NBA Rumors: LeBron Reportedly Explored Mavericks Move Before Committing to Lakers for 2025-26

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by Cris Andal

Lakers forward LeBron James. Photo: Getty Images.

Before finalizing his decision to stay with the Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James reportedly considered a potential move to the Dallas Mavericks for what could be the final season of his legendary NBA career.

According to The Athletic’s John Hollinger, the four-time MVP was intrigued by the idea of joining forces once again with former teammates Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis — this time in Dallas. LeBron officially picked up his $52.6 million player option for the 2025–26 campaign, choosing to remain with the Lakers for a 22nd season.

Hollinger noted that while LeBron opted in, it might not have been his top choice at first: “There was real chatter about him eyeing Dallas as a destination,” he wrote, pointing out that a Mavericks roster potentially featuring James, Irving, Davis, and rising talent Cooper Flagg would have been an enticing scenario.

Dallas head coach Jason Kidd, who previously served as an assistant on the Lakers' 2020 championship team, also has a longstanding relationship with James, adding more weight to the speculation.

James enters next season set to play alongside both former Dallas guard Luka Dončić and his son Bronny James in Los Angeles.

Should the Lakers underperform, James still has the flexibility to request a trade, thanks to the no-trade clause in his contract.

Photo: Getty Images.

Despite turning 41 this December, LeBron continues to defy age-related expectations. He earned All-NBA Second Team honors and placed sixth in MVP voting last season, reinforcing his elite status even as the league’s oldest player.

The Lakers have retooled this offseason by bringing in Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart, and Jake LaRavia, hoping to rebound from their early playoff exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Whether this new core can elevate the Lakers back to contender status remains to be seen.

LeBron’s future beyond this coming season is uncertain, but one thing is clear: when he does decide to hang it up, it’s likely he’ll do so in a Lakers jersey.