In fact, "there were whispers in league circles about LeBron James having eyes for Dallas," Hollinger reports. But the four-time NBA MVP was not willing to pass on $52.6 million with the Lakers for a non-taxpayer mid-level exception to sign.

Los Angeles Laker star LeBron James repeatedly had eyes on the Dallas Mavericks before opting in to a one-year deal with the Lakers.

After weeks of social media buzz, trade machine scenarios and endless debate among Mavericks fans, the LeBron James to Dallas saga appears to have reached its natural conclusion with new reporting that clarifies exactly where both sides stand.