The place Will The King Play in 2025-26?

• LeBron James picked up his $52.6 million participant choice, however that doesn’t imply he’s staying in L.A.
• Lakers are heavy -700 favorites to maintain The King, with Cleveland and Dallas lurking at first rate worth
• See the entire LeBron subsequent group odds and the place the sensible cash ought to go

LeBron James simply locked in $52.6 million for subsequent season, however that doesn’t assure he’s staying put.

DraftKings posted subsequent group odds for the 40-year-old legend, and whereas the Lakers are -700 favorites, Wealthy Paul’s feedback this week had been telling: LeBron “desires to compete for a championship.”

For the primary time in 23 years, LeBron’s taking part in on an expiring contract. That’s not an accident.

Let’s break down the LeBron James subsequent group odds and discover the place the worth hides.

LeBron James Subsequent Workforce Odds

*First regular-season minute performed in 2025-26

The LeBron James subsequent group odds present the Lakers at -700, which interprets to about an 87% implied chance. Heavy, however not insurmountable if issues go sideways in L.A.

Bear in mind, this market is about the place LeBron performs his first regular-season minute. So even when he will get dealt on the deadline, whoever has him in October wins.

Odds as of July 5, 2025 at DraftKings. Use this DraftKings promo code when making any NBA futures guess.

Lakers Taking part in With Fireplace

At -700, the Lakers are rightfully favored. LeBron simply opted in, they’ve bought Luka now, and shifting a $52.6 million contract isn’t precisely easy.

The issue is that the Lakers’ 2025 free company has left tons to be desired. Los Angeles misplaced Dorian Finney-Smith to Houston and signed… Jake LaRavia? That’s not precisely shifting the needle for a man chasing ring quantity 5.

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst made a key remark: That is LeBron’s first time ever taking part in on an expiring deal. King James has by no means had this type of leverage earlier than, and it makes a possible commerce extra digestible for the Lakers if issues go south.

Los Angeles did add DeAndre Ayton on a two-year deal, however he’s been a headache in every single place he’s been. The 26-year-old missed group occasions and threw locker room tantrums, with Portland actually paying him to go away.

If the Lakers don’t make severe strikes quickly, LeBron’s camp might begin making calls. 4 groups reportedly already reached out to Wealthy Paul inside 24 hours of the opt-in information.

Greatest Worth Performs in LeBron Subsequent Workforce Odds

Cleveland at +600 is the play for those who’re betting in opposition to the Lakers.

The hometown narrative writes itself. LeBron was simply noticed on the Cavs’ apply facility (sure, he trains there each summer season, however nonetheless). They’ve bought Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley simply gained DPOY, and so they added Lonzo Ball. That’s an actual squad with top-5 NBA Championship odds.

The problem? Cleveland’s $20 million over the second tax apron. Making the cash work would require severe gymnastics and possibly a 3rd group.

Dallas at +800 has intrigue. The Mavs shocked the sporting world by buying and selling Luka, however they did obtain LeBron’s good friend, Anthony Davis, in return. Now they’ve bought Cooper Flagg coming in because the No. 1 decide. Add within the aspect of LeBron reuniting with Kyrie Irving, and you’ve got a implausible all-around storyline.

Nonetheless, the hypothetical commerce of LeBron to Dallas is met with a significant roadblock. A number of experiences point out the Mavs would solely pursue LeBron through buyout, not commerce. Good luck getting LeBron to go away $52.6 million on the desk.

Golden State at +1600 seems like wishful pondering. I can’t argue LeBron and Steph could be a great deal of enjoyable, however the Warriors are capped out and would want to intestine their depth.

High LeBron Subsequent Workforce Decide:

• Cleveland Cavaliers (+600)

LeBron Subsequent Workforce Longshots Value a Sprinkle

For those who’re feeling spicy, the Knicks at +2500 have sneaky enchantment.

New York has employed Mike Brown to be their new head coach – LeBron’s outdated coach from Cleveland. The Knicks are within the weaker Japanese Convention and have matching contracts for wage functions. To not point out, LeBron’s at all times flirted with the Backyard mystique.

Certain, the Knicks are saying they’re not , however which may simply be for present. In the event that they strike out on different strikes, a Mikal Bridges bundle for LeBron begins making a bit extra sense.