Rob Schumacher / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Stephen Curry (4) and guard LeBron James (6) of Team USA react in the second half against France in the men's basketball gold medal game during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Accor Arena in Paris, France, on August 10, 2024.
The 2026-27 NBA season is set to be, in all likelihood, the final year of LeBron James’ legendary career, and yet with just months until the first game, we still don’t know who the superstar will be playing for.
James informed the Los Angeles Lakers of his intent to depart the team in free agency on June 30th, and one team immediately emerged as the leader for his services.
Every report and oddsmaker seemed to suggest that James would head north and join Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors.
However, when that didn’t happen immediately, the field of teams vying for his services began to grow. First, he was linked with a return to the hometown Cleveland Cavaliers. Then the Philadelphia 76ers entered the fray after their blockbuster move to acquire Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics.
Both the Miami Heat and Minnesota Timberwolves made pitches, as did the Denver Nuggets. But now it appears there are just two teams left standing.
Golden State Warriors And Cleveland Cavaliers Fighting It Out For LeBron James
Alex Schiffer of Front Office Sports recently spoke with several NBA executives, all of whom seemed to believe that James will still ultimately sign for the Warriors or the Cavaliers.
“I would be stunned if he picked a team that wasn’t Golden State or Cleveland,” one Western Conference executive told Schiffer.
Another felt even more strongly about the Warriors being his ultimate destination.
“You can’t call this ring-chasing,” they told Schiffer. “LeBron is 41 and Steph is 38. This is an attempt to see if the old guard can get one last title.”
Whoever does secure James’ services may first have to work out a deal with the Lakers for his son Bronny, who received a fully guaranteed contract in LA just before LeBron announced his intent to leave.
But the Lakers aren’t likely to just give the younger James away.
“They shouldn’t give him away for nothing,” one executive said. “He held his own in the playoffs this year. But would you really haggle over him continuing to play with his dad?”
If you’re the Lakers, why wouldn’t you do so? Especially after LeBron left you high and dry holding Bronny’s contract.
What do you think? Will James be in Golden State or Cleveland next season? Or are other teams still in play to land the legend? Let us know in the comments below!