Lakers star LeBron James has given no indication that he plans to join a different team for his 23rd NBA season. Still, after several team changes throughout his career, LeBron has shown a willingness to leave teams before, and there’s no guarantee he’ll re-sign with the Lakers this summer.
While he’s got ties to Los Angeles, LeBron and his family are known to adapt on the fly, and there’s no reason to think he couldn’t find success somewhere else for the last stretch of his career. That’s why, ever since their brutal playoff run ended short, experts have been advising James to leave LA, claiming that he’d be better off with a different team entirely.
While James is expected to opt into his contract ($52.6 million for the 2025-26 season), he’ll have control over where he ends up and could easily become a free agent if he chooses. With time still left to decide, only LeBron knows which way he’s leaning, but there are several good teams out there (outside of Los Angeles) that would make a great fit for the 40-year-old superstar.
Cleveland Cavaliers
What better way for LeBron to end his career than in the place where it began? From 2003 to 2010, he was the leading star of the Cavaliers and had them in a state of contention in the East. When he later returned in 2014, he would lead the team to its first-ever championship in a dramatic 3-1 comeback over the Golden State Warriors.
James played his last game for the Cavs in 2018, but another return is not out of the question yet. After winning 64 games in the regular season, Cleveland has proven to be a competitive team in the East, and they might only be one star away from a Finals run. While their flexibility is somewhat limited, getting LeBron back (no matter the cost) would prove worthwhile given his status as one of the best players in the game.
For a team that’s weak on the wing and lacks depth at the forward positions, James would fit like a glove for the Cavaliers, and his impact would be extraordinary as a superior playmaker, scorer, and leader on the court. Best of all, he could mentor young stars like Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Donovan Mitchell to speed and enhance their development.
New York Knicks
The Knicks have a solid veteran core in Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Mikal Bridges, but they still need one last piece to tie it all together. Fortunately, after a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals this year, the Knicks have become a desirable location once again, and stars are growing increasingly attracted to the opportunities there.
LeBron has been pursued by the Knicks before, but now he’s got several reasons to consider them as a potential final destination. In New York, LeBron could grow his brand to a whole new degree, and his fandom would expand by millions overnight. Regardless of who they hire as head coach, they’d be in good shape to win a lot of games with LeBron and a star-studded roster.
The best part about this move for James is that he’d be back in the East, meaning a chance to compete in a weaker conference while avoiding juggernauts like the Thunder, Nuggets, and Timberwolves in the West. It would be an earth-shattering move for the NBA, but James’ legacy would forever be enhanced if he were able to bring a championship back to New York for the first time since 1973.
San Antonio Spurs
In San Antonio, the Spurs have been linked to several big-name targets as they look to build up the roster around Victor Wembanyama. While Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo are the early targets, the Spurs might also consider LeBron if he were ever in a situation to leave the Lakers. With limited cap flexibility, the Spurs would have to make some moves before bringing in James, but they have several tradable contracts with guys like Harrison Barnes and Keldon Johnson.
As a younger team with no experience in the playoffs, having LeBron would be huge for the Spurs’ players to grow and develop championship habits. LeBron could run the offense for San Antonio and bring out the best in Victor Wembanyama with his amazing court vision and elite passing abilities.
For LeBron, the chance to play alongside the league’s best young player would be tough to pass up, even if it means taking a pay cut to do it. For a storied organization like the Spurs, who are widely respected across the league, LeBron could spend his final NBA seasons in total peace and without any outside noise or drama. He might even be able to lead them on a playoff run.
Even as retirement approaches for King James, he’s still playing at a level that raises the ceiling for any team he’s on. This season, with averages of 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game, he was in his bag like always, and the Lakers finished in a respectable position in the standings (third in the West at 50-32).
While he’ll almost surely return to Los Angeles next season (to stay beside his firstborn son, Bronny), you can never rule out a change of scenery for LeBron, especially when the situation in Los Angeles is so unstable.
