
via Imago
LeBron James, Nico Harrison

via Imago
LeBron James, Nico Harrison
A smile. A nod. One firm handshake—and the world can shift like hardwood beneath game-winning sneakers. Back in February 2025, when Nico Harrison extended his hand, the Lakers didn’t mind pulling out Luka Doncic from his kingdom. Just like that, purple met magic, and the Mavericks’ empire felt the tremor of Davis’ injury. Tales of Dallas pride and LA ambition spiraled into chaos. But here’s a thought—what if LeBron James now becomes Dallas’ next obsession after going big this summer? Or maybe it’s Dallas that steals his heart, with a Texan roar, or more.
The NBA rumor mill just broke its brakes again—After sending the King to Cleveland, then to Miami, a new wave is making him Dallas-bound. Bovada’s odds place the Mavericks at +125, ahead of the Heat and Cavs. With Cooper Flagg already running the show, Dallas chasing the crown feels real. Add LeBron, and the West might tremble. This move would not come as a surprise to anyone, but it could change everything. Now, these are just rumors and speculations that are going a bit too feral right now. But a miracle? Can happen!
But don’t forget, the Akron Hammer has indeed signed that $52.6 million player option with the Lakers earlier in July. So maybe he’s not leaving LA now. Besides, his agent Rich Paul clarified that the 40-year-old hasn’t asked for a trade. “The Lakers have not received any formal trade request,” Paul commented. However, living in this world of what-ifs, one could only imagine. Meanwhile, ex-Los Angeles Lakers star Patrick Beverley took to his X handle to drop an interesting (read: cryptic) message for the audience.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
He wrote: “If he Pull this off everyone has to apologize to Nico Harrison.” He also tagged his podcast @PatBevPod. Now, there are two possibilities for this tweet. First, Harrison actually gets Bron to the Dallas Mavericks in the next season. Second, he joins Pat Bev on his podcast. As mysterious as it may seem, the plot continues to thicken.
if he Pull this off everyone has to apologize to Nico Harrison@PatBevPod
— Patrick Beverley (@patbev21) July 16, 2025
Moreover, James Sr. dropped major advice for the Lakers locker room in the season finale of the Mind The Game podcast with Steve Nash. Speaking of accountability among a lot of other things, LeBron said, “… It’s the players in the locker room who hold each other accountable. That’s when you get the best team. When guys can come to the locker room and hold each other accountable…”
Coming back to the Dallas Mavericks, let’s just say, Nico Harrison & Co. aren’t the only players in this mega trade rumor. There are other big names, which also include Bron’s first home, the Cleveland Cavaliers. But wait, rumors also believe that the Golden State Warriors aren’t stepping back either. Well, well, that’s something going on there!
What’s your perspective on:
If LeBron joins Luka in Dallas, are the Mavericks instant title contenders, or is it a gamble?
Have an interesting take?
Not just Dallas, but four other teams have entered the rumors for a LeBron James trade
The NBA’s chessboard just tilted, and the King might be eyeing a new throne. Dallas holds the hottest hand with +125 odds to land LeBron James. But don’t count out old flames. Miami sits at +500, offering memories and rings, while Cleveland follows at +550, luring him with that sweet homecoming pull. The Knicks dream at +800. But the buzz? All eyes are on Texas, where Luka waits and Mavs fans already smell confetti.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Golden State lurks with +600 odds, but they would need salary gymnastics to fit LeBron’s $52.6 million deal, set to vanish from LA’s books after 2025-26. A wild trade idea? Swap James for Jimmy Butler, nearly 36, under contract for 2026-27 at almost $57 million. Tempting but tricky. Meanwhile, the Knicks lack shine. Reality check? Dallas feels ready. The table’s set, and if LeBron bites, the entire league might just spin off its axis.

ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Whispers turned to roars, and now the NBA waits, breathless. LeBron’s future hangs between locker room loyalty and Texas dreams. With Nico Harrison plotting and Pat Bev teasing, the stage feels wild. Miami, Cleveland, Golden State, even New York—they all want a piece. But if the LA Lakers’ number 23 rides into Dallas, this league might never look the same again. Buckle up, the crown may be crossing state lines.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
If LeBron joins Luka in Dallas, are the Mavericks instant title contenders, or is it a gamble?