LeBron James is staying in Los Angeles, at least for the time being. He just recently opted into his [$52.6 million player option](https://lakeshowlife.com/lebron-james-makes-obvious-decision-and-immediately-applies-pressure-to-lakers) for the 2025-26 season, signaling he is not quite ready to hang it up. That being said, that does not mean he will for sure finish the season repping purple and gold. In fact, the most logical next chapter in his career might start somewhere unexpected, and that is the Dallas Mavericks.
Yes, at first it may sound strange for him to go there. LeBron has no ties to the Mavericks, but when you strip away location and look at where things stand, for both him and the Lakers, the idea starts to make sense. LeBron is still playing at an elite level, there is no doubt about that. He averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds per game last season and earned another All-NBA selection. As good as he was, the Lakers have struggled to build around him, and time is running out. Rather than chasing another midseason scramble or clinging to a play-in spot, the Lakers could take a bold step by trading LeBron while his value is still high.
**The team up that fans would love**
------------------------------------
The Mavs are one of the few teams with the motivation and flexibility to go all-in on a short-term title push. LeBron has already played, and thrived, with both Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis. Even last offseason he tried to bring them together in Los Angeles, but we all know that did not happen. In Dallas however, that reunion could finally happen.
**Dallas has the framework to make a deal work.**
--------------------------------------------------
It would be complicated, but not impossible. It would most likely require a package built around Klay Thompson, Daniel Gafford, and P.J. Washington to make the financial requirements meet. On top of that they would probably be asked to throw in a future pick. For the Lakers they would be able to walk away with assets, and a clearer future to build around their new face of the franchise player in Luka Doncic. Meanwhile, LeBron gets at least one more shot, alongside teammates he trusts.
The Mavericks are not a traditional landing spot for a player of LeBron’s stature, but in today’s NBA, unconventional and unpredictable moves seem to be a recurring theme. With Kyrie working back from injury, his pal AD, and the first pick in the 2025 draft, Cooper Flagg ready to make his mark, Dallas represents a rare blend of experience, and talent. At the same time LeBron has the ability to help guide the team while shaping its next generation. Would he waive his no-trade clause to go there? Maybe. Seeing him team up with the Steph Curry and the Warriors would be a dream for fans or even a [homecoming with the cavs](https://lakeshowlife.com/lebron-james-homecoming-dream-tugs-hearts-lakers-face-harsh-trade-reality), but for a real chance at one last title run, going to the Mavs might be the exact kind of unexpected move that cements his legacy.