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.
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.
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
