Marbury said: If James joins the Mavericks, the Mavericks will immediately become a championship contender

According to US sports media F/W columnist Nico Martinez, Stephon Marbury believes James will make the Mavericks an immediate championship contender. The former NBA All-Star said in an interview with Brandon "Scoop B" Robinson that pairing him with Davis, Irving and Flagg would create the perfect balance for the veteran forward at this stage of his career. "I mean, you put him on that team, they're competitors, and I think for him when he's playing, he needs to be around a group of guys like that to be able to sustain and not have to do as much at that age." Marbury, a two-time All-Star, went on to explain that Dallas will allow James to stay in shape while still playing at the highest level. Surrounded by capable scorers and playmakers, James can focus on leadership and efficiency rather than shouldering the full workload every night. "This is a perfect basketball organization and every time we go on the basketball court, you're actually defending the front office. Dallas is a team where he's a better fit and he doesn't have to carry as much of a burden."

The 40-year-old James' contract is expiring and people are increasingly uncertain about his future. While there is speculation that he may retire, there is also the possibility that he could join another team to experience the final stages of his career. While the Lakers have remained loyal to James, they have made it clear that Doncic is their priority right now. They built the entire team around him, leaving James in the dark about their plans.

If he really leaves the Lakers, there aren't many places that make sense for James. He's on a very specific schedule that requires the highest standard of play. This is an ideal destination for a team like the Mavericks that already has depth and veteran talent at multiple positions. In Dallas, he can thrive on a team where winning is the expectation of the moment, without all the drama and chaos of Hollywood. He could play for a rich and storied team, joining the ranks of legends like Nowitzki and Nash.

Most importantly, four-time NBA champion James can reunite with his former Lakers teammate Davis. The two have played together for years and even won a championship in 2020. They parted ways in the infamous Doncic trade, but it doesn't have to stay that way. If James wants to maximize the time he has left and rely on proven stars, there's no better place than Dallas. With Davis, Thompson and Irving, the Mavericks have everything they need and may be just a piece or two away from a true championship run.

James has built his legacy on improving every team he joins, and the Mavericks may be his final masterpiece. Surrounded by elite talent and a front office ready to win, he will have the perfect stage to end his career on his own terms and remind the world that even at age 40, the King still rules; even if he fails to give himself the perfect ending to his career, he will be here to help Flagg grow as a mentor and let his energy continue to flourish in the league!