What happened: Following LeBron James' parting with the Los Angeles Lakers, his agent Rich Paul said on his podcast with Max Kellerman that he has had some level of dialogue with all but two of the league's other 29 teams. The comments frame James as an open-market free agent with interest spanning nearly the entire NBA. Dallas has been floated by Paul as one realistic destination among the group.

Why it matters: James leaving the Lakers ends one of the marquee superstar-team pairings of the era and reshapes the 2026-27 title picture around wherever he lands. Dialogue with 27 of 29 teams signals both the breadth of his market and the leverage his camp is working, with contenders and rebuilders alike weighing a short-window addition. Where he signs will move the balance of power heading into next season.

What to watch: Watch for which specific teams emerge from Paul's shortlist and whether James' decision lands before or after the bulk of free-agent business is settled.