The Los Angeles Lakers aren’t enjoying the Dallas Mavericks’ latest trade package for LeBron James, according to sources. As for the possibility of landing James in Dallas next season, a Lakers source called it “unrealistic,” reports Jovan Buha of The Athletic.
“If LeBron James asks for a trade, and the Lakers have to take offers, it takes more than one package, for example, Tim Hardaway Jr., Davis Bertans, Josh Green, Jaden Hardy, the 10th overall finisher in the 2023 draft and another future first to complete a trade. Simply put, the Lakers don’t care what Dallas can offer in a trade.”
In many NBA betting sites, the Mavericks are now the favorite to trade LeBron James this off-season. The Cleveland Cavaliers have the second shortest prospects, followed by the Golden State Warriors and Philadelphia 76ers.
In response to what was released this morning, it is now reported that # Lakers Staying uninterested in Kyrie Irving or what the Mavericks have to offer LeBron James.https://t.co/Ak2BanNygD pic.twitter.com/8qK8mG31kf
– Lakers Nation (@ Lakers Nation) June 5, 2023
Lakers GM Rob Pelinka was pulling the trigger on a potential Mavericks trade that included Luka Doncic. Still, it would be ridiculous for Mavs GM Nico Harrison to field a four-time All-Star and the No. 10 pick in this month’s draft for a 38-year-old veteran.
Now, James is one of the greatest NBA players in history. But the 20-year-old veteran dealt with groin, foot and ankle injuries throughout the 2022-23 season. If the Lakers become bent on losing James in the coming months, the front office will demand another reliable superstar in return. In other words, Doncic or Kyrie Irving.
Lakers unconcerned about Mavericks trade package for LeBron James, demanding more from Davis Bertans, Josh Green, Jaden Hardy, Tim Hardaway Jr. and the No. 10 pick in the 2023 NBA draft
“The easiest way to get James to Dallas — at least for James, Irving, and the Mavericks — would be via trade,” Buha added. “But a look at the Mavericks’ roster and recruiting options shows limited assets that will not appeal to a Lakers team in a potential rebuild.”
Dallas likely won’t trade Doncic this season, so there’s no point in that. In August 2021, the four-time All-NBA member signed a five-year, $215.16 million extension with the Mavericks.
Doncic could request a trade from Dallas after the 2023-24 season. Until then, trade talks are on hold. Trading James for Irving would also be a questionable move for the Lakers.
SOURCES: Kyrie Irving has reached out to Lakers star LeBron James in an effort to find out if James will come to Dallas. Irving is a free agent this off season.
– Shams Charania June 5, 2023
For one more thing in mind, LeBron James enjoys living in Los Angeles with his family. If the four-time MVP asks for a trade from the Lakers, it’s likely to be for another NBA team in California. This includes the Los Angeles Clippers, Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors.
Moreover, James’ contract makes it even more difficult to trade him. This past August, the 19-time All-Star signed a two-year, $97.13 million maximum contract extension with the Lakers. His estimated base salary for the 2023-24 season is $46.9 million. James’ salary could increase depending on the 2023-24 salary cap.