With the NBA lockout in full swing and no end in sight, it only makes sense for one of the league's best players to find another outlet for his athletic ability. And LeBron James already expressed interest in making a return to the gridiron.

So why shouldn't the Detroit Lions pursue the All-World Miami Heat forward?

OK, before we get out of hand, this came about simply because there's not much to talk about toward the end of the fourth quarter in a 27-3 blowout on Monday Night Football, as New England was trouncing the Kansas City Chiefs.

The former NFL head coach and current ESPN color analyst got swept away in reverie with the possibility of the NBA's stars in football pads. Gruden admitted that the thought of the 6-foot-8, 250-pound James pairing up with 6-foot-5, 235-pound Calvin Johnson.

"Tell you what else, LeBron James, let's send him to the Lions," Gruden said. "Let him play opposite Calvin Johnson. You defend that."

Just imagine how Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford would feel about the prospect.

Here is Gruden's wishlist of NBA players for the NFL, along with his recommended positions and teams:

QB Steve Nash - Texans

WR LeBron James - Lions

WR Jason Terry - Packers

WR Rajon Rondo - Jets

DE Blake Griffin - Falcons

OLB Joakim Noah - Ravens

CB Derrick Rose - Bengals

FS Kobe Bryant - Cowboys

Ath. Dwight Howard - Colts

