{"id":57297,"date":"2025-07-11T16:33:09","date_gmt":"2025-07-11T16:33:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/57297\/"},"modified":"2025-07-11T16:33:09","modified_gmt":"2025-07-11T16:33:09","slug":"lebron-james-to-the-mavericks-examining-the-likelihood-of-lakers-star-landing-in-dallas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/57297\/","title":{"rendered":"LeBron James to the Mavericks? Examining the likelihood of Lakers star landing in Dallas"},"content":{"rendered":"

LAS VEGAS \u2014 The highlight of the latest iteration of the annual Las Vegas Summer League occurred Thursday night when Cooper Flagg and Bronny James traded buckets at Thomas & Mack Center<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The highly anticipated matchup between the Dallas Mavericks<\/a> and Los Angeles Lakers drew a star-studded crowd. Kyrie Irving and six other key Mavericks players sat courtside to support Flagg, along with Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont and head coach Jason Kidd.<\/p>\n

Klutch Sports founder and CEO Rich Paul sat across from the Lakers\u2019 bench to support James, whose mother, Savannah, also was in attendance. However, there was one noticeable absence. LeBron James was not in the building for his eldest son\u2019s second Las Vegas Summer League opener. <\/p>\n

The Lakers superstar recently exercised his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season. It sent shockwaves throughout the NBA because this is the first time in his career he\u2019s opted into the final year of a contract when he could\u2019ve explored the market as an unrestricted free agent.<\/p>\n

Mavericks<\/p>\n

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Shortly after James\u2019 decision, hypothetical scenarios spread across the league about the possibility of James finishing his career with a different team. James hasn\u2019t publicly addressed the rumors, nor has he said he desires to be traded. Additionally, the Lakers haven\u2019t formally addressed their superstar\u2019s decision to spend one more season in Los Angeles, leading to speculation about James\u2019 future.<\/p>\n

The Mavericks have been thrown out as a candidate because of James\u2019 extensive relationships with several key figures, from players Irving, Anthony Davis and D\u2019Angelo Russell to coaches Jason Kidd, Frank Vogel, Phil Handy and Mike Penberthy \u2014 former members of the Lakers\u2019 staff.<\/p>\n

The Dallas Morning News spoke to several league executives, agents and team personnel during the first day of games in Las Vegas and there was one common sentiment: It would be extremely difficult for the Mavericks, and most teams, to acquire a player like James through a trade without parting ways with multiple rotation players. <\/p>\n

In Dallas\u2019 case, the starting blocks to facilitate a trade would involve players with eight-figure salaries such as Klay Thompson, Daniel Gafford or P.J. Washington, along with perhaps another piece such as Caleb Martin, Naji Marshall or Max Christie, who was traded from Los Angeles in February<\/a>.<\/p>\n

A more feasible route for a team like the Mavericks to acquire James would\u2019ve been if he had opted out of his contract for next season and entered free agency. Since he opted in, it would be unlikely and perhaps even unwise for the Mavericks to pursue James if he waived his no-trade clause.<\/p>\n

There is certainly a phenomenal gain to adding James to your roster. He is still a dynamic player despite his status as the oldest player in the league. Next season marks his 23rd, an NBA record, and he will be 41 by the end of the year. Despite the reality of those numbers, the 21-time All-Star averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 8.2 assists and 1 steal per game, earning All-NBA Second Team honors.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s a risk associated for any team pursuing James, especially through a trade involving a package of quality assets, since the future Hall of Famer could choose to retire after next season. A one-season rental for what could be James\u2019 final season might sound great for the story and attention that comes with the inevitable farewell tour, but the franchise would be crippled for the short and long term.<\/p>\n

Related:5 takeaways from Cooper Flagg\u2019s summer league debut: Mavs rookie the center of attention<\/a><\/p>\n

Another scenario could be through a buyout agreement, similarly to how the Milwaukee Bucks stretched and waived the contract of Damian Lillard, which allowed him to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. In that case, the Mavericks and 29 other teams could throw their names into the hat for a possible James sweepstakes.<\/p>\n

However, there isn\u2019t an incentive for the Lakers to do that since it would be nearly impossible to replace James\u2019 production. That would also place a troublesome burden on former Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic, who needs an additional playmaker alongside him.<\/p>\n

Additionally, James spent his 22nd NBA season playing alongside Bronny, who was drafted by the Lakers with the 55th pick in 2024. It was LeBron\u2019s dream to play with his son, but is one season as teammates enough for him?<\/p>\n

The lottery ping pong balls fell the Mavericks\u2019 way in May, leading to the selection of Flagg with the No. 1 overall pick<\/a> in last month\u2019s draft.<\/p>\n

While he\u2019s nowhere near a finished product, there are signs Flagg possesses the tools to someday carry the torch as the franchise\u2019s next star. Adding a future Hall of Fame player, especially someone who plays the same position, could create complications for Flagg\u2019s development.<\/p>\n

While it doesn\u2019t appear that a James pairing in Dallas is imminent, the NBA\u2019s offseason of chatter and speculation provides opportunities to play \u201cwhat if?\u201d<\/p>\n

X\/Twitter: <\/b>@MikeACurtis2<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n