With the Los Angeles Lakers reorienting their plans around Luka Dončić and 2027 cap space, LeBron James finds himself in uncharted waters. For the first time in his career, he's not the focal point of his franchise.

This article was originally published on www.si.com/nba/mavericks as Shocking proposed 3-team trade sends LeBron James from Lakers to Mavericks. The Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers are notorious trade partners after the Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis swap in February. However, the two sides could combine on an even bigger deal this offseason.

ESPN NBA insider Brian Windhorst said there is meaning behind James’ recent actions, including a trip home to Ohio, while trade rumors swirl during a passive-aggressive spat with the Lakers despite exercising the $53 million option on his contract with the team for next season.