Dallas Mavericks hold top odds to land Lakers’ LeBron James

This is starting to get interesting for the Mavericks.

Nov 27, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) smiles after a Philadelphia 76ers foul during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

The Dallas Mavericks have already made one blockbuster move with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2025. Earlier this year, the franchise traded Luka Doncic in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a draft pick.

Could another deal be on the horizon between the two franchises?

There's been some drama surrounding the status of LeBron James and the Lakers this offseason. That's led to speculation that the two parties might part ways before the upcoming season.

As it stands, the Mavericks are the betting favorite to land James if he does depart from the Los Angeles Lakers, at least through one book. According to Twitter/X, gambling site Bovada has Dallas in the top spot to secure the NBA Legend, ahead of the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors,

READ MORE: Dallas Mavericks’ Kyrie Irving stunned by infamous LeBron James ‘father’ question

Apr 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) controls the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The potential addition of James to the Mavericks roster would firmly put the franchise in a position to compete for a championship, depending on the assets Dallas gives up in a proposed deal. It's worth noting that James doesn't technically have to be acquired via trade. He could join the team on his own accord if the Lakers buy him out.

The all-time leading scorer in NBA history will turn 41 in December. Though he dealt with a few injuries last year, James has continued to defy Father Time despite his age. There are still plenty of nights where he's able to turn back the clock and remind opponents that he's one of the best players to ever pick up a basketball.

Pairing James with Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis, two players he's already won championships with, and a promising rookie in Cooper Flagg, makes the Mavericks a tough matchup on paper.

Dallas was knocked out of the play-in just one year removed from an NBA Finals appearance. General manager Nico Harrison and team governor Patrick Dumont have already proven they are willing to pull off the improbable.

Doing it again would put the franchise back in the position to compete now and for years to come. It can't hurt for Flagg to be learning from three of the top players in modern basketball, either.

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READ MORE: Details revealed for Daniel Gafford's new contract with Mavericks

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