Lakers' LeBron James could reunite with $175 million Mavericks star forward, per ex-NBA guard
Context:
Following the Los Angeles Lakers' elimination from the playoffs, speculation has arisen about LeBron James possibly joining the Dallas Mavericks. An ex-NBA guard pointed out that James has often moved teams after suggesting such possibilities, as seen in his transitions from Cleveland to Miami and back, and then to the Lakers. The potential move to Dallas could reunite James with Kyrie Irving and create a formidable trio alongside Luka Doncic. Despite this, leaving the Lakers after such a short stint with Doncic seems unlikely without a significant shift within the Lakers’ organization. Any move would not only alter the dynamics in Dallas but also reshape the Lakers' future strategy significantly.
Dive Deeper:
The Los Angeles Lakers' failure to advance past April 30 has opened up discussions about potential offseason changes, including LeBron James joining the Dallas Mavericks.
Ex-NBA guard Rashad McCants highlighted that when James has previously suggested leaving a team post-playoffs, he has followed through, as seen with his moves from Cleveland to Miami, back to Cleveland, and then to the Lakers.
A move to Dallas would reunite James with his former Cleveland teammate Kyrie Irving, forming a strong trio with Luka Doncic, and potentially revitalizing the Mavericks' championship hopes.
While the idea of LeBron James moving to Dallas is intriguing, especially with the past success of James-Irving partnerships, leaving after a short tenure with Doncic seems improbable unless major changes occur within the Lakers.
A significant move like this would not only affect the Mavericks' lineup but also force the Lakers to reassess their strategies and future direction without one of their key players.
The speculation is partly fueled by the recent trade of Anthony Davis to the Mavericks, which some see as a precursor to further changes involving James.
For James to consider such a move, an unexpected development within the Lakers’ management or organizational structure would likely be necessary.
With the Los Angeles Lakers failing to extend their season past Apr. 30, it’s logical to consider various offseason possibilities for the franchise.
In a stunning move that would excite Dallas Mavericks fans, an ex-NBA guard believes there’s a realistic chance that LeBron James could join the Mavericks this summer and reunite with an electric 6-foot-10 forward.
“If you think about this, the last time LeBron made an insinuation that he would move on from a team after the playoffs were over, he actually made that move every time,” Rashad McCants told Basketball Insiders' D.J. Siddiqi on Thursday.
“When he says he’s considering maybe moving, he did that in Cleveland (Cavaliers), and then he ended up on the Lakers. He did that in Miami (Heat) and ended up back in Cleveland. He might end up in Dallas.”
Although James has never competed with the Mavericks, he has shared the floor with Anthony Davis.
The dynamic duo won a title with the Lakers in 2020 and had championship aspirations this season before Los Angeles traded Davis to the Mavericks in a blockbuster Feb. 2 deal.
Could James feel compelled to finish his career alongside the 10-time All-Star?
Throw Kyrie Irving, James’ former teammate in Cleveland (won a title in 2016), into the mix, and Dallas would have a frightening Big Three with experience playing alongside each other.
However, it’s challenging to envision James ditching Luka Doncic after less than a full season.
With even a decent forward or center possessing win-now qualities, James, Doncic, and the Lakers could alter the perception surrounding the team in 2025-26.
While James likely misses wreaking havoc with Davis and Irving, an unexpected development within the Lakers’ organization would need to occur for the 21-time All-Star to move on from Los Angeles.
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