In what could go down as one of the most shocking trades in NBA history, the Los Angeles Lakers have reportedly agreed to a blockbuster
three-team trade that will send LeBron James out of Hollywood. In return, the Lakers will acquire a rising All-Star valued at $109 million—along with draft assets and young talent—in a bold move signaling a new era at Crypto.com Arena.
🔁 The Reported Trade Details:
According to league insiders familiar with the negotiation, the proposed trade looks like this:
Los Angeles Lakers receive:
Rudy Gobert (C, Minnesota Timberwolves; $109M remaining over 3 years)
2026 first-round pick (from Timberwolves)
Josh Green (G/F, Dallas Mavericks)
Minnesota Timberwolves receive:
LeBron James (F, Los Angeles Lakers)
Dallas Mavericks receive:
Jarred Vanderbilt (F, Lakers)
Max Christie (G, Lakers)
Second-round pick (via Timberwolves)
🔥 Why the Lakers Made the Move
Team executives reportedly felt that with LeBron James entering his 22nd season at age 40, it was time to look toward the future. While James has remained highly productive, averaging 25.7 PPG, 8.3 APG, and 7.4 RPG last season, the front office was concerned about long-term sustainability.
Rudy Gobert, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year finalist, brings elite rim protection and rebounding. At 32, Gobert is still in his prime and fits well alongside Anthony Davis, who is expected to shift to his preferred power forward role permanently. The addition of Josh Green also gives the Lakers a high-energy, switchable wing defender with upside.
🗣️ Fan and League Reaction
The trade has sent shockwaves throughout the NBA world.
“This is a seismic shift,” said ESPN analyst Zach Lowe. “LeBron in Minnesota? Nobody saw that coming. But if you’re the Lakers, you’re thinking long-term defense and cap flexibility.”
Social media exploded with mixed emotions. Lakers fans expressed both sadness and optimism. Timberwolves supporters are ecstatic to pair LeBron with rising superstar Anthony Edwards, forming a dynamic veteran-young star duo. Dallas quietly benefits by strengthening their wing depth and clearing future salary.
🕰️ What’s Next?
While the trade has been agreed to in principle, final league approval and physicals are pending. Assuming all goes as planned, LeBron James will suit up for a new team for just the third time in his storied career.
The Lakers are expected to pursue additional roster moves to bolster shooting and perimeter playmaking ahead of training camp.
📉 End of an Era, Start of a New Chapter
If finalized, this trade marks the end of the LeBron James era in Los Angeles, which brought an NBA Championship in 2020 and four straight playoff appearances. The franchise now shifts focus to building a younger, defense-first identity around Anthony Davis, Gobert, and a mix of youth and draft capital
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