Big news! King James wants to join the Mavericks, but refuses to give up 50 million. The Lakers are afraid of mid-term trading.

The aftermath of the bombshell thrown by The Athletic reporter John Hollinger has not yet been resolved. Before LeBron James decided to implement the player option and stay in Los Angeles, he actually seriously considered wearing the Dallas Mavericks' jersey! This news was like a huge rock thrown into the lake, instantly causing a thousand waves.

Imagine that scene, where LeBron reunites with his old partner Irving and Davis in Davis, coupled with the talent of this summer's draft No. 1 Cooper Flag. The temptation of this combination is enough to make any star eager to win excited. The cold reality, however, is the $52 million player option.

Yes, a total of 52 million US dollars! As James stared at the final decision on player options, all Dallas could do was a middle-class contract. The gap between this cannot be easily filled by the champion's dream. Give up half a million US dollars to bet on an unknown number? Even if it was LeBron, the account was clearly calculated. What's more, the league's strict salary rules lock down the space for super teams like a tight spell.

However, Hollinger's insight is even sharper. If the Lakers struggle at the start of the new season, the management may face a cold business choice. Instead of waiting for LeBron's contract to expire, it is better to take the initiative to fight before the transaction deadline and exchange this historical superstar for future assets. The trump card of "trade veto" in LeBron's hand became the key to his control of fate.

This is exactly the essence of LeBron's team. If he is determined to join the Mavericks or other champions, the deal will be the only way to protect his "Bird Rights". This clause means that the new owner can ignore the salary cap and renew his super maximum salary. For James, who is still pursuing a long-term contract at the age of 40, it is worth even more than the current 52 million yuan. Free market? That will only greatly reduce his interests!

Dallas management's acquisition of LeBron means that it will immediately enter the first echelon of the championship, but what about the chips? For the Lakers, any transaction involving LeBron must be targeted at the young talent and draft capital that can accelerate reconstruction.

What is more intriguing is the Lakers management in the three-party game. They must not only maintain the dignity of a wealthy family, but also pave the way for the "post-LeBron era". Pelinka's shrewdness is well known to everyone. If a transaction happens, he will inevitably extract the greatest value and avoid the infamy of "forcing the legend to escape". The mid-season trading window may witness the ultimate showdown between $52 million and the championship ambition. When the weight of money and the ray of the ring shakes at both ends of the balance, LeBron's choice is cautious every time. And Dallas's longing eyes have never been so hot as to the turbulence of Los Angeles. What do you think James and the Lakers will choose in the end? This is the sound of basketball, thank you for your likes and attention!