deal LeBron James To Knicks For OG Anunoby-Josh Hart Package.” “If that decision is to move on from James and build a long-term team around (Luka) Doncic, then Hart and Anunoby are nice complementary pieces, and of course, they would also be getting a first-round pick.

“Anunoby is a solid forward who could potentially go out and give you 20-5-3 for a season, while Hart is the best rebounding guard in the league who contributes on both sides of the ball.”

Would the Lakers Be Willing to Take on Massive Contracts in a Trade With the Knicks?

There has been a growing buzz that the Lakers will not re-sign James in 2026. Trading James would allow Los Angeles to get something in return for the star, but King James would also need to sign off on the deal.

While the Lakers would get some serious assets in return, Los Angeles would also be committing to two sizable contracts putting a damper on future cap space. Anunoby, who was a member of the Toronto Raptors team who won the NBA championship in 2019, is slated to have four seasons remaining on a five-year, $212.5 million contract.

Hart’s four-year, $80 million contract is set to go through the 2027-28 season. The Knicks have a club option for the final year of Hart’s deal.

LeBron James Continues to Monitor the Lakers’ Moves With an Eye on His Future: Insider

James continues to put pressure on the Lakers amid a tense NBA offseason. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported that James is still “monitoring the Lakers’ moves.”

“The greater question is where does LeBron stand with the Lakers,” McMenamin explained on “NBA Today,” per HoopsHype.

“I’m told that the statement that Rich Paul gave to Shams Charania back in June when LeBron opted in still stands, that LeBron and his representatives will be monitoring the Lakers’ moves that they make because they recognize that there’s only a very limited amount of time left in his career and he wants to be competing for championships. Whatever time that is.”