Some NBA Personnel Believe LeBron James Went To Cavaliers Game To Scout Darius Garland For Lakers

LeBron and Garland have the same agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group.

LeBron can become an unrestricted free agent this offseason if he declines his 2024-25 player option. The NBA legend is expected to remain with the Lakers. 

D’Angelo Russell is the starting point guard for the Lakers. He can also become an unrestricted free agent this summer by declining his 2024-25 player option. 

“While it’s speculation, some league personnel who spoke with NBA Analysis Network believe James used his courtside viewing experience in Cleveland to look closer at Klutch Sports Group client Garland as a potential trade target for the Los Angeles Lakers,” Afseth wrote.

According to NBA insiders Shams Charania, Joe Vardon and Jason Lloyd of The Athletic, Paul would speak with the Cavaliers about trading Garland if Donovan Mitchell signs an extension this offseason.

Garland averaged 18.0 points, 2.7 rebounds and 6.5 assists this season while shooting 44.6% from the field, 37.1% from beyond the arc and 83.4% from the free-throw line. He’ll make $36.7 million next season. 

“Furthermore, rival executives believe the Cavs will have to seriously evaluate the fit of Mitchell and Garland and ultimately may have to choose one or the other,” Charania, Vardon and Lloyd wrote. “Should Mitchell decide to stay long term, sources briefed on the matter say Garland’s representation, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, would have a conversation with Cavs officials on potentially finding a new home for the one-time All-Star.”

The Cavaliers drafted Garland with the fifth pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. The 24-year-old has career averages of 18.4 points, 2.6 rebounds and 6.7 assists. 

Could the Lakers and Cavaliers execute a trade involving Russell and Garland this summer? Only time will tell.