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T<\/span>he writing was practically on the wall for LeBron James<\/a><\/strong>‘ future with the Los Angeles Lakers<\/a><\/strong> when they opted to not negotiate a contract extension ahead of the 2025-26 season. <\/p>\n 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<\/strong>. With the NBA Playoffs<\/strong> nearing, James’ future is once again a major talking point.<\/p>\n That’s even more so the case following a close Lakers loss in which Luka Doncic<\/strong> passed up a shot at a game-winning field goal, choosing to pass to a covered James instead<\/strong>. Some claim Doncic was seen telling head coach JJ Redick<\/strong> 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<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Regardless, everything is pointing to James leaving the Lakers after this season. Even at 41 years old<\/strong>, James still has plenty left in the tank to offer a contending team. Some dots have already been connected even before this season began.<\/p>\n James’ chemistry at the Olympics<\/strong> with Stephen Curry<\/strong> had many thinking the Golden State Warriors<\/strong> made a lot of sense as his next destination. The Cleveland Cavaliers<\/strong> are also logical, given that James has had two stints there in the past. Then there’s the New York Knicks<\/strong>, who make sense simply because of their history and the aura of Madison Square Garden<\/strong>. James has an incredible history at MSG, and has called it his “favorite playground<\/strong>“.<\/p>\n As we near the summer, all three of those teams appear to be the frontruners in the sweepstake for The King.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\nDid LeBron James’ presence affect Luka Doncic’s game-winning shot decision?<\/h2>\n
Stephen Curry, Warriors could be biggest persuasion for LeBron James<\/h2>\n