It’s difficult to picture the Los Angeles Lakers’ roster looking the same in 2026-27. There’s a high probability the 17-time NBA champions will make significant moves this summer, with the most likely scenario involving a high-impact trade for a two-way wing or a dynamic center.
According to CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn (article published Monday), the Lakers could target a former All-Star center in a LeBron James-centered trade.
Quinn wrote: “There’s no world in which James can get close to the $52.6 million he is currently making in Cleveland (or any other team he’d likely be interested in playing for), but we can cook up some sign-and-trade scenarios to make more for him.”
“If (Donovan) Mitchell, (James) Harden, and (Evan) Mobley are off-limits here, the only other available big salary for the Cavaliers to trade is Jarrett Allen’s. Conveniently enough, the Lakers need a long-term center and have the cap space to absorb Allen outright. That makes matters fairly straightforward.”
Quinn’s proposed trade would be ideal for Luka Dončić and the Lakers. Deep down, it’s unlikely Los Angeles is thrilled about parting ways with Austin Reaves, even if it lands them a proven star with a winning pedigree. By acquiring Allen in a deal involving James, the Lakers would not only give Dončić a center who plays with relentless effort and excels in pick-and-roll situations, but also upgrade from an aging forward who is nearing the end of his career.
This season, Jarrett Allen is averaging 14.6 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.0 steal, and 0.9 block per game in 43 contests for the Cavaliers, shooting an impressive 62.3% from the field.
In short, Quinn’s summer trade concept makes perfect sense for the Lakers: trading LeBron (in the twilight of his career) for a young, durable, high-character center who fits long-term alongside Dončić and Reaves. It would rejuvenate the roster, add depth, and position the team for contention in the near future.
Lakers Nation: What do you think? Is trading LeBron for Jarrett Allen worth it? Or should they keep LeBron for one more year to build chemistry with Luka? The 2026 offseason is shaping up to be massive—stay tuned for developments out of Los Angeles!