NBA Champion's Priceless Reaction to LeBron James-Clippers Speculation

Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

NBA Champion's Priceless Reaction to LeBron James-Clippers Speculation

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rolly Gacelo | Last updated May 19, 2026 9:59 PM ET

The incumbent team looks like the one most likely to land LeBron James next season. The Los Angeles Lakers front office has made it known that they want him back. The Cleveland Cavaliers also look like they could win the sweepstakes.

There is, however, one team coming out of left field — one that would probably shock most Lakers and NBA fans. James has a history of joining rival teams before, but this would still be a surprising move.

Sports prediction company Polymarket has released a list of teams that could land the player many consider the greatest NBA player of the 21st century. The first two teams were expected: the Lakers are No. 1 with a 65 percent chance, while James’ former team, the Cavaliers, are No. 2 at 28 percent.

The Los Angeles Clippers are surprisingly No. 3, with a 16 percent probability of landing King James. The Clippers still have Kawhi Leonard, and they added star point guard Darius Garland before the trade deadline.

However, the possibility of James joining the Clippers has not generated much excitement among fans. Most remain skeptical about it.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James reacts to a play during game with the OKC Thunder in the playoffsGary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

"LeBron really looked at the Lakers getting swept and said yeah let me go form the oldest superteam in NBA history” ," one user wrote in reply to a post made by NBA fan account NBA Central which has 2.2 million followers.

"Going from Lakers to Clippers? I think Bron would just retire ain’t no way. These headlines are dumb," said another.

Bron to the clippers?? Lmfaooo https://t.co/VkXM1qr9TS
— Dice⭐️⭐️ (@dicey_armaney) May 20, 2026

James former teammate Kendrick Perkins find the news so ridiculous, he said he can do the impossible before it can happen.

I gotta better chance of losing 100 pounds by this Friday https://t.co/AhxJg6OwsS
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) May 19, 2026

The Clippers look like they have something to offer for James but there are many factors at play in this scenario. The Lakers and the Clippers are city rivals and James, 41, might not want to go through another year being hated by his former fan base. The Lakers also got a better core headed by MVP contender Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

Not on Polymarket's prediction is the probability of the four-time champion retiring. James was asked about his future plans right after their exit in the second round of the playoffs and said that he will rest for now and talk to his family about it.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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