LeBron James has officially opted into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season, but this move has only intensified questions about his future with the Los Angeles Lakers. While many expected James to return and help the Lakers chase another title, especially alongside Luka Doncic, his agent Rich Paul stirred speculation by stating that the 40-year-old superstar “wants to compete for a championship” and “values a realistic chance of winning it all.”
Fans quickly interpreted this as a message to the Lakers’ front office: make the necessary roster improvements or risk losing LeBron. Trade speculation took off, with several teams — most notably the Dallas Mavericks — emerging as possible destinations due to James’ connections with Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis, and Jason Kidd.
However, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon downplayed the possibility of a deal between the Lakers and Mavericks, saying a LeBron trade “doesn’t make sense” for either side. MacMahon argued that for Dallas to acquire James, they’d likely need to give up a large portion of their core, including Daniel Gafford, PJ Washington, Naji Marshall, and Max Christie.
“You’re giving up three or four rotation players for a potentially ring-chasing retirement tour, that doesn’t make sense for Dallas,” MacMahon said. “It doesn’t make sense for LeBron James.”
MacMahon also referenced a report by ESPN’s David McMenamin, who suggested the Mavericks might only pursue James if he were to become available through a buyout. MacMahon agreed, noting a buyout could clear the way for LeBron to reunite with Irving and Davis in Dallas — but he added that he doesn’t see the Lakers ever agreeing to such terms.
