Aging LeBron James could be traded for Victor Wembanyama in 2023 draft, says Western Conference exec

An anonymous Western Conference executive has sensationally claimed that Lebron James is no longer untouchable and may be involved in a transaction to house French giant Victor Wembanyama in next year’s NBA draft.

The hype surrounding the six-foot-tall generational talent continues to grow since his dominant appearances in two exhibition games against NBA G League Ignite for the Metropolitans 92 earlier this month, totaling 73 points.

However, it’s his ability to really do it all on a basketball court that makes teams want to tank for him this season in the “Race for Vic,” who shot 7-of-11 of three in Game 1 and over 15 rebounds over the course. of both matches.

The unnamed source said teams could build around James, 37, for longer over the next few years

The uncompetitive spirit of signing the 18-year-old, who is currently evolving at the highest level in French basketball, has gotten so bad that NBA commission had to issue a pre-season warning to Adam Silver earlier this month.

“I know a lot of our NBA teams are salivating at the idea that they could potentially get him through our lottery, so they should all still be fighting really hard next season,” he told reporters in Abu Dhabi ahead of a Hawks-Bucks. – preseason game.

And now general managers across the league have been asked to list the players they consider unmarketable, even if it is for Wembanyama in return. Among these untouchables are Kevin Durant, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry, MVP Nikola Jovic and Joel Embiid.

However, one player who was not named in that elite is the man described by many as ‘The King’.

“Who wouldn’t I trade?” an unnamed Western Conference director told David Aldridge, or the athletic. ‘You have Durant. You have Giannis. I can’t place it [Lebron James] in that conversation, just because of his age. Curry. joki. And Embid.

‘I would say from an organizational point of view, you have to have that conversation. I’m not saying I would. But I think those five are asking that question.’

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has warned rebuilding teams not to refuel in the ‘Race for Vic’

All things considered, James, who turns 38 in December, is no longer at an age where teams want to build a roster around him. While his attacking abilities continue to improve with the passing of the seasons, it would be a shock to trade a team for a player who is unlikely to stay in the league in the long run.

And that makes the hype surrounding Wembanyama even more worthwhile, according to one NBA executive who claimed he would draft the phenomenon “even if he broke both his legs.” Bleacher report.

Of course, most NBA teams want to have a handful of bad seasons to rebuild with draft picks that they can then build around and be successful with in the long run, which is why many front office heads are the 18-year-old’. Vic’ want.

Nevertheless, that does not take away the recognition that many, if not all, general managers in the league have for James as one of the best the game has ever played as he continues to show that age is just a number after his last appearance on Tuesday against the Golden State Warriors in one of the two opening games of the NBA season.

Wembanyama met James after ‘The King’ saw him play against G League Ignite in Nevada

James’ performance was sensational, with 31 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists in the loss of 123-109. He shot a total of 48 percent from the field and exactly 30 percent from the depth.

The Lakers, who are 0-1, then face the Clippers in the Battle of LA on Thursday night, before playing against another West Coast team for the third consecutive time against the Portland Trailblazers on Sunday.

And like the Lakers, many other teams in the league will also lose some games at the beginning, meaning the ‘Race for Vic’ has only just begun.