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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James could be traded for Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III.
Working around NBA salary-cap rules is never simple — especially when the player involved is LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers and his son Bronny James. With LeBron holding a full no-trade clause and making it clear he wants to play alongside Bronny, any potential move has to be a package deal.
In a new mock trade from Sports Illustrated’s Dan Angell, the idea is floated that the Golden State Warriors could actually make the numbers work. The proposal would see the Lakers and Warriors agree to a deal that swaps one generational superstar for another established All-Star.
The Proposal
In Angell’s scenario, Los Angeles sends LeBron and Bronny to Golden State in exchange for Jimmy Butler and a 2028 first-round pick.
The trade hits the cap requirements almost perfectly, thanks to Bronny’s minimum deal added to LeBron’s $54.5 million salary. For Golden State, it’s a chance to unite LeBron with Stephen Curry and chase another title before their championship window closes.
Why the Lakers Might Consider It
Per Angell, the Lakers “don’t love the idea” of taking on Butler’s contract, but moving LeBron before his deal expires in 2026 would require equal value in return. The 2028 first-round pick sweetens the offer and aligns with their long-term plan to build around Luka Dončić.
Butler, a six-time All-Star, remains an elite defender and reliable scorer, averaging 20.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 5.6 assists last season with Golden State. He keeps the Lakers competitive in the short term and could be flipped later for additional assets as the roster reshapes around Dončić.
Why the Warriors and Lakers Might Consider It
Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty ImagesStephen Curry, LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors
Golden State’s side is all about star power and fit. Pairing LeBron with Curry offers the ultimate win-now push. Adding Bronny continues to give LeBron the chance to share the court with his son in the final years of his career, while providing the Warriors with a young, defensively engaged guard to develop.
It’s a big swing that sacrifices Butler’s versatility for the unparalleled offensive and playmaking boost that LeBron provides — even at age 40.
Would It Work?
For the Lakers, it’s a step toward the future without fully punting on the present. For the Warriors, it’s an all-in gamble that could deliver another ring before Curry’s prime ends.
As Angell notes, the deal would require cooperation from all sides, especially given LeBron’s no-trade clause. But if everyone signed off, it would be one of the most headline-grabbing moves in league history.
Keith Watkins Keith Watkins is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers. He previously wrote for FanSided, NBA Analysis Network, and Last Word On Sports. Keith is based in Bangkok, Thailand. More about Keith Watkins
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