Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is currently primed to make a title push with his team. Coming off a 116-115 win against the Timberwolves, the Lakers have improved to 3-2 on the season, appearing more cohesive.
While the Lakers have benefited from some success early on, it is worth noting that the Lakers have posted a winning record in LeBron James’ absence. While this could be viewed positively, as a testament to the team’s depth, it also carries some negative connotations.
Reports have suggested that James, while sidelined, has been monitoring the team’s situation. Given that the relationship between the superstar and the franchise has been strained, a potential exit in the future remains a likelihood.
On this note, Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey opted to consider LeBron James as a potential trade target this season. While the forward was rumored to be linked with several teams in the offseason, Bailey positions James as the Dallas Mavericks‘ ideal trade target for the season.
“The idea of LeBron James joining former teammates Kyrie and Anthony Davis in Dallas surfaced more than once this past summer,” wrote Bailey. “And while Dallas would have to stack up a lot of contracts to make a deal, a ‘Last Dance’ style run for those three would be fun. And high-level playoff experience for Cooper Flagg could serve him well in the future.”
The notion of LeBron James joining the Dallas Mavericks is not out of thin air. With the duo of Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving already in place, adding James would help the Mavs transform into a superteam.
Several trade proposals were formulated to facilitate James’ move to Dallas. A potential package to acquire James could feature Klay Thompson, Daniel Gafford, Naji Marshall, and Caleb Martin, and possibly some draft compensation.
This idea would align with Bailey’s, as it allows the Mavs to maintain the core of Davis, Irving, and Cooper Flagg even after acquiring James in a hypothetical scenario.
Even coming off an injury like sciatica, LeBron James would remain a valuable asset. Considering his averages of 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game, shooting 51.3% from the field and 37.6% from three-point range last season, he remains a formidable player.
For all intents and purposes, the core of James, Irving, Davis, and Flagg has the potential to contend for a title. But with injuries playing a major factor in team performance, the Mavericks may be hesitant to make this deal.
Acquiring LeBron James Isn’t Feasible For Dallas
As Bailey mentioned, this trade could be a chance for the Mavericks to make one last push to win the title. However, it is equally unlikely for them to pull the trigger on a trade like this.
Even in a hypothetical scenario, absorbing LeBron James’ $52.6 million contract is going to be a challenge. Keeping in mind the sheer volume of assets they would have to part with to retain their core, this deal would leave Dallas’ roster thin and lacking depth.
At 40, James may still be a solid contributor. But the demands made of him, with Irving sidelined, Davis’ uncertain availability, and Flagg’s relative inexperience, would be far too much.
To be fair, Bailey does mention that acquiring James is the “dream” scenario for the Mavericks. A more realistic addition, according to him, is veteran forward Kyle Anderson.
While noting that the Utah Jazz could consider offloading their veterans, he wrote, “It’s hard to see a long-term future for players like Kyle Anderson or Kevin Love with the rebuilding Jazz. And while the Dallas Mavericks are waiting for Kyrie Irving’s return, they could use a little playmaking boost from Anderson.”
Anderson was traded to the Jazz as part of a three-team trade this summer. Although he was a productive player for the Miami Heat, he may not have a role to play in the Jazz’s rotation.
Kyle Anderson has positioned himself as a high-IQ player with impressive defensive instincts and offensive versatility. Despite his limited athleticism, the 32-year-old possesses the skill and intelligence to be effective. With the Heat last season, in 25 appearances, Anderson averaged 6.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game, shooting 49.3% from the field.
When considering Bailey’s rationale, promoting Anderson’s playmaking, the Mavericks could see more production out of players who are already on their roster. With D’Angelo Russell embracing a bench role to allow Flagg to develop as the primary point guard, Dallas may not have much use for a player like Anderson.
With a 2-3 record, the Mavericks have gotten off to a slow start. With growing concerns about the team’s ability to compete, paired with the health of their star players, Dallas may need to consider making some upgrades.
