Bold trade proposal sends LeBron James to Dallas in blockbuster move

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.