It is rumoured that LeBron James will leave the franchise seven years after the Los Angeles Lakers.
Rumors of trade surrounding LeBron James have risen significantly since the 40-year-old chose the $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 NBA season.
The Cleveland Cavaliers and Dallas Mavericks are rumoured to be the best destinations to win James. But the question is, will they trade him?
Previously, it was reported that the Mavericks would only chase James if James negotiated a contract purchase with the Los Angeles Lakers. Now ESPN’s Tim McMahon has dropped a big take on other options that are dealing with James.
The organization is clearly incredibly deep as the Mavericks drafted the Cooper Flag and added him to the roster alongside Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis.
Even with potential injuries concerns, Maverick’s insane depth gives the fanbase confidence about his potential to compete in the 2026 NBA Championship.
With that in mind, McMahon had a cynical response to Mavs who took the depths away from him to trade with the 40-year-old LBJ.
“It makes perfect sense. Is there a deal from the Mavericks to get LeBron? You can punch it on the trading machine.
“All Maverick has to do is break their rotation completely. They give up guys like Daniel Gafford and PJ Washington. Maybe Naji Marshall, Max Christie,” McMahon said in ESPN’s wake.
He added: “Are you giving up three or four rotation players for a retirement tour that tracks potential rings? That makes no sense for Dallas.”
Not only the Mavericks, but McMahon believes this deal doesn’t make sense to James.
“LeBron has no trade clauses, so that doesn’t make sense.
James was recently discovered at the Cavs practice facility, and reports have emerged about his issues at Luka Doncic. So maybe it’s a belief that the king is about to get out of LA?
ESPN experts opposed the story and said, “The league has curiosity. Can LeBron end up bullying the path to a takeover? No. Why do the Lakers do that?
However, if James actually wants to reunite with Irving and Davis, in McMahon’s opinion, the only possible way is to acquire the contract.
“That’s the only way I can see LeBron James joins Anthony Davis, a former Dallas championship teammate couple,” he concluded.
James won his 23rd year in the NBA, averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists per game for the Lakers.