NBA rumors continue to swirl about LeBron James‘ future with the Los Angeles Lakers. James is not helping matters by posting a cryptic video on his “second decision” that turned out to be an ad tease.
The Lakers offseason started with James’ agent Rich Paul releasing a complicated statement on the superstar’s future in Los Angeles. With the Lakers‘ season starting on October 21, 2025, against the Golden State Warriors, it is only fitting that the team’s offseason comes to an end with more chatter about James’ tenure.
Rumors began to circulate after James posted a video titled “The Second Decision,” but it turned out to be an ad
Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz offered potential trade ideas for every NBA team heading into the season. The Dallas Mavericks continue to be floated as a potential landing spot for James, if the Lakers opt to cut ties with the legend.
Let’s explore the pros and cons of another blockbuster Lakers-Mavericks trade.
Lakers Rumors: NBA Trade Pitch Sends LeBron James to Mavericks for Klay Thompson Package
The Bleacher Report trade pitch has Klay Thompson finally joining his hometown Lakers team. Additionally, the Mavericks would send some combination of Daniel Gafford, Caleb Martin and Naji Marshall to the Lakers. Los Angeles would also likely push for a future first-round pick as well.
“We know all too well that these front offices can negotiate behind the scenes,” Swartz detailed on October 7. “If James is looking for a new home, the Mavericks should be extremely interested in reuniting the four-time MVP with Irving and Davis.”
What Is Fair Trade Value for the Lakers in a Potential LeBron James Deal?
The challenge with this trade proposal or any other idea is that it is difficult to gauge James’ trade value. Traditionally, a 40-year-old NBA player does not have any trade value, but James is not just any athlete.
James has already solidified his status as one of the two greatest players in NBA history. The star is entering the final season of a two-year, $101 million contract with his NBA future remaining in doubt.
Even if the Lakers explored trading James, can the Los Angeles front office expect a significant return for a player who will be a free agent in 2026 and no guarantees that the star will play beyond this season?
Thompson is on an affordable three-year, $50 million contract. His days as a 5-time All-Star are likely over but could provide some needed shooting alongside Luka Doncic.
LeBron James Likely Entering His Final Season With the Lakers: Insider
Chances are the Lakers will decide that keeping James will be preferable over whatever underwhelming return the franchise would receive for the legend via trade. NBA insider Marc Stein predicts that James’ will not play for the Lakers in 2026.
“It’s pretty clear at this juncture that the Lakers have launched the Luka Dončić Era,” Stein detailed in a July 26, story titled, “What’s next for LeBron James.” “It certainly appears as though they are approaching the 2025-26 season as LeBron’s last in Tinseltown.
“If James doesn’t want retirement forced upon him, as one suspects, that almost certainly means he would have to find a new team next summer.”
Proposed Trade Has Lakers Cut Ties With LeBron James for 4-Time NBA Champ Star