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Two Contenders Emerge as Potential Landing Spots for LeBron James as Lakers Future Takes Bitter Turn
LeBron James (Image Credits: Imagn)

Two Contenders Emerge as Potential Landing Spots for LeBron James as Lakers Future Takes Bitter Turn

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports  |  By Afshan Khan  |  Last updated Mar 23, 2026 3:16 PM ET

LeBron James has undoubtedly been the face of the Los Angeles Lakers for the past seven seasons, but his eighth year with the franchise took some unexpected turns. As the 2025-26 NBA season kicked off, trade rumors began to swirl after the King faced a setback with sciatica, leading him to miss several weeks. However, upon his return, those rumors quickly quieted down.

Things took a dramatic twist when ESPN published an article detailing the friction between Lakers governor Jeanie Buss and James. This revelation reignited trade speculations, and recently, Sam Amick of The Athletic identified two leading contenders as potential landing spots for the 41-year-old veteran.

“As recently as late January, not long after an ESPN report detailed so much of the dysfunction in James’ relationship with the Lakers organization, the widely-held consensus around the league was that there’s no way he’d be back in a Lakers jersey. The Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors were, and are, often mentioned by league executives as his most likely destinations,” Amick wrote in his recent reports.

Amick revealed that James might not be returning to the Lakers, eyeing the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors as his top potential destinations. A reunion with the Cavaliers could beautifully circle back to where it all started, offering a storybook ending to his iconic career. On the flip side, teaming up with Stephen Curry on the Warriors would create a powerhouse duo that every fan has been dreaming about.

ESPN’s Tim MacMahon Predicts a Different Path for LeBron James

Amidst swirling rumors, Amick’s report has reignited discussions about LeBron James, but the current landscape suggests a different fate for the King. The Lakers, who faced a tumultuous February filled with defensive struggles, have turned it around with key adjustments. Deandre Ayton has stepped up on defense, while Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic have been making impactful offensive plays, all while James provides invaluable support.

This revamped strategy has propelled the Lakers to an impressive nine-game winning streak, effectively shutting down speculation about a potential split between James and the team. Recently, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon weighed in, expressing growing confidence that the 41-year-old will remain with the Lakers next season.

“LeBron’s thriving in that role. And if you’d have told me in late February, ‘Hey, LeBron might actually be back in LA,’ which (Windhorst) always tried to leave wiggle room and I never wanted to hear it, I’ll listen now. They’re enjoying each other, the chemistry has done a 180,” MacMahon said on the Hoops Collective Podcast.

The questions continue to swirl about whether James will stay with the Lakers after this season or part ways with the team. If he chooses to leave, which team will he join? Only time will tell.

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

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