LeBron’s Next Team Picks: Knicks and 76ers favored to land King James

  • BetOnline has odds on LeBron James’ next team if the NBA legend leaves the Lakers
  • The Knicks (+300) and 76ers (+300) are favored for the 38-year-old’s services
  • Oddsmakers aren’t ruling out a third stop in Cleveland (+700) or a final stretch in Golden State (+900)Β 

LeBron James floated retirement rumors after being swept by the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals. While his two-year, $97 million contract extension with the Lakers hasn’t even kicked in yet, could the 38-year-old be trying to leave Los Angeles after another year without a championship?

Before we look at LeBron’s Next Team odds, here’s where you can check out the latest 2023 NBA Playoff Betting Odds and our guide to betting on NBA basketball.

LeBron James Next Team (IF not Lakers)

TeamBetOnline Review
New York Knicks+300
Philadelphia 76ers+300
Los Angeles Clippers+500
Cleveland Cavaliers+700
Phoenix Suns+800
Golden State Warriors+900
Dallas Mavericks+1000
Miami Heat+1000
Sacramento Kings+1200
Milwaukee Bucks+1800
Chicago Bulls+2000
Boston Celtics+2500

King James is not retiring

LeBron James scored 40 points in LA’s 113-111 loss to Denver in Game 4. Following the game, the 19-time NBA All Star said he’s going to consider β€œif I want to continue to play.” While everyone knows this is a standard-issue cry for attention from James, he’s also trying to pressure GM Rob Pelinka to bring in a third star.

According The Athletic, “there is a known preference” that the 38-year-old wants the club to bring in free-agent point guard Kyrie Irving. But, what if the Lakers refuse to free up cap space for the flat-earther? Will the four-time league MVP try to force his way on to a different franchise and give himself a better shot at a fifth NBA title?

Knicks and 76ers favored

The Knicks (+300) are run by James’ former agent Leon Rose. And, if LeBron seriously wants to be considered superior to Michael Jordan, bringing the city of New York its first title since 1973 would do the trick. However, it’s questionable if teaming up with Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle will provide LBJ with any more support than he has now.

Philadelphia (+300) is enticing because of the presence of 2023 NBA MVP Joel Embiid. Yet, James Harden could be set to leave town as a free-agent and the 76ers don’t have a lot to offer the Lakers in a trade for LeBron.

New York KnicksLeBron's Next Team
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+300
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Philadelphia 76ersLeBron's Next Team
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+300
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Fun landing spots

The Clippers (+500) could offer up either of their oft-injured stars, Kawhi Leonard or Paul George, for James. But, it’s hard to say which franchise would be better off. And the Purple & Gold probably wouldn’t want to lose their biggest star to a team that plays in the same building.

LeBron brought Cleveland (+700) a championship back in 2016 before bolting to La La Land two years later. Could the boy from Akron, Ohio be plotting a third run in his home state? It at least seems more plausible than making a second-stop in Miami (+1000), where he won back-to-back titles in 2012 and 2013.

Best Bet

In all likelihood, LeBron James will finish his career in Los Angeles and play at least another two years. However, since you will get your money back if he returns to the Lakers, we might as well take a big swing with Golden State (+900).Β 

The Warriors have enough young assets to make a deal possible if King James decided to force his way to the Bay Area. And pairing LeBron with fellow four-time NBA champion Steph Curry would make for fascinating television.

Golden State WarriorsLeBron's Next Team
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+900
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Steve Starr

Steve is the quintessential American sports enthusiast. He has mastered the art of Sundays, devoting them to football, and barbecue parties. He proudly wears the hats of a good father, husband and a great dog owner. Aside from his decades of contributing to different top-tier sports publications, Steve has also found his niche on Twitter, where he publishes funny and relatable sports-related insights. When he's not busy tweeting, Steve loves to watch each game unfold live. He possesses an innate talent for finding humor in the sports world, appreciating both the thrilling moments and the comedic mishaps that make each event unique.