LeBron James linked with shock move away from the LA Lakers in move that would rock NBA

LeBron James has been linked with a surprise move away from Los Angeles Lakers despite opting into a mammoth $53 million deal.

Four-time NBA champion James has been with the franchise since 2018 - with his most recent championship ring coming in LA in 2020.

22 years on from his debut with the Cleveland Cavaliers after he was drafted, James still has no plans for retire and is to continue for at least another season having exercised his $52.6 million option to play the next campaign.

Making history by playing alongside son Bronny, the 40-year-old finished with 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds as the Lakers finished third in the Western Conference with a 50-32 record.

However, it has been reported that the Dallas Mavericks are interested in a stunning swoop for James, who would reunite with former teammates Anthony Edwards and Kyrie Irving if he was to complete a final career move.

Dallas Mavericks would welcome LeBron James move on one condition

Edwards joined Mavericks as part of the incredible trade which saw Luka Doncic head to Lakers in February, as well as Max Christie joining Mavericks.

However, speaking on ESPN Radio 710, Dave McMenamin has said Mavericks would not want to do another trade with Lakers and would only draft him in during a "buyout situation".

Reporter Chris Haynes stated that James' agent Rich Paul told him no trade talks had taken place with the Lakers, though Shams Charania of ESPN said he would be keeping tabs on their roster moves.

LeBron James has been with the Lakers since 2018. Image: Getty

Paul made a cryptic statement discussing James' situation with ESPN, stressing how desperate he is to go for a championship again.

"LeBron wants to compete for a championship,' Paul told ESPN .

"He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we've had for eight years with [controlling owner] Jeanie [Buss] and [GM] Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.

"We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future. We do want to evaluate what's best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career. He wants to make every season he has left count, and the Lakers understand that, are supportive and want what's best for him."

In another twist, while at a sushi restaurant, James was filmed saying he "ain't mad looking at New York" in what some perceived to be an indication he could head to the Eastern Conference with the Knicks.