LeBron James dropped a huge bombshell following the Los Angeles Lakers’ embarrassing playoff exit against the Denver Nuggets. He sent the entire world into a state of shock after announcing a potential retirement by 2024 or sooner. Teams are now scrambling to give James what he wants, which is a fifth title and the Dallas Mavericks are at the top of the list of potential destinations.
Shams Charania recently reported that Kyrie Irving reached out to his former teammate (LeBron) to get him on the Mavericks. Irving hasn’t signed an extension with the Mavericks yet but getting James onto the team would solidify his return. Both players have shown deep interest in a reunion and it could happen at some point if the Lakers find a viable trade package.
Sources: Kyrie Irving has reached out to Lakers star LeBron James in attempts to see if James would come to Dallas. Irving is a free agent this offseason.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 5, 2023
The 4x NBA Champion is also extremely close to Luka Doncic. The Slovenian superstar once revealed that he’s a fan of James. Doncic has been compared to LeBron on several occasions as well. On acquiring the former league MVP, Dallas will most likely become instant favorites to win a title.
James is an extremely versatile individual and is an unselfish player. Kyrie and James have experience playing alongside each other. They would be a great backup to Doncic’s offensive prowess.
The Lakers expect Luka Doncic from the Mavericks in exchange for LeBron James
As interesting as it would be to have LeBron James join the Mavericks, he has a very high value in the market. He signed a $97.1 million two-year contract in 2022 with LA. During the 2023-24 season, the Lakers owe him $46.9 million. James also has a player option that he can exercise in 2024 which is worth $50.6 million. After a tragic regular-season stretch, LeBron and the Lakers managed to reach the Western Conference Finals.
The Mavericks missed the 2023 playoffs even after acquiring Irving before the February trade deadline. According to the Bleacher Report, Dallas was trying to trade to James as well. The Lakers are not willing to give up LeBron for anything less than Luka Doncic according to The Athletic’s Jovan Buha.
The Lakers aren’t interested in what Dallas could offer in a trade for LeBron James, per @jovanbuha
“If Dallas is offering Luka Dončić for James, then yes, one would assume the Lakers will listen.” pic.twitter.com/016rfcBf3s
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) June 5, 2023
At 38, LeBron James managed to average 28.9 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game. Sources claim that James has been thinking about retiring as he had revealed to his teammate Anthony Davis. AD said that James is planning to hang up his shoes before the 2024 Paris Olympics. Latest updates claim that LeBron will return for his 21st season. If the Lakers fail to make it through soon and win a title, the veteran may retire before 2025 at least.