LeBron James officially becomes a free agent. He opted out of the final year of his contract with the Lakers worth $51.4 million and can join any team he wants.
Although it is likely that James will choose to continue with the Lakers, there are still other teams that are suitable for the 39-year-old superstar. What is the best choice for “The King”?
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 squad still has a lot of potential to develop. 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. Currently Trae Young, Zach LaVine and Donovan Mitchell are the targets that the Lakers are aiming for.
The Lakers still have good players on the team like LeBron James, Anthony Davis or Austin Reaves. If one more All-Star level player is added, the Lakers will be able to compete for the championship next year. Compared to starting over at other clubs, staying with the Lakers is an easier decision.
The Warriors certainly have interest in James. At the “trade deadline” last season, the Chase Center team tried to find a way 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.
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.
At the Lakers, James has to take on too many tasks, but if he moves to the Thunder, he will have 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 Thunder having just recruited Caruso, their defense system will continue to be upgraded. From there, it helps James focus on his attacking duties.
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.
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 the player, the Cavaliers still have first-round picks in the 2024 and 2031 NBA Drafts to trade.
The Cavaliers may not be a team with very high championship potential, but this is James’ first club. The 39-year-old star is still considering returning to her old home. If he wins the championship again with the Cavaliers and retires here, that would be the best way to end for a legend like James.
