The NBA might be headed for another seismic superstar reunion — and the Dallas Mavericks are in pole position to make it happen, according to oddsmakers.
According to new odds from Bovada, the Mavericks are now the odds-on favorites (-120) to land LeBron James from the Los Angeles Lakers before the February 2026 trade deadline — a move that could reunite the four-time MVP with Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis.
James’ former franchises, the Cleveland Cavaliers (+350) and the Miami Heat (+900), trail behind. The Golden State Warriors sit at +450, followed by the New York Knicks (+550) and Phoenix Suns (+900).
If realized, the deal would mark the latest chapter in LeBron’s extraordinary career — and perhaps its most poetic. It would bring together three players whose shared championship history still resonates a decade later. The move would reunite James with Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis, rekindling the chemistry that powered the Cavaliers’ 2016 championship and the Lakers’ 2020 championship runs.
Mavericks ‘Most Ambitious Trade Target’
Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz listed James as “the most ambitious trade target” for Dallas, arguing that his arrival would cement the Mavericks as instant title contenders in the Western Conference.
“If LeBron James grows tired of being a No. 2 option with the Lakers, finishing his career with the Dallas Mavericks is an intriguing option,” Swartz wrote.
He proposed a trade package centered on Klay Thompson, Daniel Gafford, Caleb Martin and Naji Marshall, which could match James’ $52.6 million salary while keeping Dallas’ core of Irving, Davis, P.J. Washington, Dereck Lively II, and Cooper Flagg intact.
That potential lineup — James, Davis, and Irving under Jason Kidd and Frank Vogel and also Phil Handy — would give Dallas a legitimate “superteam” just as the Western Conference balance of power shifts. But that will also weigh heavily on Irving’s recovery from ACL injury and James’ health.
When healthy, James is still among the top-10 players in the league, per ESPN‘s rankings.
Dallas Rising, Lakers Reeling
The Mavericks opened preseason play 2-1 behind strong performances from Davis and Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick and their collective depth. Flagg’s versatility has drawn comparisons to a young LeBron for his size, IQ, and all-around impact.
“You damn right,” said ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins on NBA Today. “[Flagg] is the white version of LeBron James. When you talk about his IQ for the game, he has that.”
Flagg primarily handled the ball as a point-forward against the Utah Jazz on Monday and did not turn the ball over, which impressed Perkins. The 18-year-old rookie scored 11 points, added seven rebounds, an assist, two steals and two blocks in 21 minutes.
Meanwhile, the Lakers are 1-3 with James sidelined by sciatica. Though Los Angeles features Luka Dončić as its franchise centerpiece, early struggles have reignited whispers that LeBron might eventually want to chase another ring elsewhere — possibly with the Mavericks’ familiar faces.
Why the Mavericks Fit LeBron’s Final Act
Dallas offers what LeBron craves most at this stage: depth, structure and star teammates he trusts. The Kidd-Vogel coaching tandem helped guide LeBron to his last championship with the Lakers in 2020.
With Irving and Davis already in place, adding James would create a closing chapter straight out of NBA folklore — one that could bring Dallas its first title since 2011.
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