There are growing indications that Los Angeles Lakers star forward LeBron James will opt out of his contract and hit NBA free agency this summer. He will likely test the market and see what’s out there.
James is not happy about the direction of the Lakers. With one or two more seasons remaining in his all-time great career, King James is now all about competing for what would be a fifth NBA title.
As things play out on the court this spring and summer, it’s time to look ahead. What is in James’ future? Where might he land if the first-ballot Hall of Famer bolts the Lakers? We rank his 10-best potential landing spots.
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10. Chicago Bulls
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Most contending teams would have to pull off a sign-and-trade with the Lakers to acquire James. There just isn’t enough cap room unless he opts to take considerably less. The question here is whether James would view Chicago as a contender if he were to team up with Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan. It’s an open question. What we do know is that LeBron is more than aware of his legacy in the league. Following in Michael Jordan’s footsteps with the Bulls while leading them to an NBA title would cement said legacy. That’s for sure.
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9. Cleveland Cavaliers
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A third trip around the block for LeBron in Cleveland? It seems highly unlikely. But at this point, it’s hard to put anything past James. For Cleveland, Donovan Mitchell’s uncertain future might lead the organization to make a desperate move. Bringing James back would be the definition of that. It could entice the Lakers with someone like Evan Mobley as a future building block in a sign-and-trade. Add in cap fillers, and the salaries would work.
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8. Boston Celtics
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Let’s provide a bit of a caveat here. As has been noted, James is clearly aware of his legacy. He is not going to follow in Kevin Durant’s footsteps and join a super-team coming off an historic performance. If Boston wins the NBA title, this is not an option. With that said, the Celtics falling short could lead to James making his way to another legendary NBA city. Boston has the cap fillers (Kristaps Porzingis) and draft capital to pull off a sign-and-trade with the Lakers. In turn, James joins the likes of Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum in forming an elite trio as he enters the twilight of his career.
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7. Philadelphia 76ers
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A recent report suggests that the 76ers could chase after James in NBA free agency. Whether he wants to head to the east coast remains to be seen. What we do know is that Philadelphia front office head Daryl Morey is always looking to make that splash. In this scenario, James teams up with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey to form an absolutely elite tandem. With Tobias Harris and Buddy Hield as expiring contracts, the 76ers could sign James outright.
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6. Phoenix Suns
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Despite losing to Kevin Durant twice in the NBA Finals, James is close to the Phoenix Suns’ star. The two are on the same path as their careers are coming to an end and they want to win more titles. What better way to do that than to team up with one another? This one is a bit complicated due to the Suns’ top-heavy payroll and lack of draft assets. In short, James would have to take a massive discount to join Phoenix. But for a dude that’s worth more than a billion, that doesn’t seem like a big deal.
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5. Miami Heat
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We could easily see James playing in South Beach for the second time in his career. He absolutely loved that first tenure, winning two NBA titles in the process. We also know that Heat front office head Pat Riley is looking for another superstar to team up with Jimmy Butler. If Miami can find a way to pull off this pairing without giving up Bam Adebayo, the team should seriously consider it. Perhaps, Tyler Herro and picks could be part of a package heading back to Los Angeles in a sign-and-trade.
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4. Los Angeles Clippers
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Hear us out. The Clippers are slated to move into a state-of-the-art arena next season. Paul George will likely opt out of his contract and become a free agent. James Harden will hit the open market this summer. In short, these Clippers have every reason to pry James from their rivals while teaming him up with Kawhi Leonard. This could also afford LeBron a better opportunity to contend for a title while remaining in a Southern California market he’s become an integral part of. It almost makes too much sense.
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3. Dallas Mavericks
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Luka Doncic and LeBron James on the same team? Sign us the heck up. It also makes a ton of sense outside of an entertainment perspective. James has a ton of respect for Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. The latter is also always chasing after that next star. Meanwhile, Kyrie Irving’s presence in Big D adds another layer to this. Despite their rift in Cleveland, Irving and James almost teamed up with the Lakers last summer. That rift is behind them. What better of a storybook ending could there be for King James than making it right with Kyrie on the court?
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2. New York Knicks
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James has called New York the Mecca of the basketball world. He’s not wrong about that. Madison Square Garden is also a Mecca when it comes to venues around the Association. With New York as the No. 1 media market in North America, this all has to be appealing to James off the court. Add in the fact that these Knicks would be seen as legitimate NBA title contenders with James and Jalen Brunson teaming up, and it’s almost a magical fit.
1. Golden State Warriors
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This is the absolute best fit for LeBron James if he leaves the Lakers. First off, the future Hall of Famer named Stephen Curry as the one player in the NBA he’d most like to play with moving forward. Secondly, this would enable James to remain in California. Finally, neither Curry nor James are on teams that are considered title contenders. Pairing them up would change that dynamic short-term. This scenario would either include Los Angeles and Golden State pulling off a sign-and-trade or James taking the mininum to team up with his rival. Either way, it remains a real possibility.