LeBron James’ time with the LA Lakers could end after the 2025-26 NBA season. He’s in the final year of his two-year, $101 million contract extension with the Lakers. This summer, James will be a free agent, and no one knows which team will sign him.
James is 41 years old, and he could still have a massive price tag on him. Given that he can still produce at an all-time high, the Lakers star is still expected to make at least $50 million next season.
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However, the biggest question would be: Which team will absorb LeBron James’ expected salary of $50 million?
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5 Championship-Caliber Teams That LeBron James Can Join
#1 LA Lakers
LeBron James could return to the Lakers for one more year before he can call it quits. LA has been competitive this season, despite being on the brink of playoff elimination against the OKC Thunder.
Next summer, the Lakers could make changes to build an even better team to surround Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” Rich Paul told ESPN. “He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all.”
#2 Golden State Warriors
It has been suggested that James could join the Golden State Warriors this summer. It will allow him to join an old team with Steph Curry, Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler. Marc Stein of “The Stein Line” wrote about it in March.
“The Warriors are likewise routinely described by rival teams as one of the few credible destinations for LeBron James’ 24th NBA campaign if James and the Lakers indeed part ways after eight seasons together. ‘It has some legs,’ one league source of the LeBron link to the Warriors,” Stein reported.
While that would create an interesting dynamic due to the star players’ age, many believe they can still be competitive.
#3 Cleveland Cavaliers
Coming home to the Cleveland Cavaliers is also a reasonable option for the four-time champion. The Cavs have proven that they have what it takes to compete. However, they need something or someone to push them to the next level.
Unfortunately for James, Cleveland’s salary cap could make it difficult for him to sign a deal with the Cavaliers. The only way that his former team could bring him back home would be if he signs a minimum deal.
#4 Miami Heat
The Miami Heat is also a former team of LeBron James that could look to pursue the star forward. After the Heat was eliminated from playoff contention, team president Pat Riley told reporters he believes Miami is still a top destination for star players.
“I do believe that — I believe strongly that players want to play in Miami and there are some that don’t. But I still think we’re a destination place,” Riley said (Timestamp at 46:03).
Additionally, having coach Erik Spoelstra gives Miami an advantage if it wants to recruit James.
#5 Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks could quickly transform their identity into a championship-caliber team if they pursue James. The four-time MVP could serve as a mentor to Cooper Flagg to help his development. Additionally, the team has Kyrie Irving, the former running mate of the NBA star.
The Mavericks have enough time this summer to construct an ambitious squad to attract James. Although they missed the playoffs this year, the team only needs a few pieces to become competitive again.
Edited by Reign Amurao
