CLEVELAND, OHIO – OCTOBER 30: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers boxes out Dean Wade #32 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second quarter at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on October 30, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

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Justin Grasso

By Justin Grasso

Contributing Sports Writer

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The Los Angeles Lakers are in a tough spot before the new year.

Despite having a strong record of 20-11, which places them fifth in the Western Conference, they haven’t earned the league’s respect as championship contenders heading into January.

From the inside, the Lakers have an issue with their execution, specifically on the defensive end. Outsiders seem to believe that LeBron James’ regression is often an issue.

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The Lakers haven’t indicated they are ready to move on from LeBron, but he won’t escape trade talk and rumors. Former NBA All-Star Jeff Teague recently suggested the Lakers should move on from James and send him to a familiar team, the Cleveland Cavaliers.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 31: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Crypto.com Arena on December 31, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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Who Should the Lakers Target?

Teague and his podcast co-hosts didn’t mince words when it came to their frustration with the 41-year-old superstar.

If the Lakers got on the phone with the Cavs in an attempt to send LeBron back to his home state, Teague would like the LA front office to target Jarrett Allen and DeAndre Hunter.

“Bronny [James] and Bron go back for Jarrett Allen and D-Hunt,” he said.

He also suggested that Jaxson Hayes and Maxi Kleber could be an option for Cleveland as well.

While Teague wants to see the Lakers try that package, he isn’t confident the Cavs would say yes. They still keep the core stars in Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Evan Mobley, but Cleveland would then run into similar issues as the Lakers, as LeBron tends to demand a high usage when he’s on the floor.

In 15 games this season, LeBron has averaged 20.3 points, while shooting 49 percent from the field and 31 percent from beyond the arc. He also came down with 4.9 rebounds and dished out 6.5 assists.

The Lakers are expected to be active in the trade market, searching for a 3-and-D player. Right now, LeBron is not rumored to be an actual trade candidate, despite Teague’s suggestion.

For all the latest NBA news and rumors, head over to Newsweek Sports.

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