Shocking NBA Bombshell: JJ Redick Demands Lakers Trade LeBron James Immediately After Devastating Suns Loss – “Bold Decision” to Rebuild Around Luka Donฤiฤ and Austin Reaves Sends Shockwaves Through League
In a stunning turn of events that has left the NBA world reeling, Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick has reportedly made a bold and controversial decision: urging team president Rob Pelinka to trade LeBron James during the upcoming winter trade window.
Sources close to the organization claim this drastic move comes directly in the wake of the Lakers’ humiliating 132-108 blowout loss to the Phoenix Suns on December 23, where the absence of key pillars Luka Donฤiฤ and Austin Reaves exposed the team’s vulnerabilities like never before.
The defeat wasn’t just a loss – it was a wake-up call.
Without Donฤiฤ (out with a left calf contusion) and Reaves (limited upon return from a calf strain), the Lakers looked disjointed, turning the ball over repeatedly and allowing the Suns to shoot over 65% from the field in stretches.
LeBron James, the 40-year-old icon, fought valiantly but couldn’t carry the load alone in a game that saw Phoenix pull away early and never look back.
Insiders say Redick, in a heated post-game meeting with front-office executives, finally acknowledged what many fans have whispered for months: the era of building around LeBron James may be over. “JJ laid it all out,” one source told us anonymously.
“He said the team is ‘stuck in mud’ without Luka and Austin as the core organizers. LeBron is still incredible, but at his age, the window is closing fast.
To maximize our future, we need to flip his value now for younger pieces or draft capital that fit around Donฤiฤ and Reaves.”
This “táo bแบกo” (bold) decision has shocked the entire Lakers roster, with players reportedly stunned during locker room discussions.
Veterans are said to be reeling at the prospect of trading The King, while younger stars like Donฤiฤ (when healthy) and Reaves are quietly excited about becoming the undisputed faces of the franchise.
Why Now? The Suns Loss Exposed Everything
The December 23 matchup at Footprint Center was meant to be a statement game for the Lakers, but it turned into a nightmare. Phoenix, led by Dillon Brooks’ 25 points and Devin Booker’s efficient scoring, dominated from tip-off.
The Lakers’ starting lineup – featuring Marcus Smart, Dalton Knecht, LeBron James, Jake LaRavia, and Deandre Ayton – lacked rhythm without Donฤiฤ’s playmaking genius.
Luka Donฤiฤ’s Absence Looms Large: The Slovenian superstar, leading the NBA in scoring at over 34 points per game, has been the engine of this Lakers squad.
His calf injury forced him out, leaving massive voids in creation and scoring.Austin Reaves’ Importance Highlighted: Reaves returned off the bench but was limited after his own calf issue.
When healthy, he’s averaging career highs and providing secondary creation that complements Donฤiฤ perfectly.LeBron’s Heroics Not Enough: James battled, but the team collapsed defensively, allowing easy buckets and failing to match Phoenix’s energy.
Redick’s post-game comments were telling: He blasted the team’s effort, comparing it to being “stuck in mud” against a fast, young Suns team. But behind closed doors, the conversation shifted to the future. Redick, in his second year as coach, reportedly told Pelinka: “We can’t keep pretending.
Luka and Austin are our pillars now. Trading LeBron gives us assets to build a contender for the next decade.”
What Could a LeBron James Trade Look Like?
LeBron James, with his no-trade clause and expiring contract, holds significant power – but sources say he’s open to discussions if it means joining a true contender. Potential landing spots include:
Cleveland Cavaliers: A emotional return to where it all began, pairing with Donovan Mitchell.New York Knicks: Adding superstar power to a rising Eastern Conference team.Philadelphia 76ers: Reuniting with old foes for one last ring chase alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
In return, the Lakers could target young stars, draft picks, or defensive wings to bolster the roster around Donฤiฤ (26) and Reaves (27). Imagine flipping James for a package including multiple first-rounders and a proven role player – instantly accelerating a rebuild while keeping the core intact.
Lakers Fans Divided: End of an Era or Necessary Evil?
Social media is exploding. #TradeLeBron is trending worldwide, with reactions ranging from outrage (“You don’t trade The King!”) to support (“Time to build around Luka – LeBron’s legacy is secure”).
Redick’s decision, if executed, would mark one of the most shocking moves in NBA history. Trading a four-time champion and future Hall of Famer mid-season? It’s unprecedented – but in today’s win-now league, with the trade deadline approaching in February, nothing is off the table.
The Lakers’ next game is Christmas Day against the Houston Rockets, where a healthy Donฤiฤ return could be crucial. But the real drama is off the court: Will Pelinka pull the trigger on Redick’s demand?
Stay tuned – this story is developing fast, and the NBA landscape could change forever.
