What the Warriors Trying to Trade for LeBron Says About His Lakers Future—Short and Long Term

Earlier this week, the story broke that Warriors owner Joe Lacob gave Jeanie Buss a ring, asking whether or not the Lakers would trade LeBron James. (And if so, maybe to Golden State?) Jeanie said they weren't interested, but they could run it past Team LeBron, as a courtesy, because if James wanted out, they'd try to honor the request. The answer was no, LeBron isn't interested, and with that, the episode ended. But the intrigue? ONLY BEGINNING! For starters, the context of the conversation was founded in a moment where things looked ugly for the Lakers. Now, however, the vibes are strong. The team is confident heading into the break. So the contrast is interesting. Also intriguing: The notion of trading LeBron, and LeBron's option broadly, gets into all sorts of questions about how the team needs to be organized around him (and really, Anthony Davis) in order to maximize the late season benefits of James, when he can fully deliver on his capabilities. Finally, who benefits from a story like this being out there? What motivates the leakers, here? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: How the LeBron Trade Story illustrates just how fast a season can pivot. SEGMENT 2: What does this story say about the short and long(ish) term future of LeBron and the Lakers? SEGMENT 3: Who benefits from leaking this story in the way it did? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Nissan Our friends at Nissan have a lineup of SUV’s with the capabilities to take your adventure to the next level. Take the Nissan Rogue, Nissan Pathfinder, or Nissan Armada and go find your next big adventure. Shop NissanUSA.com. Robinhood Robinhood has the only IRA that gives you a 3% boost on every dollar you contribute when you subscribe to Robinhood Gold. Now through April 30th, Robinhood is even boosting every single dollar you transfer in from other retirement accounts with a 3% match. Available to U.S. customers in good standing. Robinhood Financial LLC (member SIPC), is a registered broker dealer.   LinkedIn LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/LOCKEDONNBA. Terms and conditions apply. eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit at eBayMotos.com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. BetterHelp This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month. PrizePicks Go to PrizePicks.com/lockedonnba and use code lockedonnba for a first deposit match up to $100! Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. FanDuel Get buckets with your first bet on FanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning FIVE DOLLAR BET! That’s A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – if your bet wins! Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices