Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

CBS propose ‘intriguing’ LeBron James to Dallas Mavericks trade that brings Max Christie back to LA Lakers

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Aaditya Krishnamurthy | Last updated Jul 16, 2025 11:59 AM ET

Could the LA Lakers give up LeBron James to bring back an exciting prospect in Max Christie?

The LA Lakers are a team that seems to divide opinion among fans and analysts alike. While the franchise has made some moves this offseason, it’s hard to gain consensus over their chances of competing for an NBA championship.

The Lakers surprisingly lost Dorian Finney-Smith to the Rockets in free agency. As a result, they lost a key two-way wing.

Rob Pelinka responded by signing Jake LaRavia to the Lakers, thus adding a younger wing who has a similar profile to Finney-Smith.

The Lakers also signed Deandre Ayton to an $8 million contract. It was a much-needed signing, given the Lakers’ lack of options at the center position.

And after a long period of doubt, the Lakers and LeBron James seemingly committed to staying together. But what if the Lakers did pull the trigger on a James trade?

Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images

LA Lakers could trade LeBron James to Dallas Mavericks in three-team deal

CBS Sports proposed a LeBron James trade between the LA Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, and Brooklyn Nets that looks like this:

This trade allows the Lakers to move on from the LeBron James era, while getting a decent haul, including Max Christie, who was a promising prospect they gave up to land Luka Doncic.

To sweeten the deal even more, the Lakers get back their 2029 unprotected first-round pick, which they could possibly use in another trade to land a big star.

As for the Mavericks, Nico Harrison could complete his plan and bring LeBron James to Dallas. Pairing LeBron with Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis would make the Mavericks the undisputed favorites to win the NBA championship.

When it comes to the Brooklyn Nets, they get Caleb Martin, who can be a strong cap-filling veteran for them as they rebuild, and a young sharpshooter in Dalton Knecht who can address their spacing concerns.

Gonzales also suggested trades for LeBron James, including the LA Clippers, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Golden State Warriors.

LA Lakers could do Dallas Mavericks a huge favor with this trade

CBS Sports’ John Gonzalez spoke further about this mock trade and what the rationale could be for the Mavericks.

With Irving out, passing the ball-handling responsibilities from D’Angelo Russell to LeBron James would be huge.

“While Kyrie is on the mend, you only have D’Angelo Russell to bring up the ball. Well, guess what? You have LeBron there. That could be interesting.

“Their depth would take a massive hit, I’d probably err on the side of no, but it’s definitely with a sprinkle of maybe for both sides. It’s intriguing, I’d think about it.”

Adding LeBron James to the Mavericks would harm their depth. But the sheer strength of their starting five, along with rookie Cooper Flagg, would make Dallas a powerhouse.

Is this deal likely to happen? As things stand, the answer is no. But the possibility of the Lakers sacrificing James to surround Luka Doncic with the exact type of players he needs can’t be ruled out.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: