The Denver Nuggets are reportedly a top candidate to acquire LeBron James this offseason, according to ESPN reporters Dave McMenamin and Tim Bontemps. Sources told ESPN that pairing James with three-time MVP Nikola Jokic could create one of the league’s most potent lineups.
LeBron is on an expiring two-year contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, where he is averaging 20.9 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 7.0 assists across 54 games this season. Joining Denver could position him alongside Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, and rising forward Peyton Watson, maintaining the Nuggets among Western Conference favorites.
The Lakers could leverage a sign-and-trade scenario to facilitate the move. Potential pieces include restricted free agent Peyton Watson or veteran Cameron Johnson, who is set to earn $23 million next season while shooting 42.8% from three. Johnson would add a reliable perimeter threat around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
The Nuggets have a history with James, having pursued him in 2018 when he left Cleveland, led by team president Josh Kroenke. Denver has added former Lakers teammate Jared Dudley to the coaching staff, keeping connections strong between James and the organization.
With the addition of James, the Nuggets would field a lineup capable of contending for a fifth championship in his career. Jokic is averaging 27.9 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 10.8 assists this season, while Murray contributes 25.5 points per game at 42.8% shooting from deep. Gordon has added 16.6 points per contest, giving Denver a versatile frontcourt to complement James’ playmaking.
The Lakers currently hold a 49-26 record, third in the Western Conference behind the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs, while Denver is 48-28, tied for fourth.
Adding James could give Denver arguably the strongest championship opportunity in the league, surpassing other rumored landing spots such as Cleveland and New York.
