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Reading: Mark Cuban On How He Tried To Recruit LeBron James To Play For The Mavericks
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Home > NBA News & Analysis > Mark Cuban On How He Tried To Recruit LeBron James To Play For The Mavericks

Mark Cuban On How He Tried To Recruit LeBron James To Play For The Mavericks

Mark Cuban reveals challenges in recruiting LeBron James to the Dallas Mavericks during the 2010 NBA Free Agency.

Vishwesha Kumar
Jan 4, 2024
5 Min Read
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Credit: Fadeaway World

Mark Cuban recently shared insights into his attempt to recruit LeBron James to play for the Dallas Mavericks during the 2010 NBA Free Agency. Speaking on the ‘Games With Names’ show with Julian Edelman, Cuban revealed the challenges he faced in trying to secure a meeting with the basketball superstar.

“We didn’t get a chance really to sit down and pitch and pitch him, so I had to go through different channels, right, through Maverick and other people I knew.” 

“It was basically this will be your town and you and Dirk together that complement each other with Jason kid as a point guard but we didn’t really we never had a sit-down with them.

“We even got a little message from Jerry, you know, a little video from Jerry and Tony Romo and all these guys and yeah, it didn’t work.”

According to Cuban, the Mavericks didn’t have the opportunity for a formal sit-down pitch with LeBron James during the free agency period. Instead, he had to navigate through various channels, relying on connections such as Maverick Carter and other acquaintances to convey the pitch indirectly to James.

Cuban highlighted the vision he presented to LeBron, emphasizing that Dallas could be his town, envisioning a partnership with Dirk Nowitzki, the Mavericks’ iconic power forward. The complementary skills of LeBron and Nowitzki, along with veteran point guard Jason Kidd, were envisioned as a potent combination that could elevate the Mavericks to new heights.

In an attempt to sweeten the deal, the Mavericks even incorporated elements of Dallas’ rich sports culture. Cuban mentioned reaching out to LeBron as a Dallas Cowboys fan, emphasizing the potential synergy between the basketball star and the city’s passionate sports community.

To add an extra touch, Mark Cuban mentioned that they received a supportive message from Jerry Jones, the owner of the Dallas Cowboys, along with a video featuring NFL quarterback Tony Romo and other prominent figures. 

Despite these efforts, the recruitment strategy fell short, as LeBron James ultimately made the decision to join the Miami Heat during that highly anticipated free agency period in 2010.


The Mavericks Did Manage To Get The Better Of LeBron James In 2011 NBA Finals

In the 2011 NBA Finals, the Dallas Mavericks indeed managed to get the better of LeBron James and the Miami Heat in a memorable and historic series. The Finals showcased an intense battle between two talented teams, with the Mavericks seeking redemption for their loss to the Heat in the 2006 NBA Finals.

The Miami Heat, boasting a star-studded lineup featuring LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh, were considered the favorites to win the championship. However, the Mavericks, led by their iconic forward Dirk Nowitzki, had different plans.

The series began with the Heat taking a 2-1 lead, but the Mavericks displayed resilience and determination. In a pivotal Game 4, Nowitzki played through illness, leading his team to a crucial victory that tied the series at 2-2. This moment became emblematic of Nowitzki’s tenacity and commitment to winning a championship.

The critical turning point occurred in Game 5, where the Mavericks secured a dramatic 112-103 victory on the road. Dirk Nowitzki’s stellar performance, combined with clutch plays from role players like Jason Terry, proved instrumental in the Mavericks’ success.

The Mavericks carried their momentum into Game 6, facing the Heat on their home court. In a thrilling and closely contested game, the Mavericks emerged victorious with a 105-95 win, securing the NBA Championship. Dirk Nowitzki’s brilliance continued as he scored 21 points in the decisive game, ultimately earning him the Finals MVP honors.

The victory marked the Mavericks’ redemption against the Heat, as they clinched their first NBA title in franchise history. It also solidified Dirk Nowitzki’s legacy as one of the all-time greats, showcasing his ability to lead and elevate his team to championship glory.

The 2011 NBA Finals will be remembered as a defining moment in Mavericks’ history, as they overcame the star power of LeBron James and the Miami Heat to etch their names in NBA lore.

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TAGGED:Chris BoshDallas Mavericks ArchiveDirk NowitzkiDwyane WadeLeBron JamesMark CubanMiami Heat Archive
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ByVishwesha Kumar
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Vishwesha Kumar is a staff writer for Fadeaway World from Bengaluru, India. Graduating with a Bachelor of Technology from PES University in 2020, Vishwesha leverages his analytical skills to enhance his sports journalism, particularly in basketball. His experience includes writing over 3000 articles across respected publications such as Essentially Sports and Sportskeeda, which have established him as a prolific figure in the sports writing community.Vishwesha’s love for basketball was ignited by watching LeBron James, inspiring him to delve deeply into the nuances of the game. This personal passion translates into his writing, allowing him to connect with readers through relatable narratives and insightful analyses. He holds a unique and controversial opinion that Russell Westbrook is often underrated rather than overrated. Despite Westbrook's flaws, Vishwesha believes that his triple-double achievements and relentless athleticism are often downplayed, making him one of the most unique and electrifying players in NBA history, even if his style of play can sometimes be polarizing. 
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