All signs point to LeBron James starting the 2025-26 NBA season with the Los Angeles Lakers. But will he finish it there?
That’s the question making the rounds in NBA circles.
This offseason has been different for LeBron. For the first time in his legendary career, the team he plays for isn’t loudly pushing for him to stay long-term. It’s understandable—he’s 40 years old now. But let’s be honest: he’s not just any 40-year-old trying to hang on. He was All-NBA last season.
The NBA is in a weird place right now. Teams are trying to plan for the future under a tough new collective bargaining agreement, and part of that future, realistically, doesn’t include LeBron. His recent appearances on the golf course have even sparked some talk about retirement.
Still, according to his agent Rich Paul, LeBron isn’t done chasing championships. He wants to compete—just maybe not in L.A.
So how would a LeBron trade even work?
A lot depends on how the Lakers perform early in the season. If they struggle, and if they truly want to pivot to a future built around Luka Dončić, the idea of trading LeBron could be on the table before the February 2026 trade deadline.
But there’s a catch: LeBron has a no-trade clause. That means the Lakers can’t trade him without his approval. He’d have to agree to a deal, and possibly give the team a list of preferred destinations.
If LeBron feels the Lakers aren’t giving him a real shot at winning, he might be the one who initiates a move. And given how calculated he is, he’d likely only agree to a trade that enhances his legacy and gives him a serious chance at another ring. It’s also hard to imagine a deal that doesn’t include his son, Bronny, now his teammate.
Of course, the Lakers aren’t required to trade him. They might want to honor what he’s done for the franchise—but they’ll also do what’s best for their long-term future.
Where Could LeBron Go? Possible Trade Destinations
Dallas Mavericks
Reuniting with Kyrie Irving and joining forces with Anthony Davis (if he’s also moved) could be intriguing. No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg would get a mentor in LeBron, and if healthy, this group could make real noise in the West.
Miami Heat
LeBron’s wife, Savannah, has openly said she misses Miami. And despite past tensions with coach Erik Spoelstra, their recent collaboration with Team USA suggests those are behind them. Miami needs offense, and pairing LeBron with Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro could reignite some of that 2012 magic.
New York Knicks
This would be a big-market, high-impact move. LeBron would reunite with former Cavs coach Mike Brown, and give a rising Knicks squad the leadership and poise it needs in a wide-open Eastern Conference.
Los Angeles Clippers
If LeBron wants to stay in L.A., this is the move. He knows Tyronn Lue well, and joining Kawhi Leonard and James Harden would make the Clippers instant contenders—on paper, at least.
Golden State Warriors
LeBron and Steph? We saw a glimpse of what that looks like during the Olympics. If the Warriors are still pushing for one last ring with Curry, adding LeBron (and maybe Bronny) would be box-office stuff.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Ending his career where it began would be poetic. He brought a title to Cleveland already—could he do it again? That depends on whether the Cavs are willing to shake up their current roster to make it happen.
Staying with the Lakers
In the end, the Lakers might decide to stick it out with LeBron and Dončić for one last push. If things go well, they re-evaluate next summer. If not, both sides may move on anyway.
What Could a LeBron Trade Look Like?
Trading LeBron (and Bronny) would be financially complex and likely involve multiple teams. But here are a few sample trade frameworks that could technically work:
🔁 To the Clippers
Lakers receive:
- Derrick Jones Jr.
- Bogdan Bogdanović
- Ivica Zubac
- Noah Clowney
- 2026 second-round pick
Clippers receive:
- LeBron James
- Bronny James
- Dariq Whitehead
Nets receive:
- 2027 first-round pick (from Clippers)
- Shake Milton
- Kris Dunn
🔁 To the Warriors
Lakers receive:
- Jimmy Butler
Warriors receive:
- LeBron James
- Bronny James
🔁 To the Heat
Lakers receive:
- Andrew Wiggins
- Nikola Jović
- Terry Rozier
- 2027 first-round pick
- 2029 pick swap
Heat receive:
- LeBron James
- Bronny James
- Dalton Knecht
