LeBron to Dallas? NBA Analyst Proposes Bold Trade Between Mavs & Lakers
Although it would be a shock for Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James to be traded before Thursday's deadline, we've seen crazier things happen in the association. James, who is still playing at an unprecedented high level at the age of 39, could potentially leave the Lakers in free agency for nothing this summer.
In his latest piece for The Ringer, NBA analyst Kevin O'Conner tossed around some hypothetical LeBron trades, and the Mavs were one of the teams he used in his thought exercise. In this trade, he has the Mavs sending out Tim Hardaway Jr., Grant Williams, Richaun Holmes, a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 first-round pick swap and a 2025 second-round pick in exchange for James.
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"LeBron would get the chance to form a Big Three with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, his former running buddy," O'Conner writes. "There would be diminishing returns, however, as all three have overlapping skills. But the offense would be devastating as long as Irving and James are willing to sacrifice touches behind Doncic. Still, the fit is iffy."
It would be risky for the Mavs to give up what little future draft capital they have available for a 39-year-old player who could potentially leave them in the offseason, but creating a 'Big 3' with LeBron, Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving would immediately thrust Dallas into title contention this season. And if the Mavs ended up winning a championship this season, no one will care about those future draft picks.
In 45 games, James is avenging 24.9 points, which is far and away the best of any player in league history to have played in a 21st season. He's shooting 52.0 percent from the field, 39.8 percent from deep and also averaging 7.4 rebounds and 7.6 assists for the 26-25 Lakers. Rich Paul claims that his client won't be traded, but situations can change as the deadline nears. Stay tuned to DallasBasketball.com for updates.
