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

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Sign-and-trade Option No. 3

Cavs receive Kyle Kuzma, 2020 first-round pick (protected top-10)

Lakers receive LeBron James

Out of all three Lakers, Kyle Kuzma could arguably end his career as the best NBA player. Averaging over 16 points per game his rookie season, Kuzma proved that he can shoot from deep, drive to the hoop, and take games over in the last few minutes.

Overall, he shot 45% from the field and made 2.1 triples per game. As a rookie, that’s spectacular. Being drafted No. 27 overall, Kuzma proved to himself and rival teams that he’ll soon be better than most lottery picks from that same draft.

Also, in this scenario, the Lakers can protect the pick to ensure that James, Leonard, and George don’t leave following one season, theoretically dropping the Lakers back to a perennial lottery team.

This scenario might actually be the most enticing for Cleveland.

A lineup of Hill, Hood, Kuzma, Love, and Thompson/Nance Jr. could actually make some noise in the East. While not a contender, they could be knocking on the door in just a few seasons.

Next: Cleveland Cavaliers: Top 30 all-time greatest players

In the end, Cleveland will be lucky if any of these trades happen because, after all, James could just outright leave, forcing Cleveland into a long-term rebuild.

However, James’ love for his team and city may be too much to let that happen.