Dallas Mavericks had begun talk with the Los Angeles Lakers about getting Shaquille O'Neal to Dallas, reports said on Wednesday.

Trade talks between Dallas and Los Angeles began Tuesday, as Mavericks owner Mark Cuban believes Shaq is his first choice for next season.

The Lakers, however, won't deal with the Mavs unless Dirk Nowitzki, the top player of Dallas, is part of the package, Lakers sources said.

O'Neal, who has two years left on his contract with the Lakers and could exercise option to leave after next season, demanded a trade Friday after the Lakers lost to the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Finals and head coach Phil Jackson decided not to return.

The Los Angeles Clippers are another possible trade partner, but whoever gets Shaq will have to take on his 27.7 million US dollars contract.