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ESPN’s Dave McMenamin Claims ' James Could Sign With The Clippers'

Originally posted on AirJordanChronicles | By Utsav Sinha | Last updated Apr 1, 2026 8:37 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers are preparing for the end of the 2025-26 season. However, a surprising new free agency destination has just emerged for LeBron James.

ESPN’s Dave McMenamin and Tim Bontemps recently dropped a huge update regarding the future of LeBron James. They reported that James could actually sign with the Los Angeles Clippers following the end of the 2025-26 season.

The entire scenario revolves around the ongoing league investigation. The NBA is currently investigating Clippers star Kawhi Leonard and his endorsement deal with a company called Aspiration. The league is trying to figure out if payments tied to that deal violated strict salary cap rules.

Feb 26, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) against the Phoenix Suns in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

If the league finds that the Clippers broke the rules, the NBA could completely void Kawhi Leonard’s massive contract. If Leonard’s deal gets wiped off the team, the Clippers would gain enough financial flexibility to completely outbid the Lakers for James.

James’ current deal with the Lakers is coming to an end soon. Other teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors have been floated as options. But the Clippers offer something exceptional for a player at this stage in his career. James would not have to move his family at all.

Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue won a championship with James back in Cleveland. The two men have remained very close to this day, and James even pushed for the Lakers to hire Lue years ago.

The idea of LeBron in a Clippers jersey is hard to believe, but it is no longer impossible.

Why The Lakers Still Hold The Ultimate Advantage?

Despite this wild Clippers rumor, the Lakers still hold the biggest trump card in this free agency battle. That major advantage is James’ family.

Bronny James is currently in his second season playing for the Lakers. If the Lakers choose to stick with Bronny, then LeBron will have a huge reason to stay with the same franchise.

Additionally, LeBron might want his iconic career to end with a premier franchise. The Lakers offer an ideal stage for a possible retirement tour. On the other hand, the Clippers could offer a much bigger paycheck if the Leonard situation goes south.

The whole idea of James moving to the Clippers is hard to imagine right now. Yet, if the league drops the hammer on the Clippers, this could become a reality.

So, do you think that James will actually jump ship to the Clippers, or will he continue in the Lakers’ jersey?

This article first appeared on AirJordanChronicles and was syndicated with permission.

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