The Dallas Mavericks might just be able to pull off a stunning trade to acquire LeBron James from the Los Angeles Lakers. Although the Mavericks caught the NBA world off guard by trading away their franchise cornerstone, Luka Dončić, to acquire Anthony Davis, the team could not qualify for the playoffs last season.
While injuries undoubtedly played a massive role in determining the Mavericks’ fate last season, the team certainly has the potential to contend for an NBA title. Finding a way to acquire James might guarantee them winning a title, provided they can retain the key players on their roster.
The Dallas Mavericks Are Predicted To Engage in a Three-Team Trade for LeBron James
After James’ agent Rich Paul made it clear that James is looking to play for any team that gives him a realistic chance at winning a championship, rumors surrounding the four-time NBA champion’s potential departure have gained momentum quickly throughout this offseason.
While James opted into the final year of his contract and is expected to be with the Lakers for the upcoming season, the team could still decide to trade him away. After all, letting him play out his contract and then leaving them as a free agent will ensure that the Lakers get nothing in return.
According to Bleacher Report, the Mavericks might just be able to swoop in and acquire James. However, they will need the assistance of the Brooklyn Nets to materialize a potential three-team deal with the Lakers.
Mavericks get:
LeBron James (from Lakers)
Bronny James (from Lakers)
Drew Timme (from Nets)
Tyrese Martin (from Nets)
$1.8 million trade exception (Dwight Powell)
$1.1 million trade exception (Olivier-Maxence Prosper)
Lakers get:
Daniel Gafford (from Mavericks)
PJ Washington (from Mavericks)
Naji Marshall (from Mavericks)
Caleb Martin (from Mavericks)
Jaden Hardy (from Mavericks)
2030 Lakers second-rounder (from Nets)
2031 Lakers second-rounder (from Nets)
$24.1 million trade exception (LeBron James)
Nets get:
Dalton Knecht (from Lakers)
Maxi Kleber (from Lakers)
Olivier-Maxence Prosper (from Mavericks)
Dwight Powell (from Mavericks)
Although this trade is highly improbable, it would undoubtedly benefit both the Lakers and Mavericks. After all, Dallas can pair James with Kyrie Irving, Cooper Flagg, and even Anthony Davis. On the other hand, the Lakers would get back a few of Dončić’s old teammates, whom he made the 2024 NBA Finals alongside, and various other assets.
Read More: NBA Insider Links LeBron James With West Contender if He Leaves Lakers for 1 ‘Last Hurrah Elsewhere’
Since the Lakers are expected to move towards the future with Dončić as the face of the franchise, James’ time with the team appears to be rapidly approaching an end. Fans are left wondering if this bold three-team deal could take place or if the Lakers will risk letting James walk after the end of the 2025-2026 NBA season.
