LeBron James: 3 sign-and-trade options involving the Los Angeles Lakers

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MIAMI, FL – MARCH 1: Brandon Ingram #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball against the Miami Heat on March 1, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Sign-and-trade Option No. 2

Cavaliers receive Brandon Ingram, 2018 first-round pick (via Cleveland)

Lakers receive LeBron James

The Los Angeles Lakers are at the mercy of the Cleveland Cavaliers, yet at the same time, the Cleveland Cavaliers are at the mercy of LeBron James. James could outright leave and not look bad. Not a single player, fan, or executive would feel betrayed by him doing that.

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That said, the Cavaliers can’t ask for James’ true value. But, Ingram and their first-round pick back seems like a far consolation prize.

Ingram nearly doubled his scoring in his sophomore season, averaging 16.1 points per game. On 47% from the field, Ingram might be the best all-around pro the Lakers have. At 6-foot-9, many compared Ingram to the likes of Kevin Durant since his height and wingspan are nearly identical.

However, Ingram hasn’t turned into the shooter that Durant is. While the potential for improved is still there, Ingram should have a terrific professional career regardless, and he could certainly be the face of the Cavaliers if they choose to do a full rebuild following James’ departure.

The Lakers would be sending the Cavaliers the No. 25 pick in the NBA Draft. With that pick, Cleveland could aim for Aaron Holiday, Jacob Evans, Chandler Hutchison or another outstanding prospect that will drop in the first round.

If this is what they get, Cleveland certainly can’t complain.