LeBron James is officially leaving the Los Angeles Lakers! The news arrived on Tuesday, with Klutch Sports Group's Rich Paul informing ESPN's Shams Charania that LeBron will play NBA basketball in 2026-27, but that James has informed the Lakers that he will play elsewhere.
Warriors and Spurs immediately come to mind as LeBron James destinations
The Golden State Warriors have stood out as a potential LeBron landing spot in recent weeks. That possibility only grew stronger when Draymond Green opted out of his deal this week, creating room for the Warriors to do business. Plenty of analysts feel that LeBron teaming up with Stephen Curry, Draymond (on a new deal), and perhaps Anthony Davis would be exactly the type of blockbuster move that James would be interested in to end his historic career.
Golden State's certainly 100 percent interested in James. ESPN's Brian Windhorst even said on Tuesday that the Warriors would try to finalize a deal with LeBron "today" (as in Tuesday).
Don't rule out LeBron joining the San Antonio Spurs
While the Warriors might be at the front of the line for LeBron's services, they don't offer James the best chance to win another title. That's something the Spurs can offer.
While there hasn't been a ton of noise surrounding a potential Spurs-James pairing, San Antonio is known to work behind the scenes on deals. When The Ringer's Bill Simmons made a case for LeBron in San Antonio this week, it was hard not to believe that it's possible (and would be a good move for James).
"[LeBron] solves actual issues for them and could actually win the title with them," Simmons said of James and the Spurs. "You could sell that [to LeBron] really fast. Like, Pop's there. I've had a long relationship with him. This team is close [to winning it all]. I could be the missing piece. I watched them in the Finals for 5 games. They were missing that one veteran leader."
Simmons also argued that James joining the Spurs at 41 years old wouldn't qualify as ring chasing. In other words, Simmons basically said that LeBron still playing at this level this late in his career basically gives him a get-out-of-jail-free card to do whatever he wants and not be judged for it.
I tend to agree with Simmons on that point. LeBron has earned the right to do whatever the heck he wants without judgment. He already returned home and gave a title to Cleveland. He's won in Miami and LA. What else do you want from him?
LeBron signing with the Spurs would be a nightmare for the Lakers and their fans
Let's face it -- LeBron donning a Spurs uniform would make San Antonio favorites to win the 2027 NBA title (if they're not already), and the Lakers would immediately see their own 2027 contention hopes get a lot murkier in the Western Conference.
It would be excruciating for Lakers fans to watch LeBron win a title next year in San Antonio. But it totally can't be ruled out at the present moment. Spurs players De'Aaron Fox and Keldon Johnson are represented by Klutch Sports Group. There's a connection right there. This would be an incredible business and basketball move for LeBron, Rich Paul, and everyone involved. Close your eyes and pray it doesn't happen, Lakers fans!
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