With the 2025-26 NBA trade deadline fast approaching, the Los Angeles Lakers find themselves in a familiar position: surrounded by noise, speculation, and big-name possibilities. One of the more intriguing hypothetical deals making the rounds involves a name that’s been synonymous with the Lakers’ identity for the past half-decade-LeBron James.
According to Bill Simmons, there’s a scenario out there where the Lakers could ship the 6-foot-9 future Hall of Famer to the New York Knicks in exchange for former No. 1 overall pick Karl-Anthony Towns. It sounds like the kind of trade you’d see floating around on fan forums or NBA Twitter, but Simmons believes it might not be as far-fetched as it seems.
“If you’re the Knicks, you’re trying to get out of the Towns contract before it gets wild,” Simmons said. “If you’re the Lakers, Towns is an interesting guy to pair with Luka (Doncic).” He added that a core of Luka, Towns, and Austin Reaves could offer a new direction for L.A.-one that doesn’t hinge on what LeBron has left in the tank a year from now.
From the Knicks’ side, acquiring LeBron would obviously be a seismic move. Pairing him with Jalen Brunson would instantly shift the team’s identity and trajectory, even if it leaves them thin at center.
Mitchell Robinson would have to shoulder more of the interior load, and there’d be questions about fit, spacing, and long-term sustainability. But the idea of LeBron on the Madison Square Garden stage?
That’s the kind of move that electrifies a franchise.
As for Towns, he’s not without his flaws. He’s never been known for his defensive prowess-whether in the paint or on the perimeter-and this season, he’s not quite playing at the All-NBA level we’ve seen from him in the past.
Still, the numbers are far from pedestrian: 20.5 points and 11.4 rebounds per game, while shooting 46.9% from the field and 36.4% from deep. That kind of offensive production, especially from a big who can stretch the floor, is still incredibly valuable in today’s NBA.
And let’s not ignore the context in L.A. The Lakers’ frontcourt hasn’t exactly been a strong point this season.
Deandre Ayton, brought in with hopes of anchoring the paint, has struggled to bring consistent energy and impact-particularly on the defensive end. Towns, for all his shortcomings, would be a clear upgrade offensively and could help unlock new layers to the Lakers’ attack.
There’s also the bigger picture to consider. The Lakers aren’t exactly clinging to the idea of keeping LeBron if the right deal comes along.
They’ve made it clear-directly or indirectly-that they’re open to reshaping the roster around Doncic, who remains the centerpiece of their long-term plans. If that means moving on from LeBron to bring in a younger, offensively gifted big like Towns, it’s a conversation worth having.
No one’s saying this trade is imminent-or even likely. But in a league where stars move more freely than ever, and where fit often outweighs legacy, it’s not out of the realm of possibility. For both the Lakers and Knicks, this hypothetical deal touches on real needs, real timelines, and real stakes.
Bottom line: it’s a bold idea. But sometimes, bold is exactly what the NBA trade deadline is all about.