The writing was practically on the wall for LeBron James‘ future with the Los Angeles Lakers when they opted to not negotiate a contract extension ahead of the 2025-26 season.
That made James a lame duck of sorts, as he would go through the final year of his Lakers contract uncertain of what would happen next summer. With the NBA Playoffs nearing, James’ future is once again a major talking point.
Did LeBron James’ presence affect Luka Doncic’s game-winning shot decision?
That’s even more so the case following a close Lakers loss in which Luka Doncic passed up a shot at a game-winning field goal, choosing to pass to a covered James instead. Some claim Doncic was seen telling head coach JJ Redick that he passed the ball because James called for it. Others say Doncic simply froze. Perhaps with James not on the team, Doncic pulls the trigger on the shot.
Regardless, everything is pointing to James leaving the Lakers after this season. Even at 41 years old, James still has plenty left in the tank to offer a contending team. Some dots have already been connected even before this season began.
Stephen Curry, Warriors could be biggest persuasion for LeBron James
James’ chemistry at the Olympics with Stephen Curry had many thinking the Golden State Warriors made a lot of sense as his next destination. The Cleveland Cavaliers are also logical, given that James has had two stints there in the past. Then there’s the New York Knicks, who make sense simply because of their history and the aura of Madison Square Garden. James has an incredible history at MSG, and has called it his “favorite playground“.
As we near the summer, all three of those teams appear to be the frontruners in the sweepstake for The King.
All three landing spots make sense, and any of them could happen. There’s still a lot of basketball left to be played before that happens. James would love to finish his Lakers career with a ring, despite that looking unlikely at this point in the season.