LeBron James Had ‘Eyes’ On Rival Before Lakers Return: Insider

LeBron James seriously contemplated joining the Dallas Mavericks before ultimately deciding to exercise his $52.6 million player option to return to the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2025-26 season. According to John Hollinger of The Athletic, complications arising from the NBA's new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) prevented the Mavericks from offering James more than a taxpayer mid-level exception, which was a key factor in his decision to return to the Lakers. Hollinger noted that returning to LA was not James's top priority entering the offseason, and whispers about his interest in Dallas—where he could have teamed with Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, and rookie Cooper Flagg—were significant. James was unwilling to leave $52 million on the table for a lesser offer, and tax apron rules make in-season trades with contenders difficult.

James's return does not guarantee he spends the entire season with the Lakers. If the team, which exited early in the previous playoffs, fails to show significant improvement, James could seek a trade to pursue his fifth NBA title. Hollinger emphasized that the situation needs monitoring, especially if the Lakers start the regular season slowly. James possesses a no-trade clause, giving him leverage to choose his next team and the players involved in any potential trade. Hollinger also pointed out that the most realistic path for James to get paid by a new team in 2026 summer is via a trade that preserves his Bird rights.

The Lakers, meanwhile, are positioning themselves for the future. They refused to offer James a contract extension this summer, aiming for flexibility in the 2026 and 2027 offseasons when major free agents become available. Hollinger noted the Lakers can open a max-contract slot in 2026 when James's deal expires. ESPN's Tim McMahon stated the Lakers have made it clear, through both front-office actions and messaging, that they are preparing to move on from the LeBron era to the Luka Doncic era. McMahon argued that James's usual leverage—the threat of departure—is diminished because his exit aligns with the Lakers' plan. Doncic's active role in recruiting the Lakers' key free-agent signings, DeAndre Ayton and Marcus Smart, is cited as another indicator of this transition.