LeBron James reportedly had real interest in joining the Dallas Mavericks, where he could have reunited with former teammates (like Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving) and played alongside… Read More…
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LeBron James Reportedly Had Real Interest in Joining the Dallas Mavericks — A Superteam That Never Was
In a stunning revelation that has taken the NBA world by storm, LeBron James reportedly had genuine interest in joining the Dallas Mavericks a move that would have reunited him with Kyrie Irvingand Anthony Davis, and reshaped the league’s power structure. While the move never materialized, the very possibility of a LeBron-led superteam in Dallas has fans and analysts alike wondering what could have been.
The rumors began swirling earlier this summer when multiple league insiders, including John Hollinger of The Athletic, reported that LeBron was seriously considering a move to Dallas. The idea was fueled by the Mavericks’ midseason blockbuster that sent Luka Dončić to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis— a deal that stunned both fanbases and altered the direction of two franchises
The Mavericks, already home to Kyrie Irving and head coach Jason Kidd (a key assistant during LeBron’s 2020 title run with the Lakers), suddenly became a viable destination for the four-time NBA champion. Add in LeBron’s longstanding relationship with Mavs assistant coach Jared Dudley and the front office familiarity, and it’s easy to see why the move had appeal.
LeBron has often spoken about his admiration for Kyrie Irving’s talent. Despite their past conflicts in Cleveland, their chemistry on the court led to the Cavaliers’ 2016 championship — one of the greatest comebacks in NBA history. Reuniting with Anthony Davis, his partner in the 2020 Lakers championship, would have created a trio with proven championship pedigree.
From a narrative standpoint, the idea of LeBron leading a new Big Three in Dallas was poetic. The Mavericks were fresh off a run to the 2024 NBA Finals with Luka. With Luka gone, the franchise was clearly in a transitional phase, and pairing LeBron with Kyrie and AD might have made them instant contenders again.
Despite the interest, the logistics proved too complicated. LeBron ultimately opted into the final year of his contract with the Lakers, worth \$52.6 million — a salary figure that would have made it extremely difficult for Dallas to absorb him without gutting their roster or violating the NBA’s new collective bargaining agreement rules.
Reports also indicated that Dallas was only interested in LeBron under specific conditions, such as a buyout or a dramatically reduced salary. According to sources close to the Mavericks, the front office had “no real plans” to pursue LeBron unless he became a free agent. In the end, financial constraints and Dallas’s long-term planning likely closed the door.
The rumor sparked a wave of excitement and speculation. Mavericks fans imagined a new superteam taking shape in Texas. Social media lit up with memes, dream starting fives, and jersey mockups. One fan posted, LeBron, Kyrie, and AD in Dallas? That’s a ring. Another wrote, Bron needs to make this happen — Luka who?
The buzz even impacted betting markets, where sportsbooks briefly listed Dallas among the top destinations for LeBron in the summer of 2025. Odds of him ending up with the Mavs shifted dramatically before stabilizing once he officially committed to the Lakers.
While LeBron’s flirtation with Dallas has ended — at least for now — the mere consideration says a lot about his desire to compete at the highest level as he nears the twilight of his career. Entering his 23rd NBA season at age 41, James is still chasing championships and seeking one more iconic chapter.
The Mavericks, meanwhile, remain a franchise in transition. The idea of a LeBron-led superteam may be off the table, but the front office clearly intends to stay aggressive in building around its new core.
In the end, LeBron James did not join the Dallas Mavericks — but the possibility captivated the NBA world for a brief moment. A trio of LeBron, Kyrie, and Anthony Davis could have reshaped the Western Conference and given Dallas a new dynasty to dream about. For now, though, it remains just that — a dream.