LeBron James Next Team Odds & Prediction for 2024-25 Season: Lakers Favorites as Suns Rumors Swirl
We are examining the odds of LeBron James joining a new team as the NBA’s all-time scoring leader has not yet committed to returning with the Los Angeles Lakers, according to our top NBA betting sites.
LeBron James has been the master of leveraging his power in the NBA for the past two decades, and his upcoming free agency in 2024 is already generating major buzz as one of the top stories to watch.
During the 2023 offseason, the Los Angeles Lakers’ top player considered retiring before ultimately deciding to return for a sixth season with the team. Unfortunately, their season ended at the hands of the Denver Nuggets for the second year in a row. Despite leading his team to victory in the first NBA In-Season Tournament, it was a disappointing year for “The King” and his fellow players.
In the postseason, James displayed impressive statistics (27.8 PPG, 8.8 APG, 6.8 RPG), proving that the 20-time All-Star remains a valuable asset for a team with real NBA championship prospects as he approaches his 40th season. The question remains, however, which team will he be playing for in 2024-25?
Check out the most recent odds on LeBron James’ next team and the free agency rumors swirling around the Lakers superstar. These odds are exclusively available through our top Ontario sports betting sites.
LeBron James next team odds
Current odds as of May 28th.
| Team | DraftKings (ON) | FanDuel (ON) |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Lakers | -450 | -370 |
| Cleveland Cavaliers | +700 | +1100 |
| Golden State Warriors | +1200 | +1500 |
| Phoenix Suns | +2000 | +2200 |
| Philadelphia 76ers | +2000 | +750 |
| New York Knicks | +2500 | +1500 |
| Miami Heat | +2500 | +1100 |
| Dallas Mavericks | +2500 | +2600 |
| Oklahoma City Thunder | +4000 | +2900 |
| San Antonio Spurs | +4500 | +2900 |
LeBron James free agency rumors
After the Lakers were knocked out of the 2024 NBA playoffs, speculation began to circulate regarding whether James would choose to exercise his $51.4 million player option for the 2024-25 season, and potential destinations if he decides to move on.
The Lakers star dismissed the early rumors, emphasizing that he is focused on spending time with his family and friends as he approaches a key free-agency decision.
As Los Angeles continues their search for a new head coach following the dismissal of Darvin Ham, James is facing an important decision. JJ Redick, a former NBA player and James’ podcast co-host, has emerged as a frontrunner in the Lakers’ coaching odds. However, the coaching selection process has been prolonged and kept largely confidential.
During a TNT alternative broadcast of the Western Conference Finals, agent Rich Paul straightforwardly stated that his client was a free agent, leading to a fresh wave of speculation on social media about LeBron James declining his player option and entering free agency.
Adding to the speculation is the imminent NBA draft and the potential for LeBron James to join forces with his son, Bronny James, a goal the four-time champion has openly expressed.
James is the top pick in the NBA draft odds, with many casual bettors predicting he will go first overall in the rookie draft on June 26. While this may not be the case, based on his upcoming workouts, it seems likely that Bronny James will be a top target for both the Lakers and the Phoenix Suns.
Favorites to be LeBron James’ next team
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers are heavily favored to keep LeBron for next season, with an 81.82% probability according to DraftKings and a 78.72% probability according to FanDuel.
After spending 17 seasons between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat, James has now been in Los Angeles for six seasons and will be turning 40 later this year. Will he really be joining a new team for his final years in the league?
LeBron is unlikely to depart from Los Angeles, despite the Lakers’ inconsistent performance since winning the NBA Finals in 2020. However, if he does decide to stay, he will expect assurances of being able to compete for a championship. This could present a challenge for the Lakers.
Since their championship-winning season in 2019-20, Los Angeles has failed to secure a seed higher than No. 7 in the Western Conference. Despite reaching the Western Conference Finals in 2022-23, the Lakers were no match for the Nuggets and were swept in the series.
There are many unanswered questions. Who will be able to convince James to return for a seventh season in Los Angeles? How much can the Lakers improve during the offseason? Will they consider making a big move in free agency or trading for an All-Star player?
Top odds: -370 offered by FanDuel (ON)
Cleveland Cavaliers
A return to Cleveland cannot be discounted, as James has already made that move once in his career and has hinted at a possible reunion in the future.
If he truly wanted to return to his home state for a third time, he would need to be willing to accept a significant pay cut, which is unlikely, or the Cavaliers would have to dismantle their core of All-Stars and promising young players. With Donovan Mitchell’s future already uncertain, this scenario may not be as far-fetched as it appears.
However, the Cavaliers appeared lackluster in the past two playoffs, and James probably wants to increase his chances of winning one or two more championships before retiring. Nevertheless, when it concerns James and the franchise that selected him, it’s always unpredictable.
Top odds: +1100 available on FanDuel (in Ontario)
Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia has been actively seeking another superstar to team up with Joel Embiid while he is still at the peak of his career. It is difficult to think of a better match than James with the current core of the Sixers.
Embiid dominating in the post and emerging talent Tyrese Maxey running the point, James could easily slide into his preferred position on the wing for the 76ers. He wouldn’t have to be the primary scorer every game. With ample cap space, the team could offer James a max contract without having to negotiate a sign-and-trade with the Lakers.
Daryl Morey has made attempts to sign James in the past, but with current signs pointing towards Paul George as the main target, it is still early in the process. Despite being considered one of the favorites at FanDuel, the long odds at DraftKings offer a significant bargain before free agency begins.
Top odds: +2000 at DraftKings (ON)
Phoenix Suns
The Suns are facing a difficult situation after trading away all non-essential assets in order to focus on building a team around Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal.
The team was eliminated in the first round of the 2024 NBA playoffs, and Phoenix does not have enough draft picks to acquire a big-name player. However, they do have their first-round pick this summer and there are rumors that they are considering drafting Bronny James in hopes of attracting his father to join the team.
Before that plan can come to fruition, there are numerous logistical challenges that must be overcome. However, it may serve as a creative strategy to persuade James senior to accept a lower salary in order to work alongside his son. Despite the uncertainty of success, it is a gamble worth considering.
Top odds: +2200 on FanDuel (Online)
LeBron James next team prediction
Los Angeles Lakers (-370)
No matter the changes made by the Lakers in the offseason, it is doubtful that James will consider rejoining the aging Heat or dysfunctional Cavaliers, particularly due to his known conflicts with owner Dan Gilbert. It is also difficult to imagine James choosing to play under Tom Thibodeau in New York City.
Considering beyond those three teams, are the Golden State Warriors truly in a more advantageous position than the Lakers? The Atlanta Hawks are definitely not, and the brutal winters in Philadelphia and Chicago don’t seem worth exchanging for the beach – especially for a 40-year-old father who has settled in Los Angeles. Sipping wine in the sunshine sounds much more enticing during winter than layering up for freezing temperatures.
Taking a more serious tone, it appears that Anthony Davis is focused on reuniting with LeBron James. Despite having an early termination option in his contract, Davis has expressed his dedication to retaining James in Los Angeles as they gear up for the 2024 Men’s Olympic Basketball event. By having Davis on his side, the Olympics could serve as a platform to attract other players to join them in Los Angeles, such as Kevin Durant, rather than a chance for James to be persuaded elsewhere.
Another intriguing aspect is the potential for Bronny James to join the Lakers. The team is currently favored to draft LeBron James’ son, with +250 odds indicating a 28.57% chance of them selecting the former USC Trojans guard. Is there any downside for the Lakers in giving him a shot to please their superstar?
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LeBron James team history
| Team | Years | NBA Championship | All-Stars | MVPs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Lakers | 2018-present | One (2020) | Six | Zero |
| Cleveland Cavaliers | 2014-2018 | One (2016) | Four | Zero |
| Miami Heat | 2010-2014 | Two (2012, 2013) | Four | Two (2012, 2013) |
| Cleveland Cavaliers | 2003-2010 | Zero | Six | Two (2009, 2010) |
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