Two legends. Two decades of dominance. Two athletes who redefined what it means to play at an elite level well past when most careers end.
LeBron James and Tom Brady have drawn countless comparisons throughout their careers, and for good reason. Both superstars played at the highest level for what seemed like forever, defying Father Time in ways that amazed fans and analysts.
Brady played until he was 45, lasting 23 seasons, 20 with the New England Patriots and three with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. James, 40, is set to enter his 23rd season and his eighth in Los Angeles.
Of course, James also played for the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2003-2010 and 2014-2018 and the Miami Heat from 2010-2014. Brady won seven Super Bowl rings, six with the Patriots and one with the Bucs, while James has four rings himself, winning two with the Heat, one with the Cavs, and one with the Lakers.
Those comparisons may continue in ways nobody saw coming.
Could LeBron James Follow Tom Brady’s Championship Blueprint in San Antonio?
Rumors have swirled that James and the Lakers’ relationship has soured, and although there are still lofty expectations, some believe James could be on the way out of Los Angeles.
Fox Sports listed teams that James could be dealt to and made yet another comparison between James and Brady, focusing on a potential destination that could mirror Brady’s Tampa Bay success.
“The 40-year-old James’ arrival in San Antonio would be similar to Tom Brady’s 2020 arrival in Tampa Bay at 42 years old, as the now-FOX Sports NFL Analyst instantly provided both veteran and star power to a talented Buccaneers team that needed a boost,” Fox Sports points out.
“Of course, Brady didn’t provide a mere boost, rather, a shove, helping Tampa Bay win Super Bowl LV in his first season with the franchise. Plus, James can be around legendary head coach Gregg Popovich, who became the franchise’s full-time President of Basketball Operations in May with interim Mitch Johnson becoming the full-time coach.”
The comparison makes sense on multiple levels.
Much like the Bucs did before Brady’s arrival, the Spurs have built a talented roster that isn’t as far from being championship-ready as many might think. The foundation is already there.
San Antonio has arguably the biggest budding star in the league in Victor Wembanyama, the reigning Rookie of the Year in Stephon Castle, and just drafted guard Dylan Harper with the second-overall pick in the draft. Talented veterans like De’Aaron Fox, Devin Vassell, and Harrison Barnes remain on the roster as well.
What Would a Potential James Trade Look Like?
Of course, the Spurs would have to part ways with some players, including Vassell and Barnes, to help salaries match, and probably some other assets, including draft picks. However, a very talented roster would likely remain after any deal.
“San Antonio could offer Los Angeles Vassell, Harrison Barnes, and its 2028 first-rounder for James and [Shake] Milton, giving the Lakers two immediate rotation players, if not at least one starter,” Fox Sports speculates. “Plus, in this trade, the Spurs wouldn’t surrender a haul for a one-to-two-year rental in James while still having a plethora of first-rounders at their disposal.”
Best of all, James likely wouldn’t have to be as ball-dominant as he has been (obviously, he wouldn’t have to in Los Angeles either, with Luka Dončić on the roster, but his other options would be more limited).
“The Spurs wouldn’t be asking James to play hero ball or possibly even be their No. 2 scorer,” writes Fox Sports. “He can be an attacking scorer who plays off the ball more and provides Wembanyama and Fox with a priceless mentor.”
This situation is certainly something to watch for moving forward. The Spurs are obviously on a remarkable trajectory with their young core. Still, with Wembanyama already becoming one of the NBA’s biggest stars, acquiring James could speed things up dramatically. The move could make the Spurs an immediate contender and give James a legitimate shot at his fifth ring.
