The biggest NBA free agency saga now involves a 41-year-old.
LeBron James is officially on the market as he informed the Los Angeles Lakers Tuesday that he will not return to the team after eight seasons.
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Arguably the greatest of all time, James now has the entire league to pick from. Whether his motivation is another ring, happiness or elevating youth won’t be clear until he makes another decision.
But what is clear is that the league’s landscape is altering once again, as the Lakers have a hole to fill alongside Luka Doncic. And the franchise is capable of landing any name it desires.
So, where should James take his talents to next? These five teams make the most sense, though his profile fits with any franchise:
Golden State Warriors
Let’s start with the most controversial. The Warriors are expected to be in the mix for James as he could potentially team with Steph Curry and Draymond Green, once his biggest rivals in the mid 2010s. Golden State could also make a trade offer for Anthony Davis, though Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody are two contracts that would need to move off the books. Would such a move ruin James’ legacy? Or would playing alongside Curry and Co. elevate it more? It’s tough to see a possible team have the legs for a long championship run, but the rumors are there for a reason.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Going back to where it all started makes perfect sense, especially for a Cleveland team that is competitive and needs a true level-raising forward. Donovan Mitchell needs a true partner come playoff time, while Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen are capable of doing the dirty work down low (potentially trading one for a different forward profile also makes sense). James Harden reportedly is also willing to return on a cheaper deal to help contend. With better depth options, Cleveland wouldn’t be far off from the top of the East. And seeing James in Cleveland’s colors just feels right.
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Miami Heat
Speaking of reunions, Miami could be a perfect spot, too. With Giannis Antetokounmpo coming to town, the Heat have a true superstar to go with Bam Adebayo, Andrew Wiggins and Norman Powell. Erik Spoelstra is still the head coach and hasn’t lost his reputation of developing hidden gems. Miami’s clear roster hole is a pass-first playmaker. That’s the hole that James could fill as his legs wear down — and the Heat would instantly be a bigger threat because of it.
San Antonio Spurs
If another ring is the primary goal, James takes a shot in Texas. The Spurs are loaded with young talents, led by Victor Wembanyama, Dylan Harper, Stephon Castle, De’Aaron Fox and more. What killed San Antonio in the NBA Finals’ loss was not having enough veteran presence in clutch moments. Turnovers, poor shot selections and rushed moments all saw the New York Knicks take advantage with a 4-1 gentlemen’s sweep. James alleviates that with the Spurs also needing better forwards this summer. They also have the fresh legs on both sides of the ball to make it work.
Minnesota Timberwolves
An underrated ring-seeking option could be with the Timberwolves. On paper, their starting lineup would arguably be among the best in the league: LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards, James, Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert. There’s the right mix of defending and playmaking for James to fit into. The real question marks involve the depth beyond that, though. Naz Reid was traded for Ball while Donte DiVincenzo will be out most of the season with an Achilles tendon tear. Still, the he level of starting talent is something to consider.
Honorable mention
Sacramento Kings: Should “The King” close his story out with the Kings? After all, his first NBA game took place in Sacramento.
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