5 Potential Landing Spots if the LA Lakers LeBron James Opts Out
Ben DiGiacomo
Host · Writer
Philadelphia 76ers
Of all the teams wanting LeBron’s services, no team would have an easier time making it work logistically than the Philadelphia 76ers, as they have a max-slot open that they are desperately eyeing to fill with a star. LeBron has spoken glowingly of Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey in the past, and if LeBron were to join forces with them in Philly, the 76ers would vault as favorites to come out of the East. Who knows if LeBron wants to finish his playing career in Philadelphia, but if he wants to add another championship to his resume before hanging it up, there is no better opportunity than Philly on the court. Maybe Embiid can do a little recruiting this summer in the Olympics, just as LeBron set into motion his move to Miami years ago.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers are about to enter the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Boston Celtics. Frankly, no one thinks they have a shot at winning it all, let alone beating the Celtics. LeBron James will go down as the best player to ever represent the Cavaliers’ franchise by a mile, and it’s clear that the current team needs another piece to get over the hump. Winning in the East is much easier than in the West right now, and LeBron can easily envision success playing alongside Donovan Mitchell and the rest of the squad they build. Getting LeBron to leave Hollywood will be challenging, but to go back home one more time is certainly possible.
Miami Heat
Another one of LeBron James’s former franchises is star-hunting, and who wouldn’t want to play basketball in South Beach? Let alone twice? LeBron owes two of his rings to the Miami Heat, and the current state of the Heat is one big piece away from competing atop the Eastern Conference that is wide open heading into the fall. If LeBron gives Pat Riley a call, the Heat will indeed find a way to make it work.
Golden State Warriors
To start, if LeBron opts to stay in the Western Conference next season, it’s fair to assert that he doesn’t care about winning a championship. He’s not beating Denver, certainly, and it’s hard to envision his current Lakers’ team beating Oklahoma City, Minnesota, or Dallas without serious roster moves that don’t appear to be on the horizon. However, LeBron James would certainly be open to playing alongside Stephen Curry. First off, imagining LeBron in a Golden State Warriors uniform is absurd, but the Bay is only a short plane ride away from his Los Angeles home, so making a move there is not too extreme. Again, staying in the West is mind-boggling if he wants to win a championship, but Steph Curry would at least keep his championship window slightly cracked open.
New York Knicks
Many have dreamed of Getting LeBron James to Madison Square Garden since he stepped foot onto an NBA court over twenty years ago. Finally, the New York Knicks are competitive enough that LeBron can imagine winning it all in the Big Apple. He’d welcome playing next to Jalen Brunson alongside their strong group of role players who work so well together. After all, this is New York City we’re talking about. Don’t count it out, LeBron!
Philadelphia 76ers
Of all the teams wanting LeBron’s services, no team would have an easier time making it work logistically than the Philadelphia 76ers, as they have a max-slot open that they are desperately eyeing to fill with a star. LeBron has spoken glowingly of Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey in the past, and if LeBron were to join forces with them in Philly, the 76ers would vault as favorites to come out of the East. Who knows if LeBron wants to finish his playing career in Philadelphia, but if he wants to add another championship to his resume before hanging it up, there is no better opportunity than Philly on the court. Maybe Embiid can do a little recruiting this summer in the Olympics, just as LeBron set into motion his move to Miami years ago.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers are about to enter the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Boston Celtics. Frankly, no one thinks they have a shot at winning it all, let alone beating the Celtics. LeBron James will go down as the best player to ever represent the Cavaliers’ franchise by a mile, and it’s clear that the current team needs another piece to get over the hump. Winning in the East is much easier than in the West right now, and LeBron can easily envision success playing alongside Donovan Mitchell and the rest of the squad they build. Getting LeBron to leave Hollywood will be challenging, but to go back home one more time is certainly possible.
