The Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks were the most unexpected of bedfellows when they partnered up for the shocker of the century, trading Luka Doncic to his new stomping grounds. Why not make magic happen again with LeBron James as the centerpiece?
That was what Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report suggested in a recent trade idea. With rumors of a potential exit for James brewing, now feels like the right time to take a look at this hypothetical deal and ponder whether there would be enough genuine interest in something like this for the Lakers.
It is tough to gauge what the trade value of James would be with retirement looming in the not-too-distant future. Swartz did his best to identify a package he thought would work for both sides.
It should also be noted that our trade machine ran out of spots for the 2029 unprotected first-round pick that Swartz suggested the Lakers can retrieve from the Mavericks. Likewise, it is notable that since this deal was suggested, both sides have made moves that force a small tweak here.
For the sake of argument, the Mavericks need to add Jaden Hardy while the Lakers throw in Bronny James to make the financials work. Now, this deal can get properly reviewed.
Mavericks add to their win-now approach
Back when the blockbuster trade for Doncic went down, one of the main reasons highlighted for the rationale was it being a 'win-now' maneuver. Theoretically, adding James into the mix would align his goals with their vision.
This deal has the hilarious byproduct of reuniting LeBron with not only two beloved former teammates in Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving, but also D'Angelo Russell. All jokes aside, the Mavericks walk away from this looking pretty good.
Dallas can feature a starting lineup of Russell, Max Christie, James, Cooper Flagg, and Anthony Davis until Irving returns. Even after surrendering a chunk of depth in this deal, they still have Klay Thompson, Dereck Lively II, and Dante Exum left over.
There is some room to tinker with the starting lineups based on the discretion of Jason Kidd. However, when healthy, it is tough to argue the Mavericks walk away looking like a serious unit from this deal.
Lakers satisfy Doncic with big-time reunion
One way to get Doncic to feel welcomed in Los Angeles, more so than the Lakers superstar already is, would be bringing in some familiar faces. There are, naturally, a ton here.
Daniel Gafford brings stability to the frontcourt. P.J. Washington brings a familiar presence on the wings. Naji Marshall, Caleb Martin, and Jaden Hardy work towards bolstering the depth. Getting the Lakers' own first-round pick back is also a nice sweetener.
The move allows Los Angeles to surrender its current top-heavy approach and put a much more well-rounded roster around Doncic. They also get to test the limits of the Austin Reaves partnership. All in all, there are far worse versions of the future for Luka in Hollywood.