NBA: LeBron James Next Team Full Odds and Prediction (2025)

• The Lakers were eliminated in the postseason’s first round in 5 games.
• LeBron James is currently signed through next season for $52.5 million.
• He now must decide whether he will stay on that contract or go elsewhere.

After being eliminated in the first round by the Timberwolves, the Lakers and LeBron James have some major decisions to make. LeBron has already brought up the possibility of retiring, but has enough left in the tank to continue playing. Could a new location be on the horizon?

LeBron Next Team Odds & Prediction

Los Angeles Lakers (-1000)

The most likely possibility is that LeBron stays in Los Angeles. There are quite a few things keeping him there. His desire to play on a team with Bronny is likely still the biggest factor. James is also signed through next season with the Lakers, due to make $52.5 million in his age-40 season. Leaving all that money on the table to play somewhere different from his kid and the team he helped build starts to seem pretty unlikely, yet a change of pace is still possible.

Retirement (+800)

Despite the money he’s due to make, LeBron is getting up there in age. It’s not like he really needs the extra year of income at this point anyway, so retirement appears to be a legitimate possibility. Leaving the court would also allow him to take on a more official leadership role, and perhaps an eventual coaching gig. LeBron’s retirement will almost certainly happen in the next few years, but it’s a toss-up if he does so in 2025 with this much gas still left in the tank.

Cleveland Cavaliers (+1200)

A Cleveland homecoming seems likely at some point for LeBron. Whether or not he plays another full season with the Cavs or just signs a 1-day contract to retire in Cleveland is a bit more up in the air. The Cavaliers probably don’t want to touch their current roster, which has them as contenders to win the NBA Finals. On the other hand, it’d be tough to turn down a request from LeBron. In 2025, this seems pretty unlikely, but I won’t rule it out down the line.

Brooklyn Nets (+2000) / New York Knicks (+2500)

In the unlikely event that LeBron leaves LA, doesn’t retire, and doesn’t return to Cleveland, oddsmakers have the Big Apple pegged as his most likely destination. The rebuilding Nets are currently a more likely destination than the Knicks, who would face similar challenges to Cleveland uprooting their current roster. Either destination would help LeBron cement his legacy, especially if he brought new levels of success to those struggling New York franchises.

LeBron Next Team Odds Chart