Veteran forward LeBron James has been predicted to leave the Los Angeles Lakers for the Golden State Warriors in the 2026-27 season.
In ESPN’s offseason survey, two out of 20 insiders selected the Warriors as James’ next team after he completes his final year with the Lakers. James, who exercised his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season, will play on an expiring contract for the first time in his 23-year career, with the opportunity to test the free-agency market.
“As James enters his 23rd NBA season, and after the drama that played out after he opted into his contract this summer, there has been plenty of speculation about his future,” wrote Tim Bontemps.
“There was far from any sort of consensus among the respondents here, however, with one Eastern Conference scout summing up the general sentiment well.”
LeBron – Lakers Split Inevitable?
The survey, which included insights from 20 coaches, scouts and executives across the NBA, concluded that James is more likely to play for a different team than the Lakers in the 2026-27 season. The following is the breakdown of the votes received:
Where will LeBron James be at the start of the 2026-27 season?
Los Angeles Lakers: 7
Retired: 5
Cleveland Cavaliers: 4
Golden State Warriors: 2
Dallas Mavericks: 1
Miami Heat: 1
“If I was taking the Lakers or the field,” said one anonymous league executive. “I’d take the field. But I’ll take the Lakers over any specific team, especially given they are the one with a clear path to pay him.”
“There also, though, were a few who thought this year will be James’ final trip around The Association. “It just feels like it’s where it’s going to end,” a Western Conference scout said.”
Will LeBron Call it Quits?
As the survey indicated, many insiders expected LeBron James to call time on his illustrious career after the 2025-27 season. The man himself has dispelled the retirement talk through various media appearances this offseason.
During his appearance on “360 With Speedy,” James was asked if his newfound love for golf was his way of hinting at retirement.
“I’m not hinting at anything,” James said. “Obviously, I know I’m on the other side of the hump, for sure. Come on now, I’m not about to play another 23 years, that’s for damn sure, and I’m not about to play another 10. I’m definitely gearing up to where the end is, I’m not there yet.”
“Listen, guys, every time I pick up something new, it does not mean retirement,” James added. “It’s just something I want to do, just a little hobby. But retirement is coming, it is coming. It’s just not here just yet.”
James, however, acknowledged that he was close to the finish line.
“Retirement is coming. It is coming. It’s just not here just yet,” he told Complex.
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