Could LeBron James finish his legendary career in another jersey? According to multiple sources — don’t rule it out.
In the wake of the Lakers’ first-round playoff exit to the Minnesota Timberwolves, The Athletic reports that people close to LeBron James are not ruling out the possibility of him playing elsewhere in pursuit of a fifth championship.
“Might James think about finishing his career elsewhere in pursuit of a fifth ring? When posed that question, both league sources close to James and team sources would not rule that possibility out. And that was before the revealing elimination game.”
— The Athletic
A Franchise in Limbo
LeBron, who will turn 41 next season, has a $52.6 million player option he must decide on by June 29. While the easiest path would be to return for a farewell season — a Kobe-style tour with the All-Star Game set for Los Angeles — sources say that outcome isn’t guaranteed.
The Lakers’ early playoff flameout, lack of size, and ongoing roster concerns may be testing LeBron’s patience. After Game 5, James made headlines with a cryptic postgame statement:
“S—, I got a lot to think about myself. I don’t know what the roster will look like. I don’t know where I stand right now.”
Why Would LeBron Leave?
- The Lakers failed to replace Anthony Davis with a trusted interior presence
- Rudy Gobert dominated Game 5 with 27 points and 24 rebounds
- James himself referenced the consequences of speaking out — a callback to Davis voicing frustration before being traded
Even Rob Pelinka admitted on Thursday that James will have “high expectations” for next season’s roster, especially regarding the center position.
What’s more, there’s already speculation about a possible reunion with Kyrie Irving in Dallas — a pairing James has reportedly wanted for years.
Don’t Expect a Pay Cut & Possible Destinations
If James does stay, he’s not expected to give the Lakers another discount. Last summer, he took a $2.7 million cut to help the team stay under the second apron — and the front office still failed to land any of his preferred targets (Harden, DeRozan, Klay, etc.).
With Luka Dončić already in L.A., the Lakers have committed to a younger star, but it remains unclear how LeBron fits into that longer-term plan — if at all.
As for the destination, As for the destination? One scenario gaining traction is a blockbuster move to the Dallas Mavericks — a team already stacked with talent and led by Luka. An incredible reunion with Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving could set the stage for a “romantic last dance” — one last epic run for the King alongside two familiar faces.
Another option? A homecoming to Cleveland. The Cavaliers are young, dangerous, and deeper than ever. If LeBron wants to go full circle and finish where it all began, this move would make poetic sense — and basketball sense, too.
New York and Miami are still in the conversation, but both are long shots. The Knicks would be a media spectacle, and Miami offers nostalgia — but neither situation offers the stability or star pairing that James likely craves.
Bottom line: the King has options — and every move from here on out will define his final legacy.
UPDATE: A Return to Miami Has Emerged as a Possibility
CBS Sports’ Ashley Nicole Moss added fuel to the fire this week by floating the possibility of a LeBron-Heat reunion.
“They’ve lost a lot [in Miami]… including Jimmy Butler. I think it’d be similar to the situation he’s dealing with in LA right now,” Moss said. “So again, this would be another nostalgic move. I don’t think this would be a certified championship move for LeBron.”
It’s a fair point. While James made four consecutive Finals appearances and won two titles during his Miami stint, today’s Heat team lacks the firepower it once had. Outside shooting is thin, depth is in flux, and Butler’s future is uncertain.
