The Cleveland Cavaliers are in a dilemma right now on how to deal with their feuding superstars LeBron James and Kyrie Irving. Irving recently demanded a trade from the Cavaliers to fulfill his dream of becoming a team’s No. 1 option, far from James’ enormous shadow. James, for his part, said he would not waive his no-trade clause this season, saying he wanted to fulfill his contractual obligation with the Cavs.
However, James did not express his intention of signing a new deal with the Cavaliers, fueling rumors that he will bolt Cleveland for the second time in his career and join the young Los Angeles Lakers in 2018.
According to Matt Burke of Metro.us, James’ next career move will depend on how the Cavs will deal with the Irving situation.
Cavs could keep Irving and resolve issue with James
First, Burke said the Cavs might decline Irving’s request for a trade and let him play with James for one more season. This will be a big gamble, especially if the two superstars won’t mend fences before the season starts. As of now, the two haven’t spoken publicly about their feud and vented their sentiment on their respective social media accounts. This is a good scenario since they haven’t bad-mouthed each other in public or in the media, making it easier for them to repair their relationship. If the Cavaliers decide to keep Irving, this move may help convince James to waive his no-trade clause and accept a trade to the Lakers.
Cavs could trade James to Lakers
James could also waive his no-trade clause if the Cavaliers trade Irving for a weaker player, say Eric Bledsoe of the Phoenix Suns. At 33 years old, James is not getting any younger, and his performance could dip at any time. At this point, James could be looking for another playoff run with the Cavs, and he cannot do it with the oft-injured Bledsoe as a playmaker.
If this happens, James might be convinced to pack his bags and accept a trade to the Lakers. This is a win-win situation for everyone. Instead of losing James without getting anything in return in 2018, they can get young talents from the Lakers whom they can build around. For James, it will be like fulfilling his plan to move to the Lakers a season earlier.
Earlier, Burke reported that there’s a possibility that Oklahoma City Thunder teammates Paul George and Russell Westbrook might join James with the Lakers in 2018. Westbrook is still taking his time in signing a long-term deal with the Thunder while George was reportedly interested in joining the Lakers in 2018.
