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LeBron James is officially a free agent. He opted out of the final year of his $51.4 million Lakers contract and can join any team he wants.
While it’s likely James will choose to stay with the Lakers, there are other teams that could suit the 39-year-old superstar. Which is the best option for “The King”?
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Potential destinations for LeBron James
Los Angeles Lakers
James has spent 7 years in Los Angeles and loves life here. The Lakers are also very determined to keep their number 1 star, as evidenced by appointing his close friend JJ Redick as head coach and selecting LeBron’s eldest son – Bronny James in the 2024 NBA Draft. Staying with the Lakers is probably The King’s priority decision.
The Lakers have plenty of room to grow. They have 2029 and 2031 first-round picks to trade, as well as Dalton Knecht in the 2024 NBA Draft to trade and bring in better players. Trae Young, Zach LaVine and Donovan Mitchell are the Lakers’ current targets.
The Lakers still have good players like LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Austin Reaves. If they add an All-Star player, the Lakers can compete for the championship next year. Compared to starting over at another club, staying with the Lakers is an easier decision.
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Golden State Warriors
The Warriors certainly have interest in James. At the trade deadline last season, the Chase Center team tried to bring James back, but was rejected by both the Lakers and the 39-year-old star himself.
However, if he decides to leave the Lakers, the Warriors are the ideal destination for James. The four-time NBA champion has repeatedly stated that he wants to play alongside Stephen Curry, and James also has a good relationship with another star of the team, Draymond Green.
The problem is that the Warriors don’t have the payroll to sign James, so if they want to come to Chase Center, they may need the Lakers to coordinate a sign-and-trade. Chris Paul, Andrew Wiggins, a young player, and both 2026 and 2028 draft picks are all possible options for the Warriors to get James.
OKC Thunder
If James wants to go to a team that will help him win his fifth ring, the OKC Thunder is the best choice. The Thunder is a young team with a lot of potential but lacks experience. James’ character and class are what the team lacks. The quality of the Thunder’s squad is also what James needs.
James has to take on too many responsibilities at the Lakers, but if he moves to the Thunder, he will receive a lot of support from the team’s quality players. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a top offensive star in the NBA, Chet Holmgren has the potential to become a top center in the league, while Jalen Williams and Lu Dort are both quality players. With the Thunder just recruiting Caruso, their defense system will continue to be upgraded. From there, James will focus on the offensive task.
The Thunder have a number of ways to offer James a max contract. They have about $35 million in salary cap space. They could sign James in a sign-and-trade, or give up Dort, Cason Wallace and other picks to free up salary cap space and sign James in free agency.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers are a good team, but the pieces are disjointed and can’t connect. Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland are getting in each other’s way when they play together, as are Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. So the Cavaliers are looking to change up their core, and James is the perfect solution.
The Cavaliers could let two of their key players go to the Lakers to bring James back. A sign-and-trade is the only way, as the Cavaliers don’t have enough salary cap space to sign James. Barring players, the Cavaliers still have first-round picks in the 2024 and 2031 NBA Drafts to trade.
The Cavaliers may not be a team with a high chance of winning a championship, but this is James’ first club. The 39-year-old star is still considering a return to his old home. If he wins another championship with the Cavaliers and retires there, that would be the perfect ending for a legend like James.
