Even at 40, LeBron James is still coveted by most teams in the league. Aside from playing well at an advanced age, the publicity with his name will attract even the most casual fans of the game. For the team that could sign him in the upcoming offseason, it’s guaranteed that their revenue will shoot up the charts, even with a one-year rental of LeBron.
Entering what would be his 23rd season, LeBron continues to defy Father Time and is still widely considered one of the best in the league today. While we can’t deny that he only has one or two years left before calling it quits, it’s anybody’s guess where he’ll go after the Lakers’ season abruptly ends.
We know the offseason is still far away, but for the fun of it, let’s look at the five best teams for LeBron James to sign next season and the five teams that need to stay very far away from his services.
Which teams should LeBron James sign with next season?
Should Sign: New York Knicks
This should have happened in 2010 before Miami swooped in to lure LeBron James to Florida. Well, after fifteen years, it’s never too late, eh?
Despite the Knicks being billed as a contender in the Eastern Conference for the past couple of years, we can’t help but notice that they are a superstar away from truly competing for a title. As brilliant as Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns are, they need a megastar like LeBron to lead them to the promised land.
Imagine all the hype and publicity that the Knicks would get should LeBron sign with them this offseason. It would be worldwide news, and all eyes would be on the Knicks. Pretty sure that James Dolan would love that.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NBA stories via Google! Follow Us
Should Avoid: Los Angeles Clippers
While it would be tempting for LeBron James to reunite with his old coach Tyronne Lue, it’s best that he stays away from LA’s little brother. While there’s no doubt that the Clippers are a star away from making a title run, it would be disastrous for LeBron to try to be a savior for this often overlooked franchise.
James Harden might have good games here and there, but he’s on the wrong side of his 30s and can no longer be trusted in big playoff moments. Kawhi Leonard is often injured during the regular season. Does LeBron want to play hero ball in the regular season at the advancing age he is now?
Perhaps not. Despite having a new stadium, it’s best for the ‘King’ to stay away from the Clippers this offseason. Having three aging guys is not a good recipe for success in the NBA.
Should Sign: Dallas Mavericks
This would be a bit awkward, especially since LeBron James was teammates with Luka Doncic last season, but the pairing would make sense. Bron would reunite with his former buddies, Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis.
Should he sign with the Mavs, expect that James will be welcomed with open arms by their fans. Their roster is deep, and they are only a star away from competing for a championship. LeBron will fit nicely with their current roster, and chemistry should not be an issue since he’s familiar with AD and Kyrie’s play style.
Should Avoid: Miami Heat
While there’s history between the two, the Heat are currently in a state of disarray. Bam Adebayo has regressed, and their bench guys aren’t producing at an elite level anymore.
Miami is at a crossroads right now, and LeBron James should steer away from signing with them in the offseason. Just imagine a trio of James, Herro, and Adebayo? Does that scream a title-contending team? Hell no.
No offense to Miami, but they are better off rebuilding than adding a star in the summer.
Should Sign: Denver Nuggets
This may be farfetched, but it would work 100%. As brilliant as Michael Porter Jr. is as a player, he’s not on par with LeBron James’ talent. Yes, a 40-year-old LeBron is way superior to MPJ, and that’s not even a discussion.
Looking at the Nuggets, the small forward spot has always been their Kryptonite. Sure, Porter Jr. is still young, but replacing him with James should be a no-brainer. Just imagine Nikola Jokic and LeBron playing for the same team. The potential is limitless.
Honestly, Bron will retire with two more rings should this dream pairing come true.
Should Avoid: Philadelphia 76ers
The City of Brotherly Love would make a lot of sense for LeBron James, but it’s best if he stays away from this once-proud franchise.
For starters, we’ll never know if Joel Embiid can ever be a hundred percent on the floor again. Paul George had his moments, but he was too inconsistent last season. To come and think of it, their best asset right now is Tyrese Maxey.
If LeBron wants to win another championship before he rides off into the sunset, it’s best that he should cross out the Sixers on his wish list this summer.
Should Sign: Los Angeles Lakers
Even though LeBron’s camp told the media that he’ll take his time before deciding where to play next season, it would be logical for him to stay with the Lakers, especially with Luka Doncic in tow.
Although the Lakers fell short of their goal this year, it was an expected outcome. Who are we kidding anyway? We truly expected some growing pains on the floor between Luka, Bron, and AR, regardless of their talents.
A good offseason, plus bolstering their frontcourt, should do the trick for LA. They desperately need a big man or two next season. Once they address that, this team is good to go. A full training camp under coach JJ Redick will help a ton, too.
Should Avoid: Houston Rockets
The Rockets need a superstar after their untimely exit in the 2025 playoffs. Would LeBron James be the answer to their problems?
While it’s nice to think about James joining the young core of the Rockets, he’ll be better off avoiding the team at all costs. This is a team that needs at least a couple of years to become a true contender, and James isn’t getting younger. Time isn’t on his side.
Even if he elects to join them, the Rockets will still be a tier below the likes of the Thunder, Warriors, Timberwolves, and Nuggets.
Should Sign: Cleveland Cavaliers
If there’s a team that would make sense for LeBron James other than the Lakers, it would be Cleveland. Their most significant need right now is an elite small forward, and James would fit perfectly in that lineup.
It also helps that the Cavs are one of the best teams in the NBA right now. James is aware of that, and finishing his career back where it all started would be global news.
Are the Cavs instant contenders if James signs with them? For how they are structured right now, that’s a resounding YES! Imagine James in a Cavs uniform(again) next season. That would be an incredible sight to see.
Should Avoid: Golden State Warriors
It’s no secret that James would love to have a chance to play with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, but it would be a wise decision for him to steer away from the Dubs if he hopes to win one more title before he hangs his sneakers up.
Surprisingly, the Warriors are still title contenders in 2025, but their core is on the wrong side of the 30s right now. Adding LeBron James, who will turn 41 next season, would instantly make GSW one of the oldest teams in the league.
Can a 38-year-old Curry and a 41-year-old James have what it takes to lead this team to a title? That’s hard to fathom, if we’re being honest with it. They have to grind an 82-game season, plus endure the physicality in the playoffs. At their advancing age, that spells disaster rather than success.
