REPORT: Dallas Mavericks Eye LeBron James Only in Buyout Scenario, Sparking Wild NBA Speculation
Dallas, TX — July 13, 2025
In a developing story that has NBA fans buzzing coast-to-coast, league sources have confirmed that the Dallas Mavericks would only pursue Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James in a buyout situation — a move that could shift the balance of power in the Western Conference and set the stage for one of the most dramatic late-career moves in NBA history.
The Mavericks, fresh off a strong playoff run led by Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, are reportedly keeping close tabs on the growing uncertainty in Los Angeles. According to insiders, the Lakers’ front office is facing increasing pressure to reset their roster amid a disappointing season start, contract complications, and internal concerns about long-term cap flexibility. While LeBron James has not requested a trade, sources say he’s becoming increasingly “strategic” about how he wants to close out his legendary career.
Enter the Mavericks.
League executive insiders told NBA Today that Dallas would not entertain a blockbuster trade for James — citing the potential loss of key rotational players and future picks — but would “aggressively move” if the 20-time All-Star hits the buyout market.
“Dallas is not mortgaging its future or gutting its current chemistry,” one front office source said. “But if LeBron becomes available through a buyout — the Mavs will be first in line.”
The news sent shockwaves through NBA circles, especially given LeBron’s long-standing connection with Kyrie Irving. The duo won a championship together in Cleveland in 2016, and LeBron has previously expressed admiration for Luka Dončić’s style of play, calling him “a basketball savant” and even saying Dončić reminds him of himself.
Speculation intensified further after LeBron was spotted courtside at a recent Mavericks home game — not uncommon for a global icon, but enough to stir the pot. Social media lit up as fans began dreaming of a trio featuring LeBron, Luka, and Kyrie in Big D.
Still, the situation is layered. A buyout scenario for a player of LeBron’s magnitude is rare, if not unprecedented. His current deal with the Lakers runs through the 2025–26 season, with a player option. If both parties agreed to a buyout, it would likely mean LeBron is prioritizing legacy, lifestyle, and a fitting final chapter — more than one last mega-payday.
Mark Cuban, known for bold moves, has yet to comment publicly but has a history of striking when opportunity knocks. Dallas, with a deep-pocketed ownership group and a top-tier analytics department, could offer LeBron something unique: a chance to contend without carrying the franchise on his shoulders.
For now, it remains a hypothetical. But one thing is certain — if the Lakers open the door to a buyout, the Mavericks plan to walk through it.
LeBron James, 40, is still averaging an impressive 22.9 points, 7.5 assists, and 6.8 rebounds per game, proving he remains a potent force in his third decade in the league. His leadership, playoff experience, and basketball IQ could be the final piece for a Dallas team aiming for its first championship since 2011.
And if that happens, the NBA world may witness one of the greatest twilight moves in sports history.
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