Los Angeles acquires Josh Hart and OG Anunob in exchange for the James duo. Finally, Atlanta lands Maxi Kleber for helping facilitate the three-team deal.
Let’s explore how this blockbuster trade pitch works for the Lakers and Knicks.
Does LeBron James Make the Knicks an NBA Championship Contender?
For the Knicks, the franchise gets to see James finish his career in the Big Apple while playing alongside Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges as part of a talented young roster.
The Lakers do not get a bevy of future draft picks, but both Hart and Anunoby fit nicely alongside Luka Doncic as the franchise looks to begin the post-LeBron era. Los Angeles does take on Anunoby’s five-year, $212 million contract that is slated to go through the 2028-29 season. The Lakers may prefer a deal with less money committed in the future.
Anunoby does bring championship experience as part of the Toronto Raptors team who won the NBA title in 2019. For the Knicks, the front office would need to assess if James gives the team a better chance to win a title this season.
“If they think James is an upgrade over Anunoby and that they can replace Hart’s production on both ends, they make this trade,” Caudell wrote in a July 16, 2025, story titled, “New Blockbuster Three-Team Trade Proposal Sends LeBron James to the Knicks, OG Anunoby and Josh Hart To The Lakers.” “The Knicks are all in to try and win a championship and if they think they can upgrade any part of their roster, they should probably look into making a move.
Lakers Star LeBron James on Playing vs. Knicks: ‘It’s Always Special to Come Into This Building’
The stars have not aligned for James to play for the Knicks, but ending his career alongside his son in New York could be a dream ending. Time will tell how the Lakers will handle James’ ongoing saga.
“It’s always special to come into this building,’’ James noted in February, per New York Post. “It’s the Mecca of basketball [and] probably the greatest basketball arena in the world.
“… The fans here have always treated me with respect and I always try to give it back to them. I understand the history of this building. I’ve been a part of Madison Square Garden for 20-plus years. … It’s great to get a good quality win against a great team. The Knicks are a great team.”
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