LeBron James might leave Los Angeles Lakers (Image via Getty Images) LeBron James recently took his 52.6 million player option to stay with the Los Angeles Lakers. However, there is speculation that suggests the Dallas Mavericks could reunite Anthony Davis with this familiar face and his former 40-year-old teammate.According to Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz, the Mavericks have a realistic path to acquiring James this summer without dismantling their core.
How the Trade Could Work for Both Teams
Swartz outlines a potential deal where Dallas sends a package of role players and a future draft pick to Los Angeles: – Players Dallas could trade: – Daniel Gafford – P.J. Washington – Naji Marshall – Caleb Martin – Compensation: – Unprotected 2029 first-round pick “Financially, this trade can work for Dallas without having to give up any of their core players,” Swartz noted. “The Lakers could really use this influx of frontcourt talent to complement Doncic and Austin Reaves.” (H/t: Sporting News)
Why the Move Makes Sense for Both Teams
LeBron James and Anthony Davis (Image via Getty)
For the Dallas Mavericks
– Reunites Davis and James, who won a title together in 2020. – Adds championship experience alongside rising star Cooper Flagg. – Keeps the team in title contention after their 2024 Finals run.
For the Los Angeles Lakers
– Gains younger, versatile pieces to build around Doncic. – Secures future draft capital. – Moves an aging star while maintaining competitiveness.
Reforming The LeBron-Davis Connection
LeBron James and Anthony Davis spent nearly six seasons together in Los Angeles, forming one of the league’s most dominant duos. Their 2020 bubble championship remains a highlight, but injuries and roster changes prevented further success. “James has stated on his Mind the Game podcast what a great situation Flagg is going into with veterans all around and getting to play for Jason Kidd,” Swartz mentioned. A move to Dallas would allow James to play under Kidd—his former Lakers assistant—while joining forces with Davis, Kyrie Irving, and Flagg.
Potential Roadblocks
While the trade is feasible, concerns remain: – Age and injuries: James is 40, and Davis has struggled with durability. – Chemistry: Integrating multiple stars isn’t always seamless. Still, Swartz believes the Mavericks offer an appealing setup: “What makes Dallas a more desirable spot for James is the addition of Flagg, who raises this team’s ceiling immensely.” A LeBron-to-Dallas trade would be a dramatic twist, but it aligns with both teams’ goals. For the Mavericks, it’s a win-now move. For the Lakers, it’s a step toward a sustainable future.Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers might be signing $18 million Los Angeles Clippers star to support LeBron James and Luka DoncicAs Swartz put it: “This would be a wild turn of events from just a few months ago, but James teaming up with Davis and Irving again, along with Thompson and Flagg, actually makes a lot of sense.”