LeBron James has been defying expectations since the very beginning and continues to do so, remaining a formidable player well into his 40s. However, there is uncertainty about his NBA future this season, as his contract with the Lakers expires this offseason.
Currently in the final year of his two-year $101.3 million contract, James is set to become an unrestricted free agent for the first time since 2018. 8. While retirement remains a realistic possibility, his level of play this season suggests he is far from done, and the prevailing expectation is that he will continue.
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While nothing has been confirmed, speculation around LeBron James’ next move is already gaining traction.
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Fans and media alike have begun debating his possible destination for the 2026–27 season, with BetUS releasing its top five teams with the best odds to land James this summer.
With that in mind, here are the top five teams with the best odds to land LeBron James next season.
Top 5 Teams With Best Odds To Land LeBron James Next Season
#5. Philadelphia 76ers (+800)
The Philadelphia 76ers have emerged as a potential dark horse in the LeBron James sweepstakes, with BetUS listing them at +800 odds to land the superstar next season.
While the Sixers already have major money tied up in Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey, a trio set to account for nearly $153 million next year. Several rotation players, including Kelly Oubre Jr., Quentin Grimes, and Andre Drummond, are set to be free agents.
Their departures could open up flexibility for Philadelphia to explore a move for LeBron.
On paper, the Sixers boast one of the strongest rosters in the league, and if the core can stay healthy, James could realistically be the final piece to push them over the top.
#4. Denver Nuggets (+600)
Despite holding a massive cap allocation of $258.1 million for the 2026-27 season, the Denver Nuggets remain a possible landing spot for LeBron James. The team has been a title contender under Nikola Jokic’s guidance and could take the next step with LeBron James.
That said, the finances would be tight. As things stand, the Nuggets are projected to sit roughly $9 million over the first apron, meaning they would need to move a few contracts to create room for even a short-term deal for James.
Even with those constraints, Denver has been given better odds than Philadelphia. The belief is that the Nuggets have the trade assets and roster flexibility to make the numbers work, while also offering LeBron a realistic chance to chase a fifth NBA title alongside Nikola Jokic.
#3. New York Knicks +350
Despite carrying a larger cap commitment than the Denver Nuggets next season, the New York Knicks have been given better odds to land LeBron James. Much of New York’s cap space is taken up by its starting five, and it gives the front office flexibility, as those contracts can be moved if the right opportunity presents itself.
Additionally, the Knicks are currently projected to sit under the first luxury tax apron, meaning they could realistically create space with a single significant trade.
There’s also a familiar coaching angle at play. With Mike Brown having previously coached LeBron in Cleveland, a potential reunion could add another layer of intrigue to the Knicks’ chances of making a serious push for the veteran.
#2. Golden State Warriors (+250)
According to Spotrac, the Golden State Warriors are projected to have the least cap space in the league for the 2026–27 season, with more than $268.8 million committed in salary, putting them roughly $102 million over the salary cap.
However, because the NBA operates under a soft-cap system, Golden State can exceed the cap using Bird rights and extensions.
As things stand, the Warriors are still projected to sit about $32.9 million below the first luxury tax apron, which preserves a degree of roster flexibility and leaves them with some wiggle room to explore a move for LeBron James.
With the Lakers’ star previously expressing his desire to play with Stephen Curry, the Warriors remain a great option for the King next season.
#1. Cleveland Cavaliers (+150)
Unsurprisingly, the Cleveland Cavaliers have been given the best odds to land LeBron James this offseason. The kid from Akron has made a habit of coming back home after stints elsewhere, and another return to Cleveland would carry a certain poetic symmetry as he weighs his next move.
Like the other teams in the mix, Cleveland is facing a heavy cap sheet. The Cavs are projected to be around $96 million over the salary cap next season and are already above the first apron, with their payroll hovering close to the second apron as well.
That makes a reunion complicated from a financial standpoint. However, with Cleveland boasting a strong roster loaded with sizable contracts, the front office has clear trade pathways.
Edited by Arian Kashyap
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