PORTLAND, OREGON – FEBRUARY 09: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up before the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on February 09, 2022 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
There have been reports swirling over the last couple weeks of LeBron James’ frustration with the Lakers front office for their inability to surround him with elite level talent. With LeBron recently turning 38 years old, the window of opportunity to win another championship in L.A. seems to be shrinking by the day.
There is a rumor going around that Philadelphia 76ers superstar James Harden could opt out of his final year of his contract to become a free agent next Summer. And according to one betting website, the Lakers would be one of the favorites to land him.
Surprisingly, Harden’s former team, the Houston Rockets are at the top of the list. It was just a couple years back that Harden asked to be traded out of Houston, so although possible, a reunion does seem unlikely at this point.
The next few teams on the list seem more realistic as the Heat, the Celtics and the Mavericks are all seen as title contenders right now and could be just that one player away from pushing them over the top. Meanwhile, the Rockets currently sit in last place in the Western Conference.
How the rest of the NBA season plays out will go a long way in helping Harden decide on his next team. For the Lakers to have a chance at landing him, they need to show that they are a championship caliber team that is just missing that one piece.
James Harden was won just about every individual award there is to win in basketball, but has yet to win a championship. Teaming up with LeBron and the Lakers next season just might give him the best opportunity to capture that elusive ring.
