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Lakers, Mavericks Blockbuster 5-Player Trade Idea Sends LeBron James to Dallas

Sam Garcia|
Apr 9, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) shoots the ball past Dallas Mavericks guard Spencer Dinwiddie (26) during the third quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Apr 9, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) shoots the ball past Dallas Mavericks guard Spencer Dinwiddie (26) during the third quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

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Los Angeles Lakers

The possibility of a trade involving four-time NBA champion LeBron James is no secret. 

James opted into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season with the Los Angeles Lakers. However, the 21-time NBA All-Star is nearing the end of his career and has expressed a desire to win another championship before retiring.

More news: Lakers' Bronny James Reveals What He's Worked On Improving This Offseason

Los Angeles is focusing on their future rather than the upcoming season. If James wants another ring, he will need to explore options with other teams.

"LeBron wants to compete for a championship. 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,” James’ agent Rich Paul said to ESPN’s Sham Charania.

“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," Paul added. 

Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz proposed a trade deal that would send James to the Dallas Mavericks. 

The Mavericks missed the playoffs this season, which does not align with James’ goal of winning an NBA championship. But this option would reunite James with former Lakers All-Star Anthony Davis and allow the veterans to join forces with the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA draft, Cooper Flagg.

In exchange for James, Los Angeles would receive Daniel Gafford, PJ Washington, Naji Marshall, Caleb Martin and an unprotected 2029 first-round pick.

James and Davis have had a lot of success throughout their careers when they play together. The pair led the Lakers to an NBA title in 2020 and won two Olympic gold medals together in 2012 and 2024.

Following in the footsteps of Davis, Flagg became the fourth freshman to win the Naismith Player of the Year award in his single season at Duke. 

At just 18 years old, Flagg is destined for a successful NBA career, and trading James to the Mavericks would allow him to pass the torch to the superstar rookie.

More news: Lakers' Required Trade Package With Heat For Andrew Wiggins Revealed

For more news and notes on the Los Angeles Lakers, visit Los Angeles Lakers on SI.

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Sam Garcia
SAM GARCIA

Samantha Garcia is a student at the University of California, Los Angeles. She is majoring in Psychology and minoring in Professional Writing. She is also a sports writer for the Daily Bruin at UCLA.

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