The Los Angeles Lakers seemed to be headed in a different direction when they pulled off the shocking Luka Doncic trade in 2025. LeBron James was once the face of the franchise, but given his age, it was only a matter of time before the franchise gave the keys to the car to Doncic to lead the way.
James has decided to play another season, but he will not return to the Lakers. Now, the 41-year-old hits the free agent market looking to find a match that will help him win the fifth title of his career.
Where will James spend the 2026-27 campaign? Could he return to the Cleveland Cavaliers for a third career stint? Is it possible he remains in the state of California and joins the Golden State Warriors? What about a surprise team entering the mix?
Let’s discuss the favorites and assess some LeBron James next team predictions, including outcome payouts from PrizePicks Team Picks.
Make predictions on LeBron James' next team and other NBA free agency outcomes on PrizePicks.
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LeBron James Next Team Predictions: Warriors the Favorite
While James might only have one season left, he proved that he can still be a productive player. Despite the Lakers dealing with injuries to Doncic and SG Austin Reaves, he helped them knock off the Houston Rockets in the first round of the playoffs en route to posting 23.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 7.3 assists in 10 total postseason games.
With that in mind, there should be no shortage of championship contenders interested in signing James. Among them is the Warriors, who are the current favorites to add him.
Payouts below show potential returns on correct Team Picks predictions. A 2x payout returns $200 on a $100 entry. Lower multipliers reflect outcomes users are picking as more likely. Payouts are live as of writing and subject to change.
LeBron to the Warriors in NBA Free Agency?
The Warriors are trying to help PG Stephen Curry make another run at a championship. Two seasons ago, they landed SF Jimmy Butler in a trade with the Miami Heat. Last season, they added PF/C Kristaps Porzingis in a deal with the Atlanta Hawks after Butler tore his right ACL.
Butler could miss the beginning of next season, but the Warriors have already brought back Porzingis on a two-year contract. PF Draymond Green also declined his $27.7 million player option, giving the Warriors flexibility to improve their roster before he potentially signs a long-term pact to return.
The Warriors are in win-now mode with Curry being 38 years old. If they add James and bring back Green, they could certainly at least be in the playoff hunt in the Western Conference. If Butler were to return on time and if Porzingis can stay healthy, they'd potentially have a scary starting five heading into the playoffs.
Geography also works in the Warriors’ favor in terms of landing James. He would remain in the state of California, giving him the opportunity to remain near his family and off-the-court business commitments.
Add all of it together, and that's why Golden State is considered the favorite to sign James.
Warriors Payout for LeBron James' Next Team: 1.51x via PrizePicks Team Picks
LeBron to the Cavaliers in NBA Free Agency?
The Warriors might be the favorite, but don’t count out the Cavaliers, another win-now team. They just made it to the Eastern Conference Finals, although they were bounced with ease by the eventual NBA Finals champion New York Knicks.
Despite PG James Harden declining his player option for next season, he's reportedly working towards a long-term contract with the franchise and is forming plans around flexibility for James.
A starting five of Harden, James, SG Donovan Mitchell, PF Evan Mobley, and C Jarrett Allen is tantalizing and could be a top contender to emerge from the East.
Originally drafted by the Cavs and then winning a title during his second run with the franchise, it'd be poetic if James finished his historic career with a third time in Cleveland. A storybook ending would be leading them to his fifth championship.
Cavaliers Payout for LeBron James' Next Team: 3.7x via PrizePicks Team Picks
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LeBron James' Other Possible Landing Spots
Miami Heat
James previously won two championships during his four seasons with the Heat. After they recently acquired PF Giannis Antetokounmpo in a blockbuster trade with the Milwaukee Bucks, Miami may be back in contention once again.
To land Giannis, the Heat had to give up a lot of their depth. James would immediately fill a key role and further improve the Heat’s chances of making a deep playoff run.
Heat Payout for LeBron James' Next Team: 6.66x via PrizePicks Team Picks
San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs were on the cusp of winning a championship last season but wilted in the Finals against the Knicks. They have one of the most talented rosters in the league, unquestionably.
It was their lack of playoff experience that really stood out against New York. Adding James would immediately rectify that issue by giving all-world C Victor Wembanyama and San Antonio one of the most playoff-tested men in NBA history.
Spurs Payout for LeBron James' Next Team: 6.66x via PrizePicks Team Picks
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves have already made major changes to their roster, trading away PF Julius Randle and PF/C Naz Reid. They were able to bring back SG Ayo Dosunmu and also landed PG LaMelo Ball from the Charlotte Hornets.
As Minny tries to get over the hump and reach the NBA Finals, James could give them another playmaker and scoring option to take pressure off SG Anthony Edwards.
Timberwolves Payout for LeBron James' Next Team: 33.33x via PrizePicks Team Picks
Predict LeBron James’ Next Team in NBA Free Agency Don PrizePicks
James will continue his NBA career for at least one more season, but it won’t be as a member of the Lakers. The Warriors are the favorite to sign him, although two of his former teams in the Cavaliers and Heat could also be in the mix near the top.
As far as the up-and-comers go, the Spurs and Timberwolves are two long shots that might throw their hat into the ring. Which NBA free agency predictions will wind up coming true? Make picks on LeBron James’ next team on PrizePicks and PrizePicks Team Picks to earn real money if you're right.
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