The Los Angeles Lakers would be interested in participating in a sign-and-trade scenario that would send LeBron James back to the Cleveland Cavaliers if it meant acquiring Jarrett Allen back in return. The Lakers have been trying to find a rim-running center to pair with Luka Doncic dating back to when they first acquired him in February 2025.

"There is a thought process out there in Los Angeles and if the Cavs were interested in this, the Lakers would sit up in attention right now," said Brian Windhorst on ESPN Cleveland radio. "That they would sign-and-trade LeBron for Jarrett Allen. I think if the Cavs were willing to do that, they could have LeBron.

"Obviously, LeBron would have to want to sign with the Cavs. But if your pathway to pay LeBron the money is to trade Jarrett Allen for him, the Lakers would kill for Jarrett Allen. Kill for him! They would do that deal in 17 tenths of a second."

Allen signed a three-year, $91 million contract extension in July 2024 that runs through the 2028-29 season. Allen will make $28 million for the 2026-27 season. The Lakers hard capped themselves at the second apron on draft night by sending money out in a trade.

James has yet to make a determination on whether he will play during the 2026-27 season as discussions continue with the Lakers.

Meanwhile, Doncic reportedly has been promised by the Lakers that the 2026 offseason is when the front office will retrofit the roster to increase their odds of competing for a title.

The Cavaliers will bring back Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Evan Mobley along with Kenny Atkinson as head coach, which puts the Allen for James scenario as a clear pathway to improve their short-term title chances as they better balance out their roster.