James most likely to return to the Cavaliers! Lakers replicate Mavericks 2.0: Building around Dončić and Reaves

On March 5, Beijing time, ESPN reporter McMahon reported that the Cleveland Cavaliers are the most likely destination for LeBron James. Meanwhile, Sports Illustrated journalist Mannix stated that the Lakers are studying a team-building blueprint, planning to construct a roster around Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, replicating the structure that helped the Mavericks reach the 2024 NBA Finals.

James feels like a guest on the Lakers

McMahon said on a program: "(James's) most likely next team is Cleveland. Think about the storyline: coming home, a reunion, the hometown kid's final dance, an epic farewell tour, and still playing for a championship contender. Now look at the current Lakers; James seems more like a guest in his own house."

"This is already Dončić's team. But the Lakers must renovate and rebuild completely. With James on the roster, this process can't move forward. The future core is Dončić, with Reaves as the second option. Then build around them, and they must find a rim protector."

"Ayton is not the answer. They need to add defense and shooting around the core. James doesn't fit the Lakers' future. I don't believe James will have a quiet ending in Los Angeles. I expect him to join a championship contender; why not return to his hometown team this summer?"

These comments emerged while James's future remains undecided. The NBA's all-time leading scorer has not announced whether he will play next season. Sources indicate that if he enters free agency this summer, multiple contending teams will attempt to recruit him.

The Cavaliers are the most frequently mentioned destination—the place where he brought the franchise its first championship in 2016. A return to Cleveland would be one of the most talked-about storylines in recent NBA history, but it would likely require James to make a significant financial sacrifice. Reports suggest he might need to take a pay cut of around $48 million to make the Cavaliers' roster work, which would be the largest salary reduction in NBA history.

Other potential suitors could emerge. Sources say that if an opportunity arises, the Warriors' Stephen Curry and Draymond Green might attempt to recruit James during the offseason.

Lakers aim to build Mavericks 2.0 for championship run

Mannix reported that the Lakers are studying the Mavericks' successful model from their Finals run, attempting to replicate its core roster elements around Dončić and Reaves.

"Build a roster similar to the Mavericks' over the past few years. This means finding players more suitable than Ayton to fill roles like Dereck Lively II or Daniel Gafford. Perhaps the target is Gafford himself. They just need someone capable of handling that role. Then seek more 3-and-D type players, comparable to Dorian Finney-Smith and P.J. Washington."

"The Lakers genuinely want to create a 'Mavericks 2.0.' They believe a backcourt core of Dončić and Reaves has a chance to succeed. Although this duo has defensive weaknesses, the Lakers are confident that with the right supporting cast of role players in the frontcourt, these two can lead the team to wins. Therefore, this offseason, the Lakers' focus is to find players corresponding to those Mavericks roles."

The Mavericks' 2024 success was built on Dončić's elite playmaking, paired with a roster specifically designed to complement his strengths. They surrounded him with rim-protecting big men, mobile defenders, and floor-spacing shooters. This structure allowed Dončić to dominate offensively while other players fulfilled specific roles.

The Lakers believe a similar approach can work in Los Angeles. This strategy implies significant roster changes in the offseason. The Lakers are projected to have roughly $40 to $55 million in salary cap space, enough to pursue both stars and role players.

One scenario discussed within the league is: if Giannis Antetokounmpo requests a trade from the Bucks, the Lakers would aggressively pursue him. Although this may not materialize, the Lakers are expected to explore it thoroughly. If a pursuit of Antetokounmpo fails, the Lakers will focus on building what Mannix calls "Mavericks 2.0."