Ex-Mavericks guard utters bold LeBron James prediction

Kevin McCormick

Ex-Mavericks guard utters bold LeBron James prediction  image

Following his two-year stint with the Dallas Mavericks, Theo Pinson has hung around the NBA via his "Run Your Race" podcast. Recently, he chimed in with a bold prediction regarding one of the league's most notable names. 

Over the weekend, LeBron James made a shocking decision by opting in to his player option for next season. This is a rarity for the star forward, as he's famously orchestrated one-plus-one deals to keep his options open. That won't be the case this time around, as he'll be playing on an expiring contract in 2026. 

Since he decided to pick up his option, there has been endless chatter about LeBron possibly being traded from the Lakers. Among those who think a shocking move like this is coming is Pinson. Earlier this week, he posted on X (formerly Twitter) with a prediction that LeBron's days in LA are numbered. 

While LeBron has switched teams on numerous occasions, it has always been through free agency. Though his name has come up in trade rumors in recent years, he's never swapped teams in such a manner. Seeing that the Lakers are building out for the future with their new cornerstone Luka Doncic, there's no telling what could happen regarding LeBron. 

If LeBron did end up hitting the trade market, the Mavericks could end up being a team to watch. As most know, Nico Harrison and Rob Pelinka have a strong relationship. Also, LeBron has ties to numerous stars on the Mavs' roster. He and Kyrie Irving won a title together with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and he's been to the NBA mountaintop with Anthony Davis on the Lakers. 

As of now, there have been no reports of the Lakers shopping LeBron nor has he expressed a desire to be moved. For the time being, he is focused on helping LA contend alongside Doncic. 

Kevin McCormick

Kevin McCormick is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. Since graduating from Holy Family University with a degree in Sports Management-Marketing, he has gone on to build a career in sports writing. He primarily covers the NBA but has experience writing about women's professional basketball. Over the years, Kevin has written bylines for 97.3 ESPN, ClutchPoints, Sports Illustrated/On SI and Sportskeeda.