Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison shocked the NBA world last season by trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for a blockbuster package centered around Anthony Davis.
While the move stunned Mavericks fans, the two teams could be on the verge of striking another attention-grabbing deal this summer — one that might further validate Harrison’s bold approach.
LeBron James opted into his $52.6 million player option Sunday, setting the stage for his record-breaking 23rd NBA season. However, it may not be with the Lakers, who remain a few key pieces away from true championship contention in a star-studded Western Conference.
James is reportedly weighing his options ahead of the 2025-26 campaign and could ultimately request a trade in what may be the final year of his legendary career.
Aaditaya Krishnamurthy of NBA Analysis Network recently compiled a mock trade that would send the four-time MVP to Dallas.
Here’s Krishnamurthy’s proposed trade:
Mavericks receive: LeBron James
Lakers receive: Klay Thompson, P.J. Washington, Daniel Gafford, Caleb Martin, 2029 first-round pick (DAL via LAL)
The Mavericks, who are loaded with frontcourt depth, would add James to a roster that already features Anthony Davis, Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving. To make the deal, they’d have to part with four supporting pieces, along with the 2029 first-round pick they previously acquired from the Lakers in the Doncic trade.
Bringing in James would be a clear win-now move for Dallas, as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer is likely nearing the end of his career. If the Lakers feel they can’t acquire the pieces to build a title contender this season, trading James could jumpstart a retooling effort around Doncic.