If the Lakers aren't competitive enough, a LeBron trade might bring Doncic a more complementary co-star for the future while sending LeBron to a win-now destination. But James has a no-trade clause in his contract, so any decision to switch teams mid-season will be dictated by him.

Some of the moves they have made seem to have irked LeBron James, who has been the central figure in every franchise he's ever been a part of in his 20+ year career. Trade rumors have swirled around James since he has expressed his displeasure, but an NBA insider paints a rosier picture of how the Lakers and James are operating.