The blockbuster trade sending Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers created an instant championship contender, pairing the Slovenian superstar with LeBron James. Yet barely five months after the seismic deal that brought Anthony Davis to Dallas, speculation swirls about James potentially following a familiar path to the Mavericks, where two of his former teammates now reside.
James recently exercised his $52.6 million player option with the Lakers for the 2025-26 season. However, Lakers insider Jovan Buha suggests the four-time MVP could still request a trade, with Dallas emerging as an intriguing destination.
Reunion Speculation Gains Momentum
The possibility of James joining the Mavericks isn’t entirely new. Buha recalled previous rumors during a recent podcast appearance, noting the persistent buzz surrounding a potential Dallas move.
“Remember in the summer of 2023, right after Dallas had traded for Kyrie, there was that rumor out there that LeBron was going to go to Dallas on a minimum contract and team up with Draymond, and it was going to be Luka, Kyrie, LeBron, and Draymond,” Buha said. “And that, of course, did not happen. But there has been some buzz, I will say, in the general NBA ether over the last week or two with LeBron and Dallas.”
The Mavericks’ current roster features two players with deep connections to James: Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis. Head coach Jason Kidd also shares history with the superstar, having served as an assistant coach during the Lakers’ 2020 championship run. Buha emphasized these relationships, noting James’ positive experiences playing under Kidd with both Team USA and the Lakers.
James and Davis formed a formidable partnership during their six seasons together in Los Angeles from 2019 to 2025. Their chemistry peaked during the 2020 championship season, when Davis earned All-NBA First Team and All-Defensive First Team honors while James secured his own All-NBA First Team selection.
Fan Reactions Range from Excitement to Skepticism
Social media erupted following Buha’s comments, with Mavericks fans expressing mixed emotions about a potential James acquisition. The prospect of reuniting three former teammates generated considerable enthusiasm among some supporters.
“WE NEED THIS 🙏,” one fan said.
“What I always wanted. Let’s go join Kyrie and AD,” another wrote.
“Let’s goooo!!! Launch bron to Dallas as quickly as possible,” one user noted.
“Mavs would win the 2025 Finals with that squad,” another reacted.
However, skepticism emerged alongside the excitement. Some fans questioned the logistics and potential cost of such a move, while others remained content with the current roster construction.
“We cool,” one fan remarked.
“Only if we get AD and Cooper Flagg,” a Lakers fan mentioned.
“He wants to take credit for Cooper Flagg becoming great, I’m seeing it,” a user criticized.
Free Agency Dominoes Could Determine James’ Future
The Lakers’ offseason moves, particularly regarding Dorian Finney-Smith, could significantly influence James’ decision-making process. Buha identified the versatile forward as a crucial factor in the equation.
“If the disaster scenario for the Lakers plays out where DFS leaves, they strike out in free agency in terms of an impact player, they don’t make a trade or two, and LeBron is unhappy with the roster and wants out,” Buha explained. “I would say keep an eye on Dallas.”
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Finney-Smith declined his $15.4 million player option, entering unrestricted free agency. The Houston Rockets have emerged as a potential suitor for the defensive specialist, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
Houston’s aggressive approach to roster building continued with their recent acquisition of Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns. Should the Rockets successfully sign Finney-Smith, they would further solidify their position as a Western Conference contender for the 2025-26 season.
The domino effect of these potential moves leaves James’ future hanging in the balance. While his player option commitment suggests stability in Los Angeles, the evolving landscape of both conferences could prompt unexpected developments. The Mavericks, armed with former championship teammates and a proven coaching staff, remain positioned to capitalize should circumstances align in their favor.
