A Superteam Dream: Inside LeBron James’ Reported Interest in Joining Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis, and Cooper Flagg in Dallas
When reports surfaced that LeBron James had serious interest in joining the Dallas Mavericks alongside Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis, and incoming Duke basketball sensation Cooper Flagg, the basketball world understandably lit up. In a league where blockbuster trades, superteam formations, and wild hypotheticals are everyday discussion points, this one felt different. It wasn’t just another rumor. It was LeBron — the face of an entire generation — reportedly eyeing a partnership that could shake the foundation of the NBA, redefine the Western Conference, and perhaps even alter the legacy conversations around each name involved.
To fully understand the magnitude of such a possibility, one must look at the players involved and the factors that led to LeBron even considering the idea.
LeBron James is no stranger to player empowerment or bold moves. From his move to Miami in 2010 to his return to Cleveland and eventual decision to join the Lakers, each chapter of his career has been carefully calculated. But as he inches closer to age 41, time is no longer a luxury. For LeBron, the window to win another championship — perhaps his fifth — is closing. And the opportunity to do it with trusted partners like Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis, plus the exciting arrival of Cooper Flagg in the NBA, could have presented a unique and irresistible challenge.
Flagg, the top-rated high school prospect in the country and the projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, committed to Duke with fanfare and has already been described as a generational talent. His arrival in the NBA is seen as one of the most anticipated since Zion Williamson — and for good reason. The 6-foot-9 forward is a two-way menace with elite basketball instincts, a relentless motor, and leadership qualities that belie his age. Some scouts have gone as far as comparing his trajectory to that of LeBron himself.
That’s where the connection starts to make sense.
LeBron has always kept a close eye on the next wave of superstars. He mentored Jayson Tatum during his teenage years, formed close relationships with many of the league’s rising stars, and has spoken glowingly about Flagg’s potential. If he saw Flagg as the next franchise player — and an opportunity to mentor him while still contending — that alone would be a strong draw. Add to that his close personal bond with Kyrie and his long-standing trust in Anthony Davis, and the idea of a Mavericks superteam doesn’t sound so far-fetched.
Kyrie Irving, for all his controversies, remains one of the most gifted offensive players in the league. His chemistry with LeBron during their time in Cleveland was undeniable, peaking with the 2016 NBA title run, where Kyrie hit one of the most iconic shots in Finals history. While their relationship hit rocky waters after Kyrie requested a trade in 2017, they’ve since repaired it. Both have expressed mutual admiration and hinted at a reunion in various interviews.
Anthony Davis, meanwhile, has been LeBron’s most reliable partner during his Lakers tenure. Their 2020 championship season in the Orlando bubble showcased the potential of that duo when healthy and locked in. LeBron and Davis share a strong on- and off-court relationship, and both are represented by Klutch Sports. The challenge, of course, is Davis’ durability. But when he’s right, he remains one of the most dominant two-way forces in the league.
So, how would this even work logistically?
That’s where things get complicated. For LeBron to join Dallas, a sign-and-trade or opt-out-and-restructure scenario would be necessary. The Lakers would have to be willing to engage in conversations, and LeBron would have to take a significant pay cut or shift the terms of his deal. Davis would need to be traded — potentially also to Dallas — which would require the Mavericks to gut a sizable portion of their depth. Dallas would also need to land Flagg in the draft, a move that would involve a lottery miracle or a trade into the top spot, considering how valuable Flagg is projected to be.
It’s a long shot — but that’s never stopped LeBron before.
LeBron has always thought in grand terms. He doesn’t just want to win; he wants to do it in a way that shifts culture, inspires fans, and cements his legacy. A move to Dallas, a franchise not traditionally seen as a glamour destination, could revitalize the city’s basketball image and give LeBron a new frontier to conquer. It’s also worth noting that Luka Dončić remains the centerpiece in Dallas. For this scenario to work, either Luka would be traded (highly unlikely) or the team would somehow structure a four-man unit with Luka, Kyrie, Davis, and Flagg — which sounds like a dream but is nearly impossible under the salary cap.
What’s more likely is that LeBron’s camp floated this idea to create leverage. He’s known for using subtle power plays to influence front office decisions, force roster improvements, or apply pressure during contract negotiations. By signaling interest in a move to Dallas, he may have been reminding the Lakers front office that his commitment isn’t unconditional — and that he expects them to stay aggressive in their pursuit of titles.
Still, the connection between LeBron and Dallas owner Mark Cuban shouldn’t be overlooked. Cuban is one of the most ambitious, high-profile owners in the NBA. He’s never been shy about chasing stars, taking risks, or swinging for the fences. The prospect of landing LeBron, even at this late stage in his career, would be a headline-grabbing coup. Pairing him with Kyrie, a healthy Davis, and a phenom like Flagg would generate unprecedented interest in Dallas — both commercially and competitively.
For Cooper Flagg, being part of that kind of setup as a rookie would bring both opportunity and pressure. Playing alongside LeBron could accelerate his development, expose him to the highest level of professionalism, and teach him how to lead. On the other hand, it would come with immense scrutiny. Expectations would be sky-high from the jump, and every game would be dissected by fans and analysts alike. But Flagg has never shied away from the spotlight. He thrives on big moments, embraces responsibility, and has the competitive fire needed to succeed in a pressure-cooker environment.
This potential Mavericks superteam would also reignite debates about competitive balance in the NBA. Superteams have always drawn criticism, with many arguing they create an uneven playing field. But others point to the ratings boost, drama, and storyline depth that these teams provide. Love them or hate them, superteams move the needle — and a Dallas quartet featuring LeBron, Kyrie, Davis, and Flagg would dominate headlines for years.
In reality, the odds of this exact scenario playing out are slim. There are simply too many hurdles — financial, contractual, and logistical — for it to fall perfectly into place. But that doesn’t mean it’s meaningless. The mere fact that LeBron was reportedly interested tells us where his mindset is. He’s not content with a farewell tour. He’s still chasing greatness, still thinking big, still trying to write the final chapters of his career on his terms.
Whether it’s in Los Angeles, Dallas, or somewhere else entirely, LeBron James isn’t done shaping the league. And for a brief moment this offseason, the idea of him teaming up with his past, present, and future in Dallas gave basketball fans a glimpse of what might have been — a superteam for the ages.
The dream may not come true, but in the ever-evolving landscape of the NBA, the door is never fully closed. And if LeBron James has taught us anything over the past two decades, it’s that the impossible is often just the beginning.
