Famous reporter refutes rumors that James has retired next year! Says he still wants to join the Mavericks, and whether the Lakers release him becomes the key

On July 27, the NBA entered the offseason. Regarding the situation of James and the Lakers and the rumors of James' potential retirement, famous reporter Marc Stein wrote an article to analyze James' situation. He pointed out that James is not expected to retire after the new season, and pointed out that James has some interest in joining the Mavericks.

Marc Stein said: "The 2025-26 season will not be James' last season. My opinion is more based on intuition than reporting, but I tend to think that he will announce it before a certain season begins. In fact, there is still two whole months before the league-wide training camp begins, so we need some patience to get a clearer situation. But so far, there is no sign that James has started to think about playing another season. At least not yet."

Then Marc Stein talked about the situation of the Mavericks, and he expressed his belief that James is indeed interested in joining the Mavericks. He has settled in Los Angeles, though, which has become the primary residence of his family for the past seven years, and he is building a new home in Beverly Hills. At this stage, it may be necessary to get him out of this and go to play elsewhere to play, which can provide a particularly comfortable environment. The Mavericks seem particularly suitable for this, as he has a lot of acquaintances in Dallas, from general manager Nico Harrison and coach Jason Kidd to former teammates Davis and Irving.

However, at the same time, Marc Stein also analyzed that it has been reported for weeks that the Mavericks have not tried to trade him and are unwilling to give up multiple core rotations for a player who is about to turn 41 in December. But if James suddenly becomes a free agent and can sign him with a basic salary, that would be another matter. In this case, the Mavericks would very much like to get him. But will this really happen? James was also selected to the NBA's second team last season. It's hard for the Lakers to give up this season in August or September to buy out his contract, giving him the opportunity to join teams such as the Mavericks, Warriors or the Knicks.

No matter what, James needs to think about his future. What choice do you think he will make in the end? Welcome to give your opinions in the comment section.