There’s one thing clear when it comes to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2023: something has to change if they want to win another title within the next couple of years.
Magic Johnson pointed out that one of the team’s biggest weaknesses is their age. While LeBron James is still one of the best basketball players on the planet, it’s hard to win when one of your key players is 39.
While rumors persist of James possibly calling it a career, the door is still open for him to try and win one more championship with another team. Since it’s becoming clear that winning in LA is a tall order at this point, the next-best thing for him is to find another team that would take him in.
The question now lies in which team would be ready to accept King James and provide him with the best shot at one last championship.
Teams LeBron James could end up on if he decides to leave the Los Angeles Lakers
Eddie Bittar of Fadeaway World noted three possible destinations for James, and all of them promise great returns for the superstar.
Golden State Warriors
The Warriors are struggling to build a competitive team around Stephen Curry, and both Klay Thompson and Draymond Green may be out the door as the Warriors try to rebuild.
It would be intriguing to see Curry play alongside James, who he shared a fierce rivalry with during the second half of the 2010s. However, it may not be worth for the Dubs to make a move on James and sabotage their future by limiting touches to Jonathan Kuminga.
Cleveland Cavaliers
LeBron has already gone back to Cleveland once, so what’s stopping him from making another return to the Land?
The Cavaliers may end up as a better fit for LeBron as the team needs another scorer in the postseason. Darius Garland is struggling against the Orlando Magic, and he can easily take over his spot.
Moreover, LeBron heading back to his hometown might convince Donovan Mitchell to stay.
Miami Heat
Speaking of poetic endings, LeBron James could possibly pull off a Shaq and leave the Los Angeles Lakers for the Miami Heat. Erik Spoelstra has built an exciting team with Jimmy Buter as the team’s nucleus and role players performing their roles to perfection.
If LeBron decides to join the Heat, they will instantly become one of the best teams in the East.
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