Lakers Urged to Move On From LeBron James and Fully Commit to Luka Doncic

Currently, the Los Angeles Lakers are stuck between two eras. On one side, there's the 41-year-old LeBron James, and on the other, is a future led by Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

James showed last season that he can still impact the game despite his age. However, signing him to another massive contract this summer hurts their ability to build around the young Doncic and Reaves.

The solution, according to an article by Eric Pincus for Bleacher Report, is to use James in a sign-and-trade deal this offseason.

According to Pincus, the Lakers could trade the 41-year-old star to his hometown team, the Cleveland Cavaliers. Aside from James, the hypothetical package also includes Bronny James, Deandre Ayton, Jake LaRavia, and Dalton Knecht.

In return, the Cavs would get Jarrett Allen, Dennis Schroder, Dean Wade, and Sam Merrill.

On paper, the trade seems great. LeBron gets to go back to his literal home state and the franchise he started his career with. He also returns with his son.

Meanwhile, the Lakers get a terrifying board crasher and lob threat in Jarrett Allen, who would benefit from being fed by Doncic on pick-and-rolls, and he also fills the team's need for interior defense.

Wade and Merrill also benefit from playing with Luka. As floor spacers who aren't known for creating their own offense, they become primary targets for the Slovenian star's elite passing vision. Meanwhile, Schroder comes back to LA as a backup point guard.

As Pincus pointed out, though, closing the door on the LeBron James chapter is difficult. However, it is the right move for the franchise to immediately focus on the next era, which will be ruled by Doncic.

Of course, the caveat here is that James needs to agree to these terms. As an unrestricted free agent, he can instead opt to just decide where he goes next without consulting LA's front office at all.

LeBron James could stay in California

There are two major factors to consider when it comes to thinking about LeBron James' next chapter. First, that team must absolutely have a championship-worthy roster.

At 41 years old, the 4-time NBA MVP does not have time to wait a year or two for his new team to become a contender. That squad being a win-now team is non-negotiable.

Second is the said team's finances. This is where things get tricky. James is projected to command a contract north of $50 million, something that plenty of current contenders don't have the cap space for.

He is reportedly willing to take less than the max to remain with the Lakers, on the condition that they show him their plans for building a title contender.

However, another California-based team wants to add James to its roster. The Golden State Warriors have reportedly tried to acquire him before, but ultimately came away empty-handed.

This summer, they have another opportunity to get him. The chances are slim, but not entirely zero. The Warriors will likely also need to make roster moves to assemble a squad that is enticing enough for James to agree to.

Their pitch to him will also have a major backer. According to sources, Stephen Curry will meet with James himself ahead of the upcoming free-agency period.

If the Lakers can't entice James to come back, the idea of pairing up with Curry to pursue a title together might be his next move.