NBA Trade Idea Sends Lakers’ LeBron James to Mavericks

One NBA writer proposed that the Dallas Mavericks trade for Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James if The King requests a trade from Los Angeles.

Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report proposed the following trade idea between the Mavericks and Lakers:

Mavericks get: LeBron James

Lakers get: Daniel Gafford, P.J. Washington, Naji Marshall, Caleb Martin, an unprotected 2029 first-round pick

James, 40, has a no-trade clause in his contract. He has played and won a championship with Mavericks stars Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving.

Some people believe James could request a trade from the Lakers after what his agent (Rich Paul of Klutch Sports) told Shams Charania of ESPN.

“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” Paul said. “He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we’ve had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.

“We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future. We do want to evaluate what’s best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career. He wants to make every season he has left count, and the Lakers understand that, are supportive and want what’s best for him.”

James is the oldest active player in the league. He averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 8.2 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.6 blocks for the Lakers last season in 70 starts and made the All-NBA Second Team, proving that he’s still an elite force.

The Lakers lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the 2025 playoffs in five games. James played well, though, averaging 25.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.8 blocks in the five-game series.

Dallas would be a title contender with James, Irving, Davis, Klay Thompson and Cooper Flagg leading the way on the court and Jason Kidd coaching from the sidelines.

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