It sure seems like LeBron James‘ tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers is set to end this summer. After being the face of the franchise for much of the last eight seasons, the organization has made a pivot to building its future around young superstar Luka Doncic.
While there has been speculation that he could retire this summer, it still seems highly unlikely. With James expected to test free agency later this year, the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Golden State Warriors have all emerged as potential landing spots for different reasons. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst confirmed the idea this week.
However, the veteran NBA insider suggested there are also two other teams he is “keeping an eye on” as serious contenders for LeBron James this summer. So who could those mystery teams be? We offer up four likely options, including the New York Knicks.
Minnesota Timberwolves
If James continues to play, he will do so to pursue another championship. That limits his options, especially if he isn’t taking a veteran’s minimum. One team that could interest the NBA legend is the Minnesota Timberwolves.
They are one big piece away from winning it all after two straight trips to the Western Conference Finals. That is why they pursued Giannis Antetokounmpo before the trade deadline. They will attempt a trade again this summer. However, James could be a sensible one-year backup plan that would cost less, especially if they can offload some salaries.
Helping the franchise win its first NBA title would be a great swan song for the four-time MVP.
San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are well ahead of schedule as their young stars continue to show they are ready to compete with the league’s elites right now. If they don’t win it all this spring — which is likely — it would not be surprising if they try to add some veteran impact pieces this summer.
James could be a player they took a hard look at. He would be a big improvement over their current options at forward, and at the very least could impart the knowledge of what it takes to win it all on their young core.
New York Knicks
There have been rumors and speculation about LeBron James playing in New York for years. Yet, it never came close to happening. But that could change this summer. If New York doesn’t win a championship or disappoints in the Finals, they will certainly make changes in the offseason.
They are one of the teams that will pursue Antetokounmpo, but could pivot to James if they can’t acquire the Greek legend. The 21-time All-Star competing for a title inside Madison Square Garden for his final season would definitely appeal to him.
Denver Nuggets
As mentioned before, James will be hunting one last championship run in what is expected to be his final season in the league. Yet, there are many contenders who are locked into certain players for next season. However, if James is open to taking half of what he makes this season ($52.6 million), an intriguing option could be the Denver Nuggets.
The Nuggets could prove this spring that they don’t need James. However, if it looks like they are one big piece away from overcoming the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, and San Antonio Spurs, James could be that piece.
The combo of Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and James would be formidable. And the 41-year-old would certainly be interested in playing with the greatest player of his generation, “Joker.”
