LeBron James' 10-Team Shortlist After Lakers Exit REVEALED; Retirement Talks Shushed

Last Updated:July 04, 2026, 13:33 IST

Rich Paul says LeBron James has 10 realistic landing spots after leaving the Lakers, while also hinting the NBA icon may continue playing beyond next season.

LeBron James may have officially parted ways with the Los Angeles Lakers, but according to his longtime agent Rich Paul, the NBA icon has no shortage of suitors.

Speaking on his Game Over podcast, Paul revealed that James has as many as 10 realistic destinations for the 2026-27 NBA season after deciding to leave the Lakers in free agency.

The four-time NBA champion and four-time MVP is preparing for what would be his 24th NBA campaign, although Paul suggested it may not necessarily be his final one.

Rich Paul Names LeBron’s Potential Landing Spots

Paul said calls from across the league have poured in since James became available, describing the interest as a reflection of the respect the 41-year-old continues to command.

“These calls I’m getting are a true testament to how you have respect in this game," Paul said he told James.

A whiteboard displayed during the podcast featured 10 teams Paul believes could realistically pursue James. Among them were the Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, Denver Nuggets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, Dallas Mavericks, Boston Celtics, San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks.

Paul even admitted that had the Knicks not won the NBA championship last month, they would have been overwhelming favourites.

“If the Knicks hadn’t have won, there wouldn’t even be no board. He would be going to the Knicks," he said.

Why Philadelphia Stands Out

Paul singled out Philadelphia as one of the strongest fits after the franchise reportedly acquired Jaylen Brown from Boston, a deal that cannot become official until the NBA’s free agency moratorium ends.

Adding James to a core featuring Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe and Brown would instantly create one of the league’s most formidable starting lineups.

“How could not have (his) attention when you have Maxey, Edgecombe, Brown and Embiid?" Paul said.

He added that James “unlocks everything there" and that “everything changed" once Brown arrived in Philadelphia.

Is This Really LeBron’s Final Season?

While speculation has intensified that the upcoming campaign could be James’ farewell, Paul poured cold water on that assumption.

“Who says this is going to be his last year?" he asked.

Meanwhile, the Lakers have already begun reshaping their roster, reportedly acquiring Walker Kessler from Utah in a sign-and-trade while also trading Deandre Ayton to Washington in exchange for Jaden Hardy and future second-round draft picks.

(with Reuters inputs)

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Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His...Read More

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