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LeBron James Next Team: Odds and Betting Predictions if Not Lakers

by Mike Allen - 5/31/2024

LeBron James next team predictions

It’s hard to believe sometimes that LeBron James is still playing in the NBA and at such a high level. The freak from Akron, Ohio, made his debut straight out of high school for the Cleveland Cavaliers on October 29th, 2003. The world of basketball hasn’t been the same since.

After Michael Jordan took the game to new heights with his 4-foot vertical leap and subsequent 6 NBA Titles, James came along and nearly matched him, leaping 44 inches straight up into the air.

I know James has a solid 2 inches on MJ, but I don't recall Michael looking down at the rim like we have seen King James do countless times. Jordan seemed to fly farther. However, for me, nobody can get up as high as James.

Before we start the timeless debate that will live on for likely a century, the sports world is salivating to see where James will play next. Will he decline his player option and stay in LA?

Right now, the Los Angeles Lakers are the odds-on-betting favorite to draft his son, Bronny, whose attributes and name power have each escalated him to a projected second-round draft pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.

The skills fall short for the young man in comparison to other NCAA athletes, especially the European players. That's alright, though. Skills can improve. However, genetics are genetics, and he's clearly elite in that regard.

Back to the father who continues to defy father time. The nearly 40-year-old from the athletic epicenter that is Akron has yet to make his mind up, or at least show his cards, regarding where he will be playing this upcoming season.

He has accomplished everything in the league already. He wants to play with his son. Who wouldn't? Now, will that be in the City of Angels or elsewhere? Today, let's focus on every other potential landing spot besides staying with the purple and gold.

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Golden State Warriors: +400

The Golden State Warriors have a highly intelligent front office, and I don't see them selling out for LeBron, much less Bronny. Neither of these two is the value play. The Warriors need to take a couple of steps back before they move forward.

This has been coming for a couple of years now, and this next season will likely be the first of a few rebuilding years for the Warriors.

Cleveland Cavaliers: +500

I don't mind this pick here, as it would be fitting for James to finish up his career with the team that drafted him #1 overall more than two decades ago.

We have already seen a similar situation in the state of Ohio with Ken Griffey Jr playing alongside his pops for the Reds. I imagine it depends on if Donovan Mitchell stays in Cleveland or not. He is a quiet, humble, and focused player who would be an excellent mentor on the court for Bronny if this increasingly more transparent master plan continues to manifest.

New York Knicks: +600

As a Knicks fan, it’s a little too late, Lebron! We could have used you several years ago, but now you want us to draft your underdeveloped son and sign you as a 40-year-old man for who knows how much money.

I know the Knicks, though, and this is exactly the type of big-money/small-brained move this front office has been known for for decades. It isn't surprising to see New York this high on the betting board.

Chicago Bulls: +700

I don't see him in Chicago. He definitely isn't wearing #23 or getting a statue out in front of the United Center.

Philadelphia 76ers: +800

James has learned to play so well alongside a big man like Anthony Davis. Competing alongside Joel Embiid would be something to see. However, unless it's with New York, I don't see James playing for anyone on the beast coast.

Miami Heat: +900

James had some of his best years with the Miami Heat, but that ship has since sailed past the Panama Canal and over to LA.

Dallas Mavericks: +1800

What a surge we are witnessing in real-time from Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks. Would a King and possibly Bronny James insertion take them to the next level?

Personally, I think they have a solid chance of defeating the Celtics in the Finals. However, it is hard to imagine a team with the best chemistry in the league throwing in a wild card x3 at this point.

You have a kid who isn't ready, and a King who is over the hill, and they are father and son. That doesn't sound like a Walter White-approved experiment to me.

Pick: Lebron James to the Cleveland Cavaliers: +500

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