Lakers’ Struggles Fuel Shocking LeBron Trade Odds
Is a reunion among LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis in the cards?
According to oddsmakers, it’s not only possible — it’s currently the most likely outcome.
Betting site Bovada has installed the
Trailing far behind are the
If these odds are any indication, a LeBron-to-Dallas reunion with Irving and Davis could soon become one of the biggest
LeBron James Trade Rumors Gain Steam
Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz fueled speculation further, calling James “the most ambitious trade target” for Dallas and outlining a potential deal structure that could actually work under the salary cap.
“If LeBron James grows tired of being a No. 2 option with the Los Angeles Lakers, finishing his career with the Dallas Mavericks is an intriguing option,” Swartz wrote.
Swartz proposed a scenario where Dallas sends Klay Thompson, Daniel Gafford, Caleb Martin and Naji Marshall to Los Angeles in exchange for James’ $52.6 million contract — a framework that would keep stars like Davis, Irving,
“We know all too well that these front offices can negotiate behind the scenes. If James is looking for a new home, the Mavericks should be extremely interested in reuniting the four-time MVP with Irving and Davis.”
Such a move would also reunite James with Jason Kidd and Frank Vogel, the same coaching duo that helped him and the Lakers capture the 2020 NBA championship in the Orlando bubble.
James Watching Lakers Closely During Injury Rehab
James, who turns 41 in December, is currently sidelined with sciatica and expected to miss three to four weeks, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania
While he recovers, James will reportedly be closely monitoring the Lakers’ early-season performance.
“LeBron’s gonna be watching while he’s out,” ESPN’s Dave McMenamin said on NBA Today. “If they’re struggling, that could lead to the next step — maybe he’s gonna have to go elsewhere to find that winning combination.”
The Lakers have opened the preseason 1-3, despite Luka Dončić dropping 25 points in 22 minutes against the Suns, while the Mavericks are 2-1.
Lakers’ Roster Uncertainty and Mavericks’ Momentum
Los Angeles made notable offseason additions — including Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia — without sacrificing their lone tradable first-round pick (2031 or 2032).
However, their early preseason play has done little to inspire confidence, especially with James sidelined and Dončić only recently debuting.
Meanwhile, Dallas looks rejuvenated, buoyed by the arrival of Flagg, this year’s No. 1 pick, who’s drawn comparisons to a young LeBron for his two-way skill set.
“You damn right,”
If the Mavericks were to trade for James, the Lakers legend could both mentor Flagg and reunite with Irving and Davis in what would instantly become one of the NBA’s most-watched teams.
Will LeBron Finish His Career in Dallas?
For now, James remains under contract with the Lakers, but his patience — and the team’s playoff trajectory — could define the season.
If Los Angeles falters early, and Dallas stays hot, the groundwork may already be in place for a blockbuster deal that reshapes the Western Conference.
Until then, LeBron’s message remains the same: the priority is winning — and if that means leaving Los Angeles, oddsmakers believe Dallas may be waiting with open arms.
Warriors’ Jonathan Kuminga reveals ‘concerning flashback that set him off’
The Golden State Warriors faced off against the Portland Trail Blazers in the preseason, and Jonathan Kuminga was inserted into the starting lineup. Unfortunately, he didn't get to finish the game, as
Kuminga drove down the lane, and there was contact made, but the referees didn't blow the whistle, which led him to have that moment with the ref. After the game, Kuminga spoke about
“Jonathan Kuminga told me the aspect of the no-call that set him off (and led to his first career ejection) was the trip/clip of his right ankle from behind. Same ankle he badly injured last season. Gave him a concerning flashback. Was hurting a bit postgame but said he's fine,” ESPN's Anthony Slater wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
Kuminga missed an extended period of time last season because of his injury, and it threw off his rhythm coming back. He knows that if the team wants to succeed this season, he's going to have to stay healthy, and getting injured in the preseason is not good.
Head coach Steve Kerr also spoke about the ejection after the game, and it looks like he didn't have a problem with it.
“I don't mind the ejection at all,” Kerr said. “I kind of liked it, actually.”
Throughout the preseason, Kerr has been finding lineups that will work with Kuminga in them. He has a skill set that the Warriors need with his athleticism and rebounding, but he also needs to be put around shooters, since that's an area in his game that needs improvement. After not seeing the floor much late last season, the hope is that Kuminga can find a role on the team and be someone who can give them energy off the bench.
