LeBron James “had eyes” for the Dallas Mavericks before opting into his contract with the Lakers, The Athletic reports

According to The Athletic, LeBron James seriously considered the idea of joining the Dallas Mavericks during this offseason. The report reveals that LeBron “had eyes” for Dallas, intrigued by the possibility of forming a star trio alongside Luka Dončić and his close friend Kyrie Irving.

The potential move sent ripples through NBA circles, as fans imagined what a Mavericks team with LeBron might look like. However, in the end, financial reality played a major role in his decision. LeBron opted to stay with the Los Angeles Lakers, choosing to pick up his $51.4 million player option rather than leave roughly $52 million on the table to sign for a nontaxpayer mid-level exception (MLE) or a similar deal elsewhere.

“LeBron wasn’t willing to leave $52 million on the table to take a nontaxpayer MLE or something similar from the Mavericks or another team,” The Athletic reported.

While the thought of teaming up in Dallas was reportedly real, the numbers just didn’t make sense. By staying in L.A., LeBron retains financial security and maintains full control over his future—including the flexibility to potentially play alongside his son, Bronny James, who was drafted by the Lakers this summer.

Though the LeBron-to-Dallas dream won’t come true this year, the fact that it was even considered adds an intriguing layer to his ongoing NBA journey. And who knows? If the stars align—and the numbers make sense—the door to Dallas might not be fully closed just yet.

According to a report by The Athletic, NBA superstar LeBron James gave serious thought to joining the Dallas Mavericks during this offseason. While he ultimately chose to opt into the final year of his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, worth a hefty $51.4 million, insiders suggest that the possibility of teaming up with Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving in Dallas was very much on his radar.

LeBron’s interest in the Mavericks wasn’t random. His close relationship with Kyrie Irving has been well-documented, and the idea of forming a new “Big Three” in Dallas held obvious appeal. With Dončić’s brilliance, Kyrie’s explosiveness, and LeBron’s all-around dominance, the Mavs could have become instant title contenders.

“There was real interest,” one source familiar with the situation told The Athletic. “LeBron had eyes for Dallas. He liked the vision. But at the end of the day, he wasn’t willing to leave $52 million on the table.”

The challenge, of course, came down to finances. The Mavericks could only offer a non-taxpayer mid-level exception—an amount hovering around $12.8 million—far below the max contract LeBron would earn by staying in L.A. And for a player nearing 40, who has nothing left to prove and every right to protect his long-term security, the decision made itself.

LeBron’s choice to stay with the Lakers also aligns with his broader goals. His son, Bronny James, was drafted by the Lakers in the 2024 NBA Draft, setting the stage for the historic possibility of a father-son duo on the same NBA team. Staying in Los Angeles keeps that dream alive—and within reach as early as this upcoming season.

There’s also legacy to consider. LeBron is heading into his 22nd NBA season, continuing to defy age and expectations. Remaining in the purple and gold allows him to further cement his place in Lakers lore, perhaps even challenge for one more championship with a revamped roster.

Still, the fact that Dallas was seriously considered is telling. It shows that LeBron is still strategically thinking about where he can win and leave a lasting mark. While the Mavericks may have missed out this time, they’ve now positioned themselves as a potential landing spot in the future—especially if cap space or a sign-and-trade scenario opens the door.

For now, LeBron stays in L.A.—but the NBA landscape, as always, remains unpredictable.