The very concept of dealing LeBron James is usually considered blasphemous. LeBron James is the cause for the Lakers’ success and the sole reason they are still relevant today.
However, following an 0-4 start, the Lakers’ team morale has plummeted to an all-time low, and some supporters have expressed a desire to start again.
The entire situation has made the trade market highly attractive, and former NBA coach George Karl used the chance to propose a partnership between LeBron and the league’s best center, Nikola Jokic.
The Denver Nuggets have attempted to recruit LeBron James in the past
The Lakers’ odds of dealing James are undoubtedly slim, but the Nuggets have attempted to sign him previously. In 2018, they wanted to make a pitch to him before he signed with the Lakers.
After four consecutive Finals appearances with the Cavs, where he won one championship, James moved to Southern California to try to restore the Lakers to their former glory. At the time, several teams, namely the Philadelphia 76ers and Houston Rockets, had compelling reasons to draw the star away from Cleveland.
However, the Lakers won this war, acquiring one of the greatest players in NBA history in the summer of 2018. However, these three were not the only ones interested in acquiring Bron. In reality, the Denver Nuggets intended to pursue the then-three-time NBA champion and pair him with Nikola Jokic and Will Barton.
“With Jokic and Barton on board, the Denver Nuggets will focus their attention on one more free agent: LeBron James. “The Nuggets have been in contact with James’ agent and will aggressively pursue a meeting,” Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix reported in 2018.
Together, Jokic and LeBron would be nuts. Jokic is the best center in the game, and his versatility as a scorer and playmaker makes him tough to defend. Without a doubt, he would benefit from LeBron’s game, which consists of several drives to the rim and setting up teammates for easy shots.
Unfortunately for Nuggets fans, it will always be a what-if rather than a real-life scenario, but it’s always interesting to imagine what would have happened if James had chosen a different team in 2018.