REPORT: LeBron James ‘had eyes’ on the Dallas Mavericks before opting into his Los Angeles Lakers deal.

In one of the most unexpected twists in the NBA’s offseason drama, reports have surfaced indicating that LeBron James, the undisputed king of the NBA, had his sights set on the Dallas Mavericks before ultimately deciding to opt into his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. While the news sent shockwaves through the basketball community, it raises several important questions about LeBron’s future, the Mavericks’ intentions, and the overall landscape of the NBA as the 2025 season nears.

LeBron James, now in his 22nd season in the NBA, has long been regarded as one of the greatest basketball players in history. His move to the Lakers in 2018 was a historic moment that began a new chapter in the career of the four-time NBA champion. With the Lakers, LeBron achieved his fourth title in 2020, and his legacy in Los Angeles seemed secure. However, as he approaches the twilight years of his career, rumors about his potential moves have swirled—particularly as he enters the final stages of his contract with the Lakers.

According to sources close to the situation, LeBron James seriously considered the Dallas Mavericks as a potential destination before ultimately choosing to stay with the Lakers. The idea that LeBron, a player who’s synonymous with the Lakers and their championship hopes, would entertain the thought of leaving Los Angeles for a team like the Mavericks comes as a surprise to many. But the fact that Dallas became a plausible option speaks to the Mavericks’ growing allure, the ambitions of their front office, and the aspirations of their star player, Luka Dončić.

The Mavericks have been in a bit of a flux in recent years. While Luka Dončić has quickly become one of the most dynamic and promising players in the NBA, the team has struggled to build a roster capable of contending for a championship. Despite Dončić’s individual brilliance, the Mavericks’ failure to surround him with a reliable supporting cast has been a significant hurdle in their journey to the top. Adding a player of LeBron James’ caliber to that mix would not only elevate the team’s championship chances but also offer a perfect match between LeBron’s experience and Luka’s emerging stardom.

Reports suggest that LeBron was drawn to the idea of playing alongside Dončić and the potential to help elevate the young guard into the upper echelons of NBA superstardom. The pairing of LeBron with Luka would create one of the most dangerous duos in NBA history. With LeBron’s playmaking, leadership, and basketball IQ, combined with Luka’s scoring, vision, and flair, the Mavericks would instantly become one of the most formidable teams in the league.

But it wasn’t just about playing with Luka that intrigued LeBron. Sources indicate that LeBron saw a window of opportunity in Dallas, with the Mavericks’ front office showing serious commitment to building a contending team. The recent moves made by the Mavericks, including adding players like Kyrie Irving and Christian Wood, signaled that the franchise was looking to make a serious push for a championship. LeBron, always attuned to championship windows, likely saw Dallas as a team on the rise, capable of competing for a title in the near future.

However, despite this interest, LeBron ultimately chose to stay in Los Angeles. The decision wasn’t an easy one, but it reflects the ongoing commitment LeBron has to the Lakers and his desire to continue chasing his fifth NBA championship with the team that has become synonymous with his late-career resurgence.

The Dallas Mavericks have long been known for their rich history and the impact of legends like Dirk Nowitzki. But in recent years, the Mavericks have been on a mission to redefine their future. With Luka Dončić as the centerpiece, Dallas has shifted its focus toward building a contender around him. The additions of Kyrie Irving, Christian Wood, and other key players have helped elevate the team’s overall talent and put them in the conversation for the upper echelon of NBA teams.

Despite their star power, however, the Mavericks have been unable to find the right combination to make a deep playoff run. The presence of LeBron James would have been a game-changer in this regard. His leadership, high basketball IQ, and ability to raise the level of those around him would have filled a glaring gap on the Mavericks’ roster. LeBron has long been known for taking young players under his wing and helping them elevate their games, and Luka Dončić, who has already established himself as one of the league’s most talented and mature players, could have benefitted immensely from such mentorship.

In addition to that, Dallas had the financial flexibility to make a move for LeBron. With Irving already in place and several key contracts expiring in the coming seasons, the Mavericks could have afforded to bring LeBron in, whether through a trade or free-agent signing. Dallas also has a relatively young core, which might have appealed to LeBron in his pursuit of a championship in the later years of his career. In his quest for his fifth ring, LeBron may have seen Dallas as a fresh opportunity for a new challenge, especially with the chance to play alongside a superstar like Luka.

Moreover, the Mavericks’ head coach, Jason Kidd, is a former NBA champion and a highly respected coach who shares a close relationship with LeBron from their time together in Cleveland. Kidd’s defensive-minded approach, paired with LeBron’s experience and ability to elevate a team’s offense, could have been a perfect match. This familiarity would have made the prospect of joining Dallas even more appealing for LeBron.

While the Mavericks’ intrigue was certainly real, LeBron’s decision to opt into his Lakers contract reflects his continued belief in the organization and its future. The Lakers, under the guidance of general manager Rob Pelinka, have been slowly retooling their roster to compete for another championship. After the Lakers’ disappointing exit from the playoffs in 2023, the front office made significant moves to build a team that could contend for the title in 2025, bringing in key players like Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves, and D’Angelo Russell.

The Lakers’ core, featuring LeBron, Davis, and the aforementioned supporting players, is still a potent force. The team has shown they can compete with the best, even at the tail end of LeBron’s career. The Lakers remain a championship contender in the eyes of many, and that’s something LeBron undoubtedly considered as he weighed his options. The prospect of returning to the Lakers’ fold for a potential title run in 2025 likely outweighed any potential moves to another team—especially with the Lakers’ rich history and the familiarity of playing in Los Angeles.

Furthermore, LeBron’s legacy is intrinsically linked to the Lakers. Though his career in Los Angeles has been relatively brief compared to his tenure in Cleveland and Miami, the idea of retiring as a Laker and continuing to build his legacy in Hollywood was undoubtedly a motivating factor in his decision. For all the excitement that a move to Dallas might have generated, the allure of a fifth championship with the Lakers—his first as a Laker—was too powerful to ignore.

The fact that LeBron James even entertained the idea of joining the Dallas Mavericks speaks volumes about the direction of the franchise and the growing respect surrounding Luka Dončić’s potential. While LeBron ultimately chose to stay in Los Angeles, the Mavericks’ ability to attract such a high-profile player, even as an option, puts them in an exciting position moving forward.

For the Mavericks, the silver lining of LeBron’s decision is that it further solidifies their status as a legitimate contender in the Western Conference. While they didn’t land the biggest star in the league, their pursuit of LeBron shows that they are serious about winning a championship and surrounding Luka with the pieces necessary to do so. The Mavericks have a bright future with Luka leading the way, and with the right additions, they could be poised to make a major run in the next few seasons.

The Mavericks may also view LeBron’s flirtation as a sign that they’re headed in the right direction. It shows that they’re now being taken seriously by other superstars, which is crucial in the NBA landscape. Dallas has the pieces to be a championship contender, and while LeBron didn’t choose them this time, it wouldn’t be surprising to see more stars considering the Mavericks as a legitimate option in the future.

For LeBron James, his decision to remain with the Lakers ultimately reflects his desire to continue building on his legacy in Los Angeles. Whether or not he wins a fifth championship, his impact on the NBA, and his place in history, is already secure. That being said, LeBron is undoubtedly aware of his time in the league winding down. His career, which has spanned two decades, is approaching its final chapters, and every decision he makes now is about continuing to cement his place as the greatest player of all time.

His flirtation with Dallas proves that LeBron is still thinking about his options and weighing the best possible scenarios for the remaining years of his career. Whether it’s Los Angeles or another city down the road, LeBron’s legacy will continue to grow as he looks to add more championships, break more records, and mentor the next generation of NBA talent.

LeBron’s decision to stay with the Lakers doesn’t diminish the Mavericks’ aspirations. The franchise continues to make strides, and Luka Dončić’s future in Dallas looks brighter than ever. For the Mavs, it’s just a reminder that the road to a title may still be long, but the foundation is being laid for something special in the years to come. And who knows? LeBron might be just one more move away from making the Mavericks’ dreams come true.