The Dallas Mavericks, who recently drafted former Duke Blue Devils star Cooper Flagg, have emerged as a suitor for NBA superstar LeBron James. On Tuesday, July 15, NBACentral, via its X/Twitter handle, reported that coach Jason Kidd’s Mavericks are the new favorites to land James from the LA Lakers this summer.
With Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis, a blockbuster trade between the two teams materialized earlier this year, and the Mavericks could now become a trade destination for James. The 40-year-old exercised his $52.6-million player option for the 2025-26 season on June 30, meaning the Lakers may get something in return instead of losing him for nothing next year.
The Dallas Mavericks are the new favorites to land LeBron James, per @BovadaOfficial
Dallas Mavericks (+125)
Miami Heat (+500)
Cleveland Cavaliers (+550)
Golden State Warriors (+600)
New York Knicks (+800) pic.twitter.com/mWDSlpVsgV— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 15, 2025
Perhaps Dallas selecting Flagg with the first overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft has turned heads, including that of James, with the team that the franchise is quietly building. If James ends up getting traded to the Mavericks, he will not only be able to mentor Flagg but also reunite with his former teammates Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis, with whom he has won championships.
Nevertheless, Flagg is keeping his head down for now and focusing on his preparations for his rookie year in the NBA. He led coach Jon Scheyer’s Blue Devils to the NCAA Final Four in this year’s national tournament, finishing with an overall record of 35-4 (19-1, ACC).
LeBron James Shares Thoughts on Cooper Flagg and His Situation
On an episode of the “Mind the Game” podcast on YouTube on June 23 of this year, LeBron James spoke to two-time NBA MVP, Steve Nash, about Cooper Flagg.
James praised Flagg for his polished all-around game and pointed out that the 18-year-old is in an ideal situation to learn from some of the greats at the Dallas Mavericks.
“I personally think that he wants to be great. He had a hell of a year at Duke. A guy that can do so many different things out on the floor, can play with the ball, can play without the ball, his jump shot is going to continue to get better, super athletic, quick second jump. He has the benefit, unlike myself, he gets to join a team that’s established with Hall of Fame guys, Klay Thompson, Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, right off the bat. Hall of Fame coach, Jason Kidd,” James said (18:40).
Flagg was recently shut down for the remainder of this year’s NBA Summer League after playing just two games. He finished his last game with 31 points, four rebounds, an assist, and a block in 31 minutes in a seven-point loss, 76-69, to Dillon Harper and the San Antonio Spurs.
