The NBA offseason is never short on drama, but the mere idea of LeBron James and Nikola Jokić swapping jerseys might just be one of the wildest notions in recent memory. It’s the type of hypothetical that feels like a fantasy scenario born from an overworked trade machine, but a recent proposal from Bleacher Report has thrown gasoline onto that fire. According to the outlet’s speculative trade idea, LeBron James and his son Bronny James could land with the Denver Nuggets in exchange for a package that includes Jamal Murray, DaRon Holmes II, Peyton Watson, and a future first-round pick swap. In theory, this could clear the way for Nikola Jokić to eventually find his way to the Los Angeles Lakers in a follow-up scenario, creating the kind of seismic shift that would send shockwaves across the league.
But let’s rewind for a moment and understand how we got here.
Rich Paul, LeBron James’ longtime agent and power broker of Klutch Sports, recently made comments that reignited speculation surrounding James’ future in Los Angeles. While Paul didn’t outright say that James would leave the Lakers, the insinuation was enough to get the rumor mill churning at full speed. LeBron, now 40 years old and entering his 22nd NBA season, has one mission left: win another championship before he walks away from the game. And in the current landscape of the Western Conference, the Denver Nuggets—with Jokić as their cornerstone—look far more equipped to contend for a title than the aging and often disjointed Lakers.
LeBron still remains a force on the court. Despite his age, he averaged 25.7 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.3 rebounds last season while shooting over 40% from beyond the arc. Those are elite numbers for any player, let alone one pushing into his fifth decade of life. And then there’s Bronny James, who was drafted by the Lakers largely due to his father’s influence. But Bronny’s development remains in its early stages, and a new environment could potentially offer more opportunity and less pressure to succeed on name alone.
That brings us to the proposed trade: LeBron and Bronny to Denver in exchange for Jamal Murray, Peyton Watson, DaRon Holmes II, and a 2028 first-round pick swap. At first glance, it sounds ridiculous. Why would the Nuggets trade Murray—one of their playoff heroes and a proven clutch scorer—for a 40-year-old LeBron? Why would the Lakers part ways with the most important player in franchise history since Kobe Bryant? And why would Bronny be dragged into this when he’s still trying to find his footing?
But when you take a closer look, the logic—while still speculative—begins to take shape.
The Nuggets are in a tricky cap situation. Jamal Murray just inked a $207.8 million extension that will kick in soon. Peyton Watson, an athletic wing with untapped potential, is up for a contract extension as well. Holmes is a promising rookie, but the Nuggets might not have minutes to develop him with Jonas Valančiūnas and other veterans on board. Moving off Murray’s long-term deal in exchange for LeBron’s expiring contract could give the Nuggets flexibility in the future. And let’s not forget the off-court value of bringing in the James family. LeBron’s global brand, Bronny’s youth appeal, and the media circus that would follow could elevate the Nuggets’ marketability and franchise profile to unprecedented heights.
Meanwhile, the Lakers would get younger, more dynamic, and add a capable playmaker in Murray. Pairing Murray with Anthony Davis would give Los Angeles a two-way duo capable of carrying the team forward after LeBron’s eventual retirement. Holmes brings size and floor-spacing potential, Watson is a strong defender with upside, and the future pick swap adds long-term value. It’s a package that doesn’t scream “blockbuster,” but it reflects the kind of trade that balances star power with sustainability.
However, that’s only one side of the coin.
According to an anonymous NBA scout speaking to Hoops Wire’s Sam Amico, the likelihood of the Lakers trading LeBron James is absolutely nonexistent. In fact, the scout called the idea “silliness,” declaring there was a “zero percent chance” the Lakers would ever entertain such a move. Even if James were to demand a trade—a scenario the scout also dismissed as highly unlikely—the organization reportedly would not accommodate it. Why? Because LeBron James is more than just a player. He’s the face of the franchise, a multi-million dollar revenue machine, and still, in many ways, the Lakers’ best chance at competing for a championship. His presence affects ticket sales, jersey numbers, sponsorship deals, and national TV appearances. Trading him would be a branding disaster, even if it made some basketball sense.
The irony here is that LeBron might genuinely benefit from playing next to a superstar like Nikola Jokić. The two-time MVP is widely regarded as one of the most unique and dominant big men in NBA history. His ability to score, rebound, and orchestrate the offense as a 7-footer makes him an ideal pairing for a high-IQ player like LeBron. Imagine the pick-and-rolls. Imagine the no-look passes. Imagine the court vision on display every night. If LeBron is going to sacrifice touches and shots, it would likely only be for someone like Jokić—someone who plays the game with a level of artistry and purpose that mirrors James’ own.
Of course, this is all hypothetical. There is no indication that LeBron James is unhappy in Los Angeles. There is no confirmed report that the Nuggets are even remotely considering moving Jamal Murray. And there is absolutely no reason to believe the Lakers would trade both LeBron and Bronny unless it was a mutual decision orchestrated for very specific reasons. But as far as thought experiments go, this one is as compelling as any other in recent years.
It also says a lot about the current state of both franchises. The Lakers are caught in a delicate transition. They’re trying to remain competitive while also preparing for life after LeBron. Their young pieces—like Dalton Knecht and Jalen Hood-Schifino—haven’t blossomed yet, and their veterans haven’t always stayed healthy. The pressure to win now is immense, and LeBron’s presence magnifies every misstep.
On the other side, the Nuggets are walking a tightrope between continuity and evolution. They’ve already won a title with Jokić and Murray at the core, but their bench depth has been tested, and their financial commitments are ballooning. Adding LeBron—even for a short stint—might not just be about chasing another ring. It could be about extending the Jokić window with one final nuclear push.
At the end of the day, it’s hard to envision either team pulling the trigger on such a deal. But the fact that it’s even being floated by credible media outlets like Bleacher Report is a testament to how unpredictable the NBA has become. No one thought Kevin Durant would leave Golden State. No one expected Damian Lillard in Milwaukee. And few predicted Bradley Beal in Phoenix. This league thrives on chaos, and in the NBA, nothing is ever truly off the table.
For now, LeBron James remains a Los Angeles Laker. Nikola Jokić remains the crown jewel of Denver. Bronny is a rookie trying to carve out a path under the brightest of lights. But if the day ever comes when LeBron does ask out, don’t be surprised if Denver is quietly waiting in the wings with a plan, a pitch, and a jersey that reads “James” across the back.
Because in today’s NBA, the only thing crazier than the rumors… is how often they come true.
