The Los Angeles Lakers are likely hoping that the season arrives sooner rather than later to help quiet the LeBron James rumors. Despite the posturing by the Lakers superstar, it still appears to be a long shot that James will be wearing anything other than purple and gold for the 2025-26 season.
Yet, plenty of speculation is swirling about James’ future and some of it has been prompted by the star’s statement through his agent Rich Paul. James appears content to let the trade rumors swirl rather than send a strong statement about his desire to remain in Los Angeles. Nothing is for sure until James remains on the Lakers roster when the upcoming season begins.
With the ongoing disconnect between James and the Lakers, it is worth exploring potential trade ideas Los Angeles could consider. Sports Illustrated’s Jason Fray floated an intriguing three-team trade pitch that would reunite James with Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving on the Dallas Mavericks.
The deal involves the Lakers, Mavericks and Utah Jazz. Let’s dive into the the three-team blockbuster NBA trade proposal.
Lakers Trade Pitch Would Reunite LeBron James With Anthony Davis & Kyrie Irving
With James heading to Dallas, Los Angeles receives Klay Thompson, P.J. Washington, Kyle Anderson, Daniel Gafford, Naji Marshall and a 2029 first-round pick. The Jazz receive Jarred Vanderbilt, and two second-round picks (both via the Mavericks in 2030, 2032) for helping facilitate the deal.
Dallas has the simplest part of the proposed deal by landing James. The chances of this deal happening are admittedly slim, but there are plenty of intriguing storylines starting with James reuniting with his former 10-time NBA All-Star teammate.
The Mavericks center is on a three-year, $175 million contract that is slated to run through the 2027-28 season. There is also the Irving angle who James has not been shy about his desire to play alongside again.
Finally, after years of rumors linking Thompson to his childhood team, the sharpshooter would finally get to suit up for the Lakers.
After Years of NBA Rumors, Klay Thompson Would Finally Get to Play for the Lakers
For casual fans, the idea of a “Big Four” featuring James, Davis, Irving and Cooper Flagg would be quite intriguing. As for Lakers fans, most potential trade packages are going to be underwhelming compared to watching James play with Luka Doncic.
“Dallas on paper would be a juggernaut with James joining a core with Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively, and Cooper Flagg,” Fray wrote in a July 13, 2025, story titled, “Lakers Blockbuster 3-Team Trade Proposal Reunites LeBron James and Anthony Davis.” “The Mavs might ‘go for it’ and put themselves in immediate title contention.
“As for the Lakers, having a Doncic-centric offense with him running the show fully could end up being the best thing for this team. Gafford would immensely improve the team’s defense and athleticism up front. Getting back the 2029 first round pick given in the initial Doncic deal enables the team to spin that elsewhere as another asset, or potentially keep with the hopes of adding a young rotation player.”
