Apr 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts during the first half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images Of course, this lit the internet on fire. Late hours Saturday night and early hours Sunday morning were spent trying to speculate which four teams could have reached out to James’ representatives to try to orchestrate a trade for arguably the greatest player of all time.
On Sunday afternoon, NBA insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson revealed which four teams inquired, putting an end to the speculation.
Cleveland Cavaliers
![Photo: Nick Wass/ [object Object]](https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-1200/1752434100112)
Photo: Nick Wass/ [object Object] Even after their blockbuster trade for Donovan Mitchell, the Cavs have struggled to advance further than the Eastern Conference semifinals. They have been starved for a good wing since James departed in 2018.
Inserting James into a young nucleus of Mitchell and Evan Mobley would make the Cavs runaway favorites to win the Eastern Conference, which James dominated for years before signing with the Lakers.
Los Angeles Clippers
Mar 7, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; LA Clippers coach Tyronn Lue at a press conference at the Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Maybe they are finally sick of playing second fiddle to the Lakers in Hollywood.
We know that James and his family enjoy life in Los Angeles. His business ventures are there. A trade to the other L.A.-based team would send shockwaves through the basketball universe.
Dallas Mavericks
Apr 18, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3) dribbles during the second quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images James could reunite with Kyrie Irving in Dallas. Boy, did they make sweet music together during their three seasons in Cleveland, which resulted in nothing less than the NBA Finals.
James, Irving and a reunion with Anthony Davis would be intriguing for the Mavericks, who told their fans they are in “win-now mode” after trading away Doncic.
Golden State Warriors
Jan 4, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) celebrates a turnover by the Memphis Grizzlies in the first quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images Not to mention, Paul also represents Draymond Green, who has a noted friendship with James. The Warriors also added Jimmy Butler, who really helped Golden State during the second half of the season.
