LeBron James hinted at a possible retirement this summer which caught the NBA world off guard. Fans were in a frenzy trying to understand where his mind was at. However, it seems that the King may return for a 21st season to try working things out. LeBron had a terrific postseason run with the Los Angeles Lakers despite a tragic regular season. At one point, they looked like serious championship contenders as well.
— FanDuel TV (@FanDuelTV) June 5, 2023
After the Lakers got swept by the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals, the former 4x NBA Champion told reporters that he may reconsider his future in the NBA. Interestingly enough, his former teammate, Kyrie Irving has reportedly been trying to recruit James to the Dallas Mavericks. NBA Insider Shams Charania admitted that sources within the league revealed Kyrie’s intentions to reunite with James.
Even though I don’t like bron,that would be insane Bron,Luka,kyrie
— AJ (@ajcartel_17) June 5, 2023
Lebron, Luka and Kyrie would be nasty
— Ghost (@GTS_Ghost) June 5, 2023
Rich Paul leaking this to Shams is amazing
— Russ Morin (@RussJMorin) June 5, 2023
Fans are left excited about the possible reunion as well. One of them said, “Even though I don’t like bron,that would be insane Bron, Luka, Kyrie.” Another fan said, “And Texas is a tax free state lebron would really be securing another bag.”
If the Mavericks somehow manage to get James, it would require Irving and Luka Doncic to take massive pay cuts. The 4x MVP has one last year left with the Lakers including a $50 million player option. Both players have previously shown interest in a reunion as well. Irving once said that he regrets leaving James and the Cleveland Cavaliers knowing how much they could have achieved together otherwise.
The Mavericks tried to recruit LeBron James following Lakers’ downward spiral last season
The Lakers had a very messy season during the first half of it. Darvin Ham’s coaching was ineffective as several players on the roster struggled to remain healthy, especially Anthony Davis. They eventually made several moves before the trade deadline to recruit better role players and shooters then to rely on a third superstar in Russell Westbrook. Mr. Triple-Double was a great acquisition but he had no part to play on the roster.
Westbrook lacked everything the Lakers needed, which was three-point shooting and effective defense. On acquiring D’Angelo Russell, Thomas Bryant, and Rui Hachimura while resigning Dennis Schröder, they were able to fill in those voids. But before the Lakers turned things around for the better, Dallas was preparing viable trade packages to acquire LeBron James.
Similarly, even LA was trying to sign Kyrie Irving before he joined the Mavericks and Luka Doncic. But neither of these scenarios fell through. A Big 3 featuring LeBron, Irving, and Doncic would be tremendous with a defensive big such as Christian Wood on the side. Doncic has been a big fan of the King ever since he was a kid. The veteran and the Mavericks’ MVP have had a great relationship over the years.