Anonymous NBA exec thinks Kings could be in LeBron James trade conversations

Dec 12, 2024, 10:47 AM

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - FEBRUARY 19: De'Aaron Fox of the Sacramento Kings is drafted by Team LeBron ...

De'Aaron Fox of the Sacramento Kings is drafted by Team LeBron James prior to the 2023 NBA All Star Game between Team Giannis and Team LeBron at Vivint Arena on February 19, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

BY BRENDEN NUNES

Sactown Sports writer

Trade rumors about the Los Angeles Lakers are no surprise. But, this time, there’s speculation that they could trade away their star rather than looking to acquire one. Those current speculative conversations are centered around a potential LeBron James trade.

One anonymous NBA source mentioned the Sacramento Kings as an intriguing potential landing spot for one of the greatest players ever. Could the Kings try and go after The King?

HEAVY‘s Steve Bulpett reported “There has been speculation of late that the Lakers might be willing to bite the bullet and be open to trading James, but that’s going to be his call ultimately. A league exec believes that is becoming increasingly realistic.”

With most teams around the league dealing with heavy restrictions due to the limitations that come with being in the first or second aprons, only so many placed could make sense for LeBron James.

Bulpett’s story includes an anonymous quote from an NBA executive who believes Sacramento belongs in the LeBron James trade conversations.

“The one place that I don’t hear a lot of talk about with LeBron is Sacramento,” he said. “He could change them, and they might have the kind assets to make a trade work. They have a lot of young talent, and because they’re a small market, they haven’t spent like drunken sailors. They have some draft picks a young talent. If they could get to the salary, LeBron would take (De’Aron) Fox and (Domantas) Sabonis and elevate the hell out of them — particularly Fox. With that threesome, those guys could be a force.”

“Lakers Stuck Again on LeBron James Hamster Wheel” by HEAVY.com’s Steve Bulpett (12/12/24)

The anonymous executive also thinks the superstar “could live in L.A. and play in Sacramento, no doubt about it,” if that were his preference.

After this season, LeBron James has one year remaining on his contract, a $52.6-million player option.

Obviously, it would take Sacramento general manager Monte McNair offering an enticing package, possibly including one of Keegan Murray or DeMar DeRozan headed to the Lakers, along with the necessary draft capital.

Who knows how LeBron James would feel about joining the Kings and if the team in California’s capital would be interested in trading for the 39-year-old. But it’s an interesting hypothetical to consider.

The NBA trade season is clearly growing near.

More Kings coverage from Sactown Sports

Brenden Nunes, Frankie Cartoscelli, and Chris Watkins present another edition of the Return of the Roar podcast, this time discussing the Sacramento Kings’ starting to catch a rhythm over the last four games.

Averaging 127 points over the last five games, the guys broke down what’s been working during their offensive explosion. How much of it has to do with head coach Mike Brown deciding to move Malik Monk into the starting lineup, and what other trickle-down effects have come from that decision?

Also, Coach Brown’s tone has changed over the last few days. The trio dove into what he’s been emphasizing and his methods of communicating that through the media.