Where Could LeBron James Go Next? Top Landing Spots If He Leaves Lakers

LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers appear headed for a separation in the near future, whether before or during the 2025-26 NBA season or in the following offseason when James becomes a free agent. The most likely scenario involves James playing out the final year of his contract with the Lakers and then either retiring or signing elsewhere.

Alternative possibilities include the Lakers finding a suitable trade partner for James or, less likely, buying out his contract. This leads to the question of potential next destinations for James, either via trade or free agency next offseason.

Only a few teams are considered plausible trade destinations. The Dallas Mavericks are one option, linked to James multiple times due to his friendship with Kyrie Irving and their expressed interest in reuniting; Dallas also possesses contracts that could facilitate a trade. The New York Knicks are another potential option, having the necessary large salaries to match in a trade and possibly interest in adding a superstar, though they are already close to being championship contenders.