Fred Katz of The Athletic recently included the Los Angeles Clippers among his “Top 5 Trade Destinations” for LeBron James—and his most audacious scenario may hinge on the Clippers defying their 10/1 odds at BetOnline.ag, via the Sporting Tribue.
Katz’s Fantasyland Swap
Katz writes that, in a deal “only in fantasyland,” the Clippers could send two‑time Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard to the Lakers in exchange for James. On paper, the flip cleans up L.A.’s books—Leonard’s deal runs through 2026‑27, while LeBron’s expires after 2025‑26—setting up a potential star-driven free agency coup in 2026. “With James’s money coming off the roster in 2026, the Clippers would enter what could be a star‑studded free agency with enough cap space to sign a max player and then some,” Katz explains.
Clippers Must Balance Risk and Reward

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Trading Kawhi—who averaged 19.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.3 steals in 2024‑25—carries obvious risk. He remains lethal when healthy, but injuries have limited him to just 67 games over the past two seasons. Katz counters, “Even an older James projects to hold up better throughout a season,” pointing to LeBron’s recent durability: 25.7 points, 8.3 assists and 7.3 rebounds per game last season across 78 contests.
Odds and Outsiders
Despite that compelling case, Las Vegas books peg the LA at 10/1 to land James—a distant outsider behind the Mavericks (5/2), Cavaliers (4/1), Warriors (5/1), Knicks (6/1) and Spurs (8/1). Those long odds underscore how bold Katz’s Kawhi‑for‑LeBron swap truly is. Yet, the improbability might not deter a franchise eager for a “win‑now” splash that eclipses even the blockbuster Paul George trade.
Depth vs. Star Power
Katz also floated a more conventional package—Norman Powell, Bogdan Bogdanović and Derrick Jones Jr.—for James. While that trio could bolster the Lakers, it would “eat into the depth that made [LA] so dangerous a season ago,” Katz cautions. And any deal, fantasy or real, would hinge on keeping Ivica Zubac, the All‑Defensive center whom L.A. reportedly refused to include in Kevin Durant talks just weeks earlier.
Crosstown Ramifications
For now, LeBron’s camp remains in “wait‑and‑see” mode with the Lakers, per multiple reports. But if James decides that purple and gold no longer offer the quickest path to a fifth ring, Katz’s wild Clippers blueprint provides a blueprint for how L.A.’s other team could pounce—even at 10/1 odds.