3 Increasingly realistic trades Mavericks could make for LeBron James

2. Lakers' ideal trade with the Mavericks

The Mavericks have two first-round picks available to trade, including the tenth pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. It cannot technically be moved until draft night, but Dallas is already shopping the pick. Add in the Mavericks' two young players and three role players to match salary and complete this offer. 

The Mavericks should make this trade if the Lakers hold out. This is their chance to get the biggest star in basketball and to form a championship-ready Big 3 in Dallas. They will have to fill out the roster with minimum contracts and owner Mark Cuban must be willing to pay a hefty luxury tax bill, but that is the price of having three of the best players in the world on one roster.

The Lakers get a handful of talented role players and two first-round picks here, which gives them options. Los Angeles could try to stay in the playoff picture with Anthony Davis leading the charge or they could pivot to a total rebuild. Trading Davis for multiple picks and young talents would give LA a ton of assets to start over with, but that is far from the ideal scenario.

Expect the Dallas Mavericks to push back some as they will want to build an immediate contender around their three stars, which makes the next one the most likely.