At 40 years old, LeBron James is still a force on the hardwood, but the Los Angeles Lakers have signaled their intentions for a post-King era. After accepting a $52 million player option for 2025-26, LeBron now finds himself in a very interesting situation.
Management has made a clear pivot toward building around Luka Doncic, a good decision, obviously, but where does that leave LeBron? The Lakers might view James as nothing more than a trade piece right now, which is why it has been reported that multiple teams are asking about The King’s availability.
With no blockbuster additions this summer for the Lakers (other than Jake LaRavia) and ominous whispers of trade interest growing, one question looms large: if the Lakers aren’t all-in for a fifth ring, where could the King go to chase one last championship?
Here are the four most realistic landing spots, each offering both a contender’s window and a compelling storyline worthy of LeBron’s legendary swan song.
1. Golden State Warriors
Proposed Trade Package
Golden State Warriors Receive: LeBron James, Bronny James
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Jimmy Butler
A reunion with Stephen Curry would be electric; LeBron’s experience paired with Curry’s unparalleled shooting would make the Warriors instant title favorites. Stephen and LeBron already formed a dynamic duo at the 2024 Olympics, and that is why the Warriors even tried to acquire The King last season.
Keeping Draymond Green in the mix would bring grit and playmaking, rounding out a veteran nucleus built for another deep postseason run. Green and James are also very close friends. The Warriors nearly pulled off a blockbuster last season and still possess the picks, salary flexibility, and frontcourt pieces to make it happen.
On the hardwood, LeBron brings something no Warriors team has had since Kevin Durant arrived, a true MVP-caliber forward who can dominate inside and facilitate at will. Paired with Curry’s career 3-point dominance, that’s a deadly one-two punch.
A trade involving an aging Jimmy Butler could balance the books, but the real appeal is the narrative: foes turned brothers, rewriting history on the Bay. And if LeBron embraces their team-first mantra (which he immediately will), this would be the greatest coronation in NBA history.
2. Cleveland Cavaliers
Proposed Trade Package
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: LeBron James, Bronny James
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Darius Garland, Max Strus
Returning to Cleveland offers LeBron a fairy-tale finale: “Welcome Home” hat sightings and all. The Cavs are an elite team, even if they were bounced in the second round of the playoffs, finishing with a 64-18 record, secured the East’s top seed, and led the league at 121.9 PPG.
Donovan Mitchell averaged 24.0 PPG, Jarrett Allen grabbed 9.7 RPG, and Evan Mobley earned All-Defensive and Defensive Player of the Year honors, anchoring a team ready for postseason glory. All they need is the hometown savior to take them to the next level.
However, financial complications loom, LeBron’s $52 m next season isn’t pocket change. And so far, Cleveland has shown lukewarm interest.
If they can strike a deal by trading assets like Darius Garland and Max Strus to match LeBron’s $52 million in salary, they could resurrect the 2016 fantasy, to bring the King home again to chase a fifth ring where it all began.
3. New York Knicks
Proposed Trade Package
New York Knicks Receive: LeBron James, Bronny James
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: OG Anunoby, Mitchell Robinson
Madison Square Garden is tailor-made for royalty, and the New York Knicks have already built a 1-2 punch with Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. Brunson exploded, averaging 26.0 PPG and 7.3 APG as an All-Star. Towns is no slouch either, posting 24.4 PPG and 12.8 RPG en route to All-NBA honors.
MSG offers a stage worthy of LeBron’s legacy, and President Leon Rose has improved the depth chart under new coach Mike Brown. The fit is clear: LeBron adds elite playmaking, gravity pulls open shots for Brunson, Towns, and the bench.
The only challenge: defensive chemistry. Brunson and Towns posted a -20 net rating together in the playoffs. Still, we believe LeBron’s raw impact and championship experience could be the key to stabilizing that dynamic, even at his age. And given NY’s cap maneuverability with players like Mikal Bridges still on the roster, the finishing piece may be within reach.
4. Dallas Mavericks
Proposed Trade Package
Dallas Mavericks Receive: LeBron James, Bronny James
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Klay Thompson, Daniel Gafford, P.J. Washington, Naji Marshall
A reunion awaits in Dallas, where LeBron could link back up with Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis. Irving declined a player option to sign a $119 m extension after going down with an ACL injury, averaging 24.7 PPG, 4.8 RPG, and 4.6 APG when healthy.
Anthony Davis, traded to Dallas earlier this season in the Doncic deal, brings 24.7 PPG and 11.6 RPG, an elite frontcourt duo with LeBron to support them. Dallas is positioning itself for contention: they drafted Cooper Flagg and added D’Angelo Russell as Irving’s temporary replacement.
Add LeBron on top, and you have three former championship pieces with established chemistry. Kyrie has publicly considered reuniting with LeBron before so now could be the time.
Their history, cutting rims and blowing out defenses, could ignite Dallas’ next title run and stand as a blockbuster storyline. It will also be interesting to see Luka reunited with his old teammates in a different city, as well.
