LeBron James Next Team Odds: LeBron Favored to Join Mavericks or Cavaliers if Lakers Trade Star
The Los Angeles Lakers will look to hold onto LeBron James for the final year of his contract after he picked up his massive player option, but could they change their mind and make a trade before the season starts? It looks like the Mavs and Cavs could be in the mix if the latest rumors are to be believed. Peter Alexis explores the most recent LeBron James Next Team odds.
Peter Alexis - July 3, 2025, 3:40 PM EDT
5 Minute ReadLeBron James Next Team Odds: LeBron Favored to Join Mavericks or Cavaliers if Lakers Trade Star
The Los Angeles Lakers have a set deal LeBron James for $52.6 million in the final year of his contract as of earlier this week. So officially, he's staying with the team for this upcoming season. However, there are a couple wrinkles involved, as there usually is surrounding LeBron James.
LeBron's agent, Rich Paul, said his star client is looking to compete for a championship this year, while noting the Lakers were building for the future. So while he's signed with the player option, they could still force a move to another contender in the months before the season.
If that happens, where could LeBron wind up? Let's take a look at the latest LeBron James Next Team odds as well as the Lakers chances if they are able to hold onto the aging superstar.
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LeBron James Next Team Odds (If Not Lakers)
Team | Odds | Implied Probability |
|---|---|---|
Dallas Mavericks | +250 | 28.6% |
Cleveland Cavaliers | +250 | 28.6% |
Golden State Warriors | +500 | 16.7% |
New York Knicks | +500 | 16.7% |
San Antonio Spurs | +800 | 11.1% |
Miami Heat | +800 | 11.1% |
Philadelphia 76ers | +1000 | 9.1% |
Despite signing his player option, LeBron James is still in the rumor mill for a potential exit from the Lakers before the season starts in October. If he leaves LA, it looks like the Mavericks (+250) and the Cavaliers (+250) are leading the early charge for his services. Both squads have young talent to trade in a package as they try to contend soon with a strong core.
Dallas Mavericks +250
It would be quite an ironic move if the Lakers trade him to Dallas, after stealing Luka Doncic away from the franchise last winter. There has been quite a controversy over Mavericks' GM Nico Harrison and his decisions during that time, but with Cooper Flagg now on the roster, the Mavs could be a desirable landing spot.
James would also be able to reunite with longtime teammate Anthony Davis in this scenario, who was moved over for Doncic in February. LeBron + AD + Cooper Flagg and a few others could be a lethal group for a one year run to the title, but is Dallas willing to give up significant pieces to make that happen? It's anyone's guess with Nico Harrison.
Cleveland Cavaliers +250
The Cavaliers got off to one of the best starts in NBA history, winning their first 15 games in a row. But it ultimately didn't take them to the promised land, as they were taken out with ease by the Indiana Pacers in the second round, 4 games to 1. They are looking to retool for 2026, and they've already made some moves to bolster the roster around Donovan Mitchell.
The Cavs traded Isaac Okoro for Lonzo Ball last week, with high hopes the eldest Ball brother can continue to rehab his career after devastating leg injuries and become a strong contributor. It remains to be seen who they would give up in the move for a 40-year-old LeBron, but they certainly have some pieces to make a splash. LeBron famously won it all with the Cavs in 2016, and would be returning to his hometown team, a fitting end to a legendary career.
Los Angeles Lakers 2025-26 Odds
The Los Angeles Lakers are considered to be in the mix for the 2025-26 season, despite a rough exit in the first round of the NBA Playoffs. After LeBron exercised his player option to stay with the team for his final year, their odds stayed strong at +1500, the sixth-best chance in the league.
2026 NBA Championship Odds
Luka Doncic will have to carry the squad for the most part, but they also added Deandre Ayton after the Blazers bought out his contract. The former first overall pick in the 2018 draft could see a career resilience in LA, but has been underwhelming compared to his original potential. He averaged just over 15 points and 10 rebounds for the Blazers in the last two years, but hasn't seen meaningful minutes since the Suns' run to the NBA Finals in 2021.
LeBron has said he wants to play for a contender, and technically they will be one, but will they be good enough to beat out teams like the Thunder, Cavs, and Knicks? That remains to be seen. LeBron has often taken major roles in front office moves, and will be pushing for them to add more pieces in free agency. If he doesn't feel they have a chance as the summer winds down, he and his agent could force a move. Stay tuned to this volatile market as NBA free agency rolls on.
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