In a stunning proposal that’s shaking up trade rumor circuits, Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale has suggested a massive three-team deal that would send LeBron James to the Dallas Mavericks, forming a superteam with Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, and Cooper Flagg. If it materializes, the trade could alter the balance of power in the Western Conference overnight.
Dallas Mavericks Receive: LeBron James
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Kyle Anderson (via Jazz), Daniel Gafford (via Mavericks), Naji Marshall (via Mavericks), Klay Thompson (via Mavericks), P.J. Washington (via Mavericks), 2029 Los Angeles Lakers first-round pick (via Mavericks)
Utah Jazz Receive: Jarred Vanderbilt (via Lakers), 2030 Philadelphia 76ers second-round pick (via Mavericks), 2032 Dallas Mavericks second-round pick
This idea doesn’t come out of thin air. Reports have increasingly hinted that LeBron James’ relationship with the Lakers front office has soured, with some insiders saying it’s “not in the best place” right now. What began as a commitment to stay, as signaled by LeBron opting into his $51.4 million deal, quickly turned murky after agent Rich Paul issued a vague, cryptic statement suggesting James was open to movement.
While the Lakers haven’t publicly put LeBron on the trade block, multiple league sources say the franchise views his expiring contract as more of a trade chip than a long-term anchor. This proposed deal reflects a team subtly moving into the next era.
The Mavericks Get Their Dream Team
For the Mavericks, this is a pure win-now move. Yes, it costs them nearly their entire supporting cast, including P.J. Washington, Klay Thompson, Naji Marshall, and Daniel Gafford, but the reward is generational.
They add LeBron James, one of the greatest players of all time, to an already loaded roster featuring Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, and phenom Cooper Flagg.
Health, of course, becomes the only real question. LeBron turns 41 in 2026, AD’s durability is always a concern, and Kyrie is working back from a major injury. But if those stars stay on the floor, Dallas instantly becomes the most dangerous team in the league.
Cooper Flagg, meanwhile, gets the perfect mentorship, absorbing the game from three Hall of Famers. And with LeBron’s contract expiring in 2026, Dallas retains future flexibility. Whether they re-sign him or pivot elsewhere, they’ll have a clean cap sheet to work with.
Lakers Begin Luka-Centric Rebuild
For the Lakers, the optics of trading LeBron might sting. But in return, they add five legitimate rotation players, two of whom (PJ Washington and Daniel Gafford) helped Dallas reach the 2024 Finals. Klay Thompson and Naji Marshall are capable veterans who can immediately contribute.
Most importantly, this is about fortifying Luka Doncic’s new kingdom. He now has more defensive support, shooting, and depth, key weaknesses the Lakers struggled to address. Gafford, a reliable rim protector, is the only player with guaranteed money past 2027, allowing the Lakers to keep their powder dry for that pivotal offseason.
Klay Thompson can be flipped at the deadline, and Kyle Anderson’s contract is expiring. P.J. Washington could either stay as a long-term piece or be moved. And perhaps most critically, the Lakers regain control of their own 2029 first-round pick, which they previously traded away. That opens up future trade possibilities they previously didn’t have.
Lakers insider Jovan Buha recently confirmed that Dallas has had interest in LeBron for some time, especially because of his close relationship with Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis. With the Mavericks now housing both, the synergy is obvious.
Utah Jazz Continue Their Long-Term Play
For the Jazz, this is a small but calculated step forward in their rebuild. They absorb Jarred Vanderbilt’s $37.3 million remaining contract, but do so by picking up two future second-rounders. If the Lakers were to throw in one more pick or cash, it would become a no-brainer.
Vanderbilt is still just 25 and a capable defensive forward when healthy. For a Jazz team not looking to win now, his contract isn’t a huge burden, especially if they can showcase and flip him later.
The Mavericks Get A Big 4, Lakers Get Real Assets While Keeping Future Flexibility, And The Jazz Continue To Rebuild
The Mavericks are clearly going all-in. This trade strips their depth, but gives them a window to win a title in the next two years. If LeBron, AD, and Kyrie stay healthy, they’re a nightmare to defend. The risk is real, but so is the reward.
The Lakers play the long game. They commit fully to Luka Doncic, add pieces that fit his style, and gain back a precious draft asset. Most importantly, they don’t damage their 2027 cap-space flexibility.
The Jazz remain methodical. They’re not chasing wins now, but gathering assets and cost-controlled talent, and Vanderbilt might even blossom in their system.
If all parties want it, the King might just be headed to Dallas.
