LeBron James next team odds 2026: Will LBJ join Stephen Curry, Draymond Green on Warriors? Reunion with Heat?

Let's begin with the obvious and recurring theme of every summer: The NBA offseason never disappoints.

The official word has come down from the camp of King James; LeBron will be continuing his basketball career somewhere other than the City of Angels…but where? Let's run through a few of the candidates and the odds courtesy of DraftKings. We are not considering salary caps or James' salary demands. Those issues quickly become non-issues once an NBA star's intentions become known.

LeBron James Next Team: Long Shots

Heat (+1000)

As desperate as Pat Riley may be to win another championship, it's a safe assumption LeBron's departure from South Beach burned a bridge that has yet to be repaired.

Mavericks (+3000)

A second act featuring LeBron and Kyrie is appetizing only because it worked once…a long time ago. Frankly, though, it feels like it would be way too much to put on first-year Head Coach Dusty May and even more importantly would set back the maturation of the cornerstone of this franchise's future, Cooper Flagg. Hard Pass.

Knicks (+3000)

There was a time not long ago that Knicks’ fans were begging LeBron to call Madison Square Garden home, but those days are ancient history now that Jalen Brunson has brought the Big Apple its first NBA Title since 1973.

Nets (+4000)

Rumors that Jaylen Brown winds up in Brooklyn. Believable. LeBron James to a team that is currently irrelevant in terms of winning a championship? Not a chance.

76ers (+5000)

Lebron James has played in 201 regular season games over the last three seasons. Joel Embiid has played in 96. Doubtful they could co-exist in the same locker room.

Clippers (+5000)

I like those odds better than the Nets but no way he goes from ShowTime to the other team in town. Just not his way.

LeBron James Next Team: Favorites

Cavaliers (+300)

Would be too good to have the King end his historic run with another championship in his hometown. Can that relationship work again, though? Like many a family, there were ups and downs during the first two marriages. Ohio is holding out hope the leaders in the clubhouse can’t find a way to put all the pieces together.

Warriors (-500)

A dream come true for Adam Silver, NBC, and all broadcasting partners of the Association. The rumor gaining traction by the moment has LeBron and Anthony Davis joining Draymond and Steph Curry for what would appear to be a final run. Yes, there will be aches and sore joints that will accompany what surely will be one of the oldest starting 5’s in the history of the NBA, but a tremendous opportunity for Advil, Motrin, Icy Hot or all of the above to tie their brand to what will be must watch TV all season.

The NBA offseason never disappoints.