In February 2025, the NBA world received the most shocking news possible. The Dallas Mavericks traded perennial MVP candidate Luka Doncic to the LA Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis. Mavs GM Nico Harrison received the biggest flak by any GM in recent NBA history. But not even six months after the trade, the news cycle has shifted towards Harrison.
He may reunite LeBron James with one of the best two-way players ever in AD. Would that be the biggest storyline of all time in the league? As per the bookmakers, the wind is shifting, and LBJ’s next destination can make our eyes pop out of their sockets. Here is a look at LeBron James’ next team as per Bovada
Who would have believed in February that James would feel alienated with the Lakers? Why would LBJ leave a young MVP candidate for a player with whom he has had minimal playoff success since the 2020 championship?
But Ramona Shelburne and Brian Windhorst opened the can of worms by stating that LBJ felt sidetracked when the Lakers’ ownership shifted from Busses to Mark Walter.
As per Shelburne and some other credible reporters, the Lakers organization gave preferential treatment to Luka Doncic. Did it signal a change of franchise faces? Or a rumor that blew things out of proportion? Who knows!
James has some incentive to turn towards the Mavericks. He not only reunites with AD but also with fellow 2016 champion, Kyrie Irving. Apart from that, it will be a golden chance to play with a potential future superstar, Copper Flagg.
| LeBron James’ Next Team | Bovada Odds |
| Mavericks | +125 |
| Heat | +500 |
| Cavaliers | +550 |
| Warriors | +600 |
| Knicks | +800 |
Heat, huh? This seems like a strange pick. Even Jimmy Butler is no longer there to form a strong superstar duo. Tyler Herro seems to be the only reliable offensive option. What is the incentive, then? The acquisition of Norman Powell certainly makes them stronger.
But Bam Adebayo does give a two-way option. LBJ may extract the best out of the strong center, with a nonstop pick-and-roll dosage. Hasn’t James been missing an All-Star level center since forever. But the core doesn’t scream championship.
It doesn’t make sense even as a spot where James can play with an exciting, high-quality prospect. This fit doesn’t make sense, and yet Bovada has them this high.
Makes the most sense. When James returned to the Cavs in 2015 after his unceremonious exit in 2010, he relayed he wants to retire as a Cavalier. Why not! This is where it all began, the KING James story. This is where he had his redemption arc with the 2016 championship.
The Cavs had the best record last season and needed someone level-headed like LBJ to make a difference in the playoffs. Donovan Mitchell can take a break from major scoring duties and let James do his thing.
The defensive duo of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen is something James needs at this point. I am not sure if he is the answer for the Cavs’ quest for a second championship. But what a farewell tour it can be!
Stephen Curry and LBJ looked like fast friends during the 2024 Olympics. Many NBA fans dreamed of watching them together each night in the NBA. One makes the impossible shots, the other paves the way for the easiest buckets. A one-two punch never seen before!
It would be an epic farewell tour, too. Add two-way phenom Jimmy Butler to the equation, and it makes one of the best and experienced trios in NBA history.
But there is a downside to it. The ageing Dubs can be a mess against the fast-paced teams. Injuries can pile up, too, and it can be another Big Three experiment gone wrong.
The New York Knicks have also emerged in Bovada projections, but I highly doubt James’ move to the city that never sleeps. Overall, the biggest likelihood is that James remains with the Lakers. He opted in on a $50 million+ amount in his last year of the contract.
A buyout in this case can be tricky. LBJ may not feel comfortable with such an achievement. Meanwhile, he may resent being traded, too. The Lakers fanbase has been disappointed with the team’s offseason.
However, the team has a viable center option in DeAndre Ayton now. Running it back with Doncic in this can be worth it. LeBron James may retire as a Lakers athlete, especially considering his son Bronny James is etched in there, but who knows?
Photo Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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