“Do You Think LJ Will Give Up This Season?” – NBA Analyst Comments on LeBron James Reported Interested in Potential Move to the Dallas Mavericks | NBA News
LeBron James has exercised his $52.6 million player option to remain with the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2025-26 season. However, a recent report has stirred speculation around his future, suggesting that the four-time NBA champion might still be entertaining the idea of joining the Dallas Mavericks.According to NBA insider Marc Stein, James has “genuine curiosity” about potentially making the move to Dallas. While no formal trade talks are underway, the Mavericks remain an intriguing landing spot — both because of the familiar faces on the roster and the organization’s recent moves to bolster its championship aspirations.
Why Dallas Appeals to LeBron James
At age 40, LeBron James remains one of the league’s most impactful players. While his commitment to the Lakers for the upcoming season is solid on paper, Stein’s report points to deeper emotional and relational ties that make Dallas an attractive alternative.
Key Connections in Dallas:
• Kyrie Irving – Former Cavaliers teammate with whom James won the 2016 title. • Anthony Davis – Recently traded to the Mavericks in a blockbuster deal. • Klay Thompson – Four-time Finals opponent, now part of the Mavericks. • Nico Harrison – Former Nike executive and now Mavericks GM; has a longstanding relationship with James. • Jason Kidd – Mavericks head coach and assistant during James’ 2020 Lakers title run. • Frank Vogel – Former Lakers head coach, currently an assistant in Dallas.Stein writes, “The Mavericks would seem to be uniquely suited to offer that with so many people in Dallas he already knows well.”Add to that the Mavericks’ acquisition of 2025 No. 1 overall draft pick Cooper Flagg, and the team presents a compelling blend of youth and experience that could attract a veteran like James.
Lakers Prioritize Luka Doncic in Shift
The Lakers, for their part, appear to be building their future around Luka Doncic, who was acquired midseason in a massive trade involving Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick. This move signaled a potential shift in priorities — possibly opening the door for James to explore new options.
Lakers 2024–25 Season Recap:
Fans are furious at LeBron James (Image via John McCoy/Getty)
| Stat | Value |
| Regular Season Record | 50–32 |
| Playoff Seed | 3rd in West |
| Playoff Outcome | First-round loss to Timberwolves (1–4) |
While the Lakers achieved a solid regular season record, their early playoff exit may factor into James’ consideration for a new challenge.
No Trade Talks — But A Free Agency Pivot?
Despite the mutual interest, Stein clarified that the Mavericks are not currently pursuing a trade for James. The 21-time All-Star’s expiring contract and upcoming 41st birthday are key reasons for the team’s reluctance to offer up significant rotation players.
Mavericks’ Current Stance:
• Not pursuing a trade for James. • Open to signing James if he becomes a free agent or reaches a buyout. • Reluctant to give up core rotation players for a short-term addition.“As I’ve been reporting for weeks: They have not tried to trade for him and do not want to try to trade for him if it means surrendering multiple rotation pillars for a player who turns 41 in December,” wrote Marc Stein.Still, a buyout seems unlikely. James continues to hold significant on-court and off-court value for the Lakers — making it hard to envision the team letting him walk without any return.Stein adds, “Do you think the Lakers will just give up on this season and buy him out in August or September and set James up to walk to Dallas or Golden State or New York? I don’t.”As it stands, LeBron James is locked in for at least another season in Los Angeles. But Dallas remains a team to watch. With several close allies and a winning infrastructure, the Mavericks could offer the kind of late-career comfort and championship potential that might ultimately draw James away from Hollywood — if not now, then maybe in 2026.Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Milwaukee Bucks Eyeing $28 Million Brooklyn Nets Star Following Contract RejectionFor now, it’s speculation. But when a name like LeBron James is involved, even curiosity becomes headline news.
