The four top picks join forces? Lakers responded to where James went: If he applies for a deal, he will pay attention to the Mavericks

On June 30, after James executed the option, the Lakers Buha talked about James' potential future on the latest episode of the podcast. He believes that if James applies for a trade from the Lakers to leave the team, there will be a potential next-tier list, and the Mavericks will be on this list. If James eventually joins the Mavericks, then the Mavericks will form a luxurious lineup of four No. 1 picks: James + Irving + Dark Eyebrow + Flagg.

"For meaningful teams, I listed four: Mavericks, Cavaliers, Knicks and Warriors, in no order," Buha said. "But I have to say that there have been rumors between James and Dallas for several years. Remember the summer of 2023? Just after the Dallas traded Irving, there were rumors that James would join the Mavericks with a basic salary contract and join forces with Dream Chasing to form a lineup of Doncic, Irving, James and Dream Chasing. Of course this did not happen in the end. "

" However, there is indeed some rumors about James and the Mavericks in the last week or two of NBA rumors. If you look at their situation, they have AD (Anthony Davis), Irving, and Kidd - James played with him in the U.S. National Team and also played under him when he was with the Lakers (Kidd was the assistant coach of the 2020 Lakers championship season, and James loved his coaching). "

Buha continued: "They also have Nico Harrison (General Manager of the Mavericks), and it's interesting that he used to be Nike and James was 'Mr. Nike'. However, I think James will stay in Los Angeles, and I think it will be the end. I mean, we've experienced such a tug-of-war with him before, and we've seen him put pressure through the media and make statements. But this time it feels a little different."

"But I think he will stay. But if he really asks to leave, if the Lakers are facing disastrous situations - like Finney Smith leaves, they failed to sign influential players in free agency, and did not complete a deal or two, and James is not satisfied with the roster and wants to leave, then I want to say, pay attention to the Mavericks, that's all I can say. I think that would be a team on his roster and potentially become the next one."