Where Could LeBron James Go Next? Top Landing Spots If He Leaves Lakers

LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers appear headed for a split at some point in the future. Whether that split comes before or during the 2025-26 NBA season or next offseason in free agency, the end seems to be near.

The most likely scenario is that James plays out the final year of his contract with the Lakers and either retires or players elsewhere next season. He would enter the 2026 NBA offseason as a free agent.

However, there is a chance that Los Angeles could find a trade partner for James that makes sense for the team. Or, there is a small chance that the Lakers could buy James out, although that seems extremely unlikely.

With that being said, the other question becomes, where could James play next? What teams could make sense as both a trade destination or a free agency landing spot next offseason?

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Potential LeBron James Trade Destinations

There are only a couple of places that could make sense as a trade destination for James. Even then, the teams may not have interest in parting ways with what it would take to acquire James.

Dallas Mavericks

One of those teams is the Mavericks. They have been linked to James on multiple occasions.

Kyrie Irving is one of the faces of the franchise and he is close friends with James. The two have talked about reuniting at some point in time. Dallas has the contracts necessary to pull off a trade for James, but it wouldn’t be easy.

New York Knicks

Another potential option would be the Knicks, who have plenty of big salaries that they could match for James. New York might have interest in bringing in a superstar like James, but the team isn’t far off from being a championship contender.

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Following their run to the Eastern Conference Finals, the Knicks might prefer to keep their core intact. Trading for James would require a major breakup.

2026 Potential Free Agency Suitors

This would be the most likely route for James’ departure from Los Angeles. If he does hit the open free agency market next offseason and wants to keep playing, teams could show heavy interest in signing him.

Cleveland Cavaliers

One team to monitor would be the Cavaliers. They have been linked to having interest in a third stint with James, but they aren’t among the teams who would have interest in trading for him.

Depending on the price tag, James finishing out his career where it started would likely be an interesting option. Being able to play alongside of Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley could be a major draw for him as well.

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Golden State Warriors

Stephen Curry and James pairing up would be a dream come true for both players. The Warriors have reportedly considered pursuing a trade for James in the past.

Both players are nearing the end of their respective careers. Pairing up and making a run at it together would be must-watch basketball. It’s an option worth monitoring should he hit the free agency market.

Teaming Up with Bryce James

Finally, James has already been able to play on the same team as Bronny James with the Lakers. Bryce James will be draft eligible next offseason and he might have interest in playing with his younger son.

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Whoever drafts Bryce would have a chance to land James. Whether or not he will enter the 2026 NBA Draft remains to be seen, but that would be a situation to watch closely if he does.

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