NBA Insider Thinks LeBron James Has 'Curiosity' About Mavs, Links Knicks, Warriors

NBA insider Marc Stein reports that LeBron James has expressed "curiosity" about potentially playing for the Dallas Mavericks if he departs the Los Angeles Lakers. However, this scenario would only appeal to Dallas if James becomes available via a minimum contract following a buyout, which Stein deems highly unlikely as the Lakers show no inclination to grant one. The New York Knicks and Golden State Warriors are also mentioned as theoretical options under similar buyout conditions.

James recently opted into his $52.6 million contract with the Lakers for next season. His agent, Rich Paul, stated that James prioritizes championship contention and that they will evaluate what's best for the 39-year-old's career. Paul emphasized James' appreciation for the Lakers organization but noted the challenge of balancing immediate title aspirations with the team's future-building around Luka Dončić. If James intended to leave, he could have declined his player option to force a sign-and-trade, but he hasn't requested a trade despite four teams inquiring about his availability.

The Mavericks are considered a potential destination partly due to their roster featuring Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving, both close friends of James. Irving, whom James has called "the most gifted player the NBA has ever seen," played alongside him in Cleveland from 2014-2017. Dallas's acquisition of 2025 top draft pick Cooper Flagg further enhances their appeal. However, Stein clarifies that the Mavericks are not actively pursuing James, as they refuse to trade multiple rotation players for a veteran who turns 41 in December.

For the Knicks, a hypothetical one-for-one swap sending Karl-Anthony Towns to the Lakers is possible, but Los Angeles reportedly prioritizes preserving 2027 salary cap space and would likely reject it. Packaging OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart would deplete New York's supporting cast around James, Towns, and Jalen Brunson, while replicating defensive weaknesses that plagued the Lakers in last season's playoffs. Golden State would need to trade Jimmy Butler for James due to contract limitations, but such a deal offers little incentive for the Lakers.

Ultimately, James holds a full no-trade clause, giving him control over any potential destination. The Lakers have no motivation to negotiate a buyout given James' All-NBA Second Team performance last season, as releasing him without compensation would be considered organizational malpractice.