How does the injury to LeBron James impact the Dallas Mavericks?

Lakers missing playoffs further strengthens Dallas Mavericks' chances of re-signing Kyrie Irving

The Mavs traded for Kyrie knowing that he would be an unrestricted free agent this summer. The two sides do not plan on having extension talks until after the season. Irving is going to become an unrestricted free agent, and he will have suitors on the open market. The biggest threat to signing him away from Dallas is the Los Angeles Lakers because of LeBron James.

The Lakers are likely to miss the playoffs for the second straight year, and they were bounced in the first round in 2021. Yes, Los Angeles won the championship inside the bubble in 2020, but they have not won a normal playoff series since 2012. The Lakers have LeBron James and Anthony Davis, but their supporting cast is not good enough to contend for a championship.

If Los Angeles adds Kyrie Irving, they will repeat the same mistake they made with Russell Westbrook. The Lakers will sacrifice their depth for a third star and put minimum players around their superstar trio. It will result in fighting for a spot in the top six next season and a likely first-round playoff exit.

LeBron’s injury and likely second-straight playoff miss hurts the Lakers' chances of acquiring Kyrie Irving. The Dallas Mavericks are going to offer the eight-time All-Star a max contract, but could Irving convince his friend to leave LA?