LeBron James Trade Setback on Thursday Turns Heads originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

LeBron James recently picked up his $52.6 million player option with the Los Angeles Lakers, but has frequently been at the center of trade speculation over the past few days.

While that may seem like an oxymoron of sorts, the four-time NBA MVP who is heading into his 23rd NBA season made it clear through his agent, Rich Paul, that he hopes to contend for a title in what is the twilight of his career. 

Unfortunately for him, the Lakers are now focused on building around Luka Doncic, whom they acquired in a trade in February of this past season. This unspoken tension has sparked trade rumors centered on James, but based on multiple reports, the interest in trading for the expensive 40-year-old superstar is minimal.

However, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported on Thursday that the Dallas Mavericks would be interested in adding James, but with the caveat that it would be via a buyout.

“Dallas—I’m told—they would only be interested in LeBron [James] in a buyout situation.” – @mcten 👀 #MFFL
(🎥: @ESPNRadio) pic.twitter.com/b0Tle0eFXh

— Kevin Gray Jr. (@KevinGraySports) July 3, 2025

A new possibility that has certainly caught the attention of fans on social media.

“The entire league would be interested in a buyout LeBron James let’s be serious,” pointed out one user.

‘I mean i dont see why he wouldnt want to come, Kyrie, Ad, Kidd, Vogel now,” added a second.

“If LeBron is bought out then damn, prepare yourself Dallas because it only makes sense here,” urged a third.

“This the only way I’d want bron on the team,” said another.

“Good. Don’t need to gut the team for that,” suggested another.

“yo this is crazy bron a buyout? Yeah, right,” commented one fan.

If the Lakers were to move on from James and he ended up in Dallas, he would be teaming up with Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson and this year’s No. 1 pick, Cooper Flagg. 

It would also mark a reunion of sorts, as James won titles with Davis (2020) and Irving (2016). More importantly for James, it’d give him one final legitimate shot at a title before he hangs it up. 

The Lakers don’t have to buy him out or trade him, but it will be intriguing to see if this comes to fruition.

Related: Bronny James Breaks Silence on the Change in His Physical Appearance

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 3, 2025, where it first appeared.

#LeBron #James #Trade #Setback #Thursday #Turns #Heads