Lakers and Cavaliers Could Set Up a LeBron James Return to Cleveland

Reports in the U.S. say the Los Angeles Lakers are very interested in Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen, a move that could open the door for a stunning LeBron James reunion with Cleveland. James, now 41, reaches this summer without a Lakers contract, and the new four-year, $185 million deal Austin Reaves is expected to receive has raised doubts about whether Los Angeles will have enough room to meet James' next deal.

According to the report, Cleveland is one of the leading candidates to sign James, who began his legendary NBA career there. The key piece for the Lakers is Allen, whom they reportedly value highly. ESPN's Brian Windhorst said, "LeBron will have to want to sign with the Cavs, but the Lakers are crazy about the idea of getting Allen. They would do this trade in a tenth of a second."

Under that scenario, James would sign a new contract and then be traded to Cleveland for Allen, giving him a larger deal while the Lakers get compensation for losing him. Allen still has three years left on a contract worth $131 million. Analysts in the U.S. said landing him would let the Lakers keep an All-Star level center alongside Luka Doncic.

Los Angeles' starting center last season, Deandre Ayton, has a player option worth $8 million. If Allen arrives, the Lakers could move Ayton in another trade for a player who better fits alongside Doncic and Reaves. Allen averaged 15.4 points on 63.8% shooting, 8.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists last regular season. James averaged 20.9 points on 51.5% shooting, plus 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds.