Mavericks Target LaMelo Ball, Lakers Facilitate

Merlin sees a three-team blueprint that would send LaMelo Ball to the Mavericks, Klay Thompson and Daniel Gafford to the Lakers, and Max Christie, Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht plus an unprotected 2029 first-round pick to Charlotte. It matters because Dallas — dead last in offensive rating and "needing to center around Cooper Flagg" — would get a high-level playmaker; as the piece notes, "LaMelo Ball has the potential to completely transform this offense." Charlotte would collect young wings and a future pick, while L.A. would add shooting and frontcourt length. Merlin senses hurdles: Ball's shooting has dipped, Charlotte must clear roster spots, and Dallas awaits Kyrie's return. Still, pairing Flagg with a tall lead guard and surrounding stars with shooters could remake contending math — risky, but tempting for all sides.