Kendrick Perkins Floats LeBron-for-Allen Sign-and-Trade Between Lakers and Cavaliers
kendrick-perkins-floats-lebron-for-allen-trade
ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins proposed a dramatic offseason move on the May 12, 2026 edition of “Get Up,” suggesting the Los Angeles Lakers send LeBron James to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a sign-and-trade deal for center Jarrett Allen.
“I guarantee you, he will take Jarrett Allen’s money,” Perkins said on the program. “If you can sign-and-trade and do LeBron for Jarrett Allen, Cleveland is doing it, and the Lakers are doing it.”
The idea surfaced shortly after the Lakers’ latest playoff elimination. Los Angeles is reportedly prioritizing an upgrade at center and wants a reliable lob target to pair with Luka Doncic, characteristics Allen provides as a rim-runner and interior defender.
From a basketball perspective, the swap would return James to the franchise where he began his NBA career and delivered a 2016 championship, while giving the Lakers a 6-foot-11 presence in the paint. Any transaction, however, would hinge on James agreeing to leave Los Angeles and all parties approving the terms.
For now, the concept remains an offseason talking point rather than an imminent transaction.
Source: Hoops Wire
