NBA Rumors: Top 5 landing spot for LeBron James if he quits Lakers next season
LeBron James and the LA Lakers came up short in the Western Conference Finals on Monday, dropping a 113-111 loss in Game 4 against the Denver Nuggets. With the series sweep completed, talk immediately shifted to what's next for the team.
During his post-game press conference with media members, LeBron James teased retirement, saying that he has a lot to think about going forward. The comments came as a shock to many considering that James still has one year left on his extension, with a player option for the 2024-25 season.
BetOnline.AG was quick to release odds for where James could potentially land this offseason if he winds up forcing his way out of LA.
Breaking down five teams LeBron James is most likely to join if he leaves the Lakers
Phoenix Suns (8/1 odds)
The Phoenix Suns already have a dynamic duo in Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, however, the team still came up short in the playoffs. While a new head coach could help fuel a more successful playoff run, the fact of the matter is the team could be looking to move on from Chris Paul.
As an elite facilitator, the list of players who could replace Paul, without taking scoring opportunities away from Booker and Durant is slim. While a move to Phoenix sounds unlikely, James would certainly be interested in joining a championship-caliber roster.
Cleveland Cavaliers (7/1 odds)
This one shouldn't come as much of a surprise. After the Cleveland Cavaliers came up short in the first round of the playoffs this year, many have high hopes for the young team's future.
Despite that, the possibility of LeBron James reuniting with the team for one final championship run where it all stated would be a fairytale storyline. Whether or not King James makes returns for another homecoming, only time will tell.
LA Clippers (5/1 odds)
Several years ago there was talk of Paul George or Kawhi Leonard potentially joining James in LA. Of course, the Lakers ended up securing Anthony Davis, while the Clippers landed both Leonard and George. Since then, the Lakers have won another chip, while the Clippers have struggled in the playoff due to the duos' injury record.
From the sounds of things, the team has two choices, either run things back with their core roster or make some big moves to try and trade one or both. Should they shake things up, LeBron James joining the Clippers would surely break the internet.
Philadelphia 76ers (7/2 odds)
After another disappointing second-round exit in the playoffs, the Philadelphia 76ers seem poised for a shake-up. With coach Doc Rivers gone and James Harden reportedly on his way back to Houston, the team could look quite different by the time the 2023-24 season rolls in.
With the addition of LeBron James to help facilitate things for reigning league MVP Joel Embiid, the sky could be the limit for the 76ers next season.
New York Knicks (3/1 odds)
It's hard to remember the last time the New York Knicks weren't in the running for a big-time superstar. It seems as though every offseason the team winds up in contention for a star, however, time and time again they come up short.
After another disappointing second-round exit to the Miami Heat, LeBron James' playoff experience could prove to be invaluable for the young Knicks core.