LeBron James opting into his player contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, followed by a statement released by his agent, has fueled trade and buyout rumors for the last week. He wants the best possible chance to compete for a championship, and even though the Lakers now have Luka Doncic, the rest of the roster is discombobulated, at best.

With LeBron James’ future looking uncertain in Los Angeles, the Mavericks have been viewed as a potential suitor for the four-time champion. In a recent Bleacher Report article, Zach Buckley tabbed the Mavericks as a landing spot for James.

ESPN reporter Dave McMenamin has now reported that the Mavericks would only be interested in James if he were bought out by Los Angeles. "Dallas—I'm told—they would only be interested in LeBron [James] in a buyout situation," McMenamin said.