Rumors: Mavericks interested in insane trade to sabotage Lakers

The Dallas Mavericks are in the middle of a heated second-round series against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs, and tonight's Game 5 could decide the Mavericks' fate.

The Mavs need a huge performance from Luka Doncic in Game 5, especially due to his struggles throughout these playoffs, and they also need Kyrie Irving to step up.

Irving scored just nine points in Game 4, and the Mavs have to retake command of this series after a disappointing loss in Game 4.

Mavericks interested in jumping Lakers to draft Bronny James

While the Mavericks are fully focused on winning their second-round series against the Thunder right now, a recent rumor dropped regarding a potential approach they could take heading into the 2024 NBA Draft.

According to Stephen A. Smith, the Mavericks are a team to keep an eye on when it comes to drafting former USC guard Bronny James. Bronny is the son of Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James, and Smith said they could look to trade ahead of the Lakers' No. 55 pick and draft Bronny.

Smith said that LeBron wants JJ Redick to be his next head coach and he wants the Lakers to draft his son Bronny. Smith then said "LeBron wants to go where his son goes" and talked about how the Mavs could form an insane big three with LeBron, Luka, and Kyrie.

The Lakers drafting Bronny would be the perfect recruiting pitch for LeBron to re-sign in Los Angeles, but the Mavs drafting Bronny could just sabotage the Lakers' chances of re-signing LeBron.

LeBron becomes a free agent this summer, and the Mavs drafting Bronny to try to get LeBron to Dallas isn't as crazy as it may seem. LeBron is already 39 years old, and having the chance to play in the NBA with his son is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Nico Harrison and the Mavs drafting Bronny wouldn't be the smartest decision when it comes to where he ranks compared to other prospects in his draft class, but the chance at making some sort of sign and trade to add LeBron to the Mavs' core may just be worth it.

It's clear that LeBron would like to play with Doncic one day, and Irving tried to recruit LeBron to the Mavericks last summer.

The Mavs could be in for a crazy summer if they draft Bronny James, and all eyes would be on them if LeBron decided he wanted to join the Mavs. Harrison is a mastermind when it comes to trades, so don't be shocked if he explores every availaable avenue to improve the Mavs roster this summer.

For all the latest on the Dallas Mavericks, stay tuned.