There had been plenty of rumors and speculation about LeBron James possibly leaving the Los Angeles Lakers in the recent offseason, but all of that slowed down after he opted into his player option and the Lakers opened the season strong with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves leading the way.
For one, this gives LeBron a real reason to stay. He finally has two other scorers he can rely on, and he can slide into a clear second or third role, something he could not do consistently in the past few years. But while the conversations about him leaving have slowed down, they have not disappeared.
Of course, people are wondering if this is LeBron’s final season because he’s declining and turns 41 this month. But the bigger question now seems to be whether this is his final season not in the league, but in Los Angeles, as recent reports suggest that this will be LeBron’s last season playing for the Lakers.
The buzz around the NBA is this will be LeBron James LAST season playing for the Lakers, per @EricPincus
(https://t.co/pDQfsfjMbk) pic.twitter.com/xIF75x9428
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) December 4, 2025
Whether that means retiring completely or extend his career elsewhere is still up in the air. But if we are going with the latter, the conversation naturally shifts to which teams would even make sense for him at this stage.
Some fans want him back with the Cleveland Cavaliers, others imagine a reunion with Anthony Davis on the Dallas Mavericks, and some picture him teaming up with Stephen Curry on the Golden State Warriors. But NBA analyst Max Kellerman believes he would fare well with the New York Knicks, taking on a Draymond Green-like role.
“Think of him like super Draymond Green on offense for the Knicks. He’s becomes the pick and roll partner for Jalen Brunson, and you can play five out with him even if Mitchell Robinson‘s in. For high-leverage moments, if you can keep him healthy and he’s doing much less,” Kellerman said.
