Mavericks clearly dodged a bullet after newest Bronny James rumor surfaces

The Dallas Mavericks aced their offseason, bringing in Klay Thompson and a few players who can help their quest to raise a second championship banner in the rafters of American Airlines Center. They added what could be the final piece of the puzzle by signing Spencer Dinwiddie.

Considering that the team is coming off a Finals appearance, its offseason activities will ultimately be judged based on how deep it advances in the 2024-25 season.

Still, getting reinforcements in Thompson, Dinwiddie, Naji Marshall, and Quentin Grimes without having to give up much should only bode well for Dallas.

Mavs dodged a bullet by not drafting Bronny James due to rumors of 'star treatment'

Another reason the Mavs were winners this summer is that it chose not to draft Bronny James.

Several weeks ago, the franchise was reportedly interested in the second-generation hooper. Whether that was an attempt to lure in Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James or Dallas was really intrigued by the prospect is unclear, as the front office never confirmed the rumors.

Whatever the case, the Mavs appear better off without the younger James, especially if the recent report surrounding him proves to be true.

According to Steve Brenner and Damian Burchardt of the U.S. Sun, a Lakers insider noted that the attention and "star treatment" the Los Angeles rookie got in Summer League play caused friction within the team. While other players reportedly have "nothing against" him, they found it tough to enjoy the past weeks and vie for a roster spot because the Lake Show world revolved around the younger James.

An anonymous player even expressed frustration because he and his peers were fighting for their careers. Unfortunately, the "visible" tensions and apparent lack of chemistry or unity stemming from how the 55th overall pick of the 2024 draft was treated may have had the exasperated players looking to "get out" of Los Angeles at the end of Summer League.

Perhaps it wouldn't have been an issue if the 19-year-old guard performed admirably. However, he struggled mightily in four Summer League games, averaging 8.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per contest while shooting 35.0 percent from the field and 15.8 percent from beyond the arc.

If the younger James fell to Dallas instead of the Lakers, maybe the Mavs' infrastructure would have prevented any special treatment from being handed out. Still, it's better now for the Mavs that they didn't risk bringing in an unnecessary distraction as chemistry is high right now.

Besides, there might not be enough room for the youngster on the squad. It is even stashing Melvin Ajinca in Europe, its sole pick in the 2024 draft, despite the French swingman showing promise.

Stay tuned to read more about the Dallas Mavericks.