LA Lakers trade rumor: LeBron James and other core players want the team to trade first round picks to salvage 'high-level' LeBron year

LeBron James and the LA Lakers are off to a 2-9 start, the second-worst record in the NBA. The last time the Lakers had such an awful first 11 games was during the 2015-16 season when they finished with a 17-65 mark.

Despite the positive vibe entering this season, things have not gone as expected by the team. The roster is in dire need of an upgrade for “King James” to maximize his still formidable skills.

According to Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes, the Lakers may have to bite the bullet and do what they’ve stubbornly refused to do in the offseason:

“Lacking young, enticing assets and draft capital to strengthen the roster, the Lakers are only armed with two first-round picks in 2027 and 2029, respectively.

“James, who turns 38 next month and is in Year 20 of his NBA career, does not want to waste a season of his high-level playing days in hopes of incoming reinforcements for the 2023-24 campaign, sources say. Other core players on the roster would likewise prefer those picks to be used to elevate this year’s team.”

LeBron James signed a two-year $97 million extension with the Lakers under the reported agreement that the front office will aggressively upgrade the roster. GM Rob Pelinka added youth but failed to surround James with shooters.

The Lakers didn’t want to trade their 2027 and 2029 first-round picks unless the move can make them elite title contenders. They were rumored to be willing to give up those picks only to get Donovan Mitchell or Kyrie Irving.

After Irving committed to the Nets and Mitchell landed in Brooklyn, the Lakers added Patrick Beverley and Dennis Schroder. Schroder hasn’t played a game this season, while Beverley has largely been unplayable on offense.

Amidst the LA Lakers’ atrocious start, LeBron James is still posting All-Star-level numbers. He is averaging 24.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 1.1 steals. “King James” still has something left in the tank, which could go to waste if the roster is not upgraded via the Lakers’ draft capital.

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LA Lakers might not be willing to bend backward for LeBron James again

The LA Lakers acquired Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook in separate deals reportedly after LeBron James pressured them to do so.

During LA Lakers Media Day, Rob Pelinka said that they were fortunate to have LeBron James’ commitment and would reciprocate his trust. He, however, cautioned that the team will not just trade their best lifeline for the future if the team can’t contend for the championship.

Since the four-time MVP’s arrival, they’ve caved into his requests. The Lakers mortgaged their future for Anthony Davis and blew up a title-worthy lineup for Russell Westbrook.

While the Davis trade immediately paid dividends, the Westbrook deal has been a catastrophe. Although the Lakers’ failures have not been entirely on Westbrook’s shoulders, he has also been a huge part of the disappointment.

LeBron James' fingerprints are all over the LA Lakers' roster construction. He is now asking the LA Lakers to rectify his mistake of pushing to get Westbrook by moving him along with prime draft capital. LA’s front office may not be as accommodating this time around as they could be irrelevant for the next decade.

Access Chris Haynes' full report here.