BREAKING: L.A Lakers LeBron James official Next …read more.
Gossip over LeBron James’ next step with the Los Angeles Lakers got a new twist, indicating that the Dallas Mavericks would be interested in signing the NBA icon but only through a contract buyout, not through a trade.
James, who just re-signed for the final year of his $52.6 million deal for the 2025–26 season, is at a crossroads as he deliberates his next move in the league. As he continues to perform at an elite level during his 40th year, uncertainty about the Lakers’ roster and agenda has built up rampant speculation onl departing the club.
League sources confirm that while the Mavericks are keeping an eye on the situation, they do not want to negotiate any trade for James. The team would instead want to pursue him only if he were to mutually agree on a buyout with the Lakers so that Dallas can sign him without having to trade valuable players or draft picks.
LeBron publicly praised Mavericks phenom Luka Dončić in the past, calling him one of the best and most enjoyable players to watch in the league. The possibility of playing alongside Dončić has intrigued fans and pundits in common, especially with the Mavericks having completed a quality playoff run and needing to move further toward title status.
Though reported interest has been present, a buyout scenario is highly unlikely given the size of James’ contract and his value to the Lakers both on and off the floor. No actions have been made by the Los Angeles team that they’re considering doing so, and no interaction between James’ representatives and the Mavericks has been discussed.
Dallas, led by coach Jason Kidd and GM Nico Harrison, is believed to be going hard after major roster upgrades this offseason. The team made splash moves in the past year already in acquiring Tobias Harris and Jarrett Allen, and might want one more game-changer to complete their championship puzzle.
Still, James’ chance of arriving in Dallas through a buyout is speculative at best. The Lakers would have to willingly release one of the most recognizable and successful players in the NBA’s history, and James himself would have to be willing to abandon the comfort of a proven unit and start over in a new city.
For now, LeBron is a Laker, but as the offseason unfolds and player movement around the league persists, the Mavericks are reported to be keeping close watch in case a once-in-a-blue-moon situation arises.
