Brian Windhorst Reveals LeBron’s Plan: As the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend unfolds in Los Angeles, the spotlight isn’t just on the stars on the court, but on the potential exit of the city’s biggest icon.
ESPN insider Brian Windhorst, who has chronicled LeBron James’ career since his high school days in Akron, recently dropped a bombshell on The Rich Eisen Show: LeBron James could realistically leave the Lakers for one of four specific teams this summer.
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Lakers in the Rearview? LeBron’s 4-Team Shortlist Revealed
With the Lakers transitioning into the “Luka Dončić era” and LeBron set to become an unrestricted free agent at 41, the league is bracing for a seismic shift.
The Confirmed Candidates
Windhorst explicitly named two teams that are already researching the logistics of bringing in the King.
1. The Cleveland Cavaliers: The Storybook Finale
A third stint in “The Land” is the most sentimental and logically sound option. Unlike his previous departures, Cleveland is now a powerhouse featuring Donovan Mitchell and James Harden.
- The Draw: A chance to retire in his home state with a roster capable of winning a fifth ring.
- The Narrative: Completing the “Full Circle” journey where it all began in 2003.
2. The Golden State Warriors: The Ultimate “What If?”
For years, the idea of LeBron and Stephen Curry joining forces was relegated to All-Star Games and Olympic rosters. Windhorst notes the Warriors are a serious suitor “depending on how things go” with their current core.
- The Draw: Pairing the two greatest high-IQ players of the generation.
- The Connection: LeBron’s close ties to Draymond Green (a fellow Klutch Sports client) make this more than just a pipe dream.
The “Mystery” Teams
Windhorst teased two additional destinations that he is currently “keeping his eye on,” refusing to name them publicly yet. However, league context and recent reporting suggest two high-probability wildcards:
3. The New York Knicks
LeBron has never hidden his love for Madison Square Garden. With the Knicks consistently relevant and hungry for a superstar to push them over the top, the “Mecca” remains the most glamorous alternative to Hollywood.
4. The Dallas Mavericks
This is the “Dončić Exchange.” While Luka is the future in LA, a move to Dallas would pair LeBron with the generational talent of Cooper Flagg (the 2025 #1 overall pick) and his former coach Jason Kidd.
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Why Now? The Lakers’ New Direction
According to Windhorst and fellow insider Tim MacMahon, the “grumpiness” surrounding LeBron in LA stems from a clear reality: The Lakers have already started moving on.
With Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves established as the new foundational pillars, the Lakers are reportedly hesitant to offer LeBron a max extension at age 41. Windhorst suggests LeBron has three paths:
- Stay in LA at a significant pay cut.
- Retire as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.
- Sign elsewhere as a free agent to chase one last title.
“I have a team or two that I think he could consider going to,” Windhorst told Eisen. “I have researched the concept, and I will continue to keep my eye on it.”
What This Means for the NBA
If LeBron chooses to leave, it marks the end of an eight-year era in Los Angeles that brought a championship in 2020 but struggled with consistency in the twilight years. Whether it’s a homecoming in Cleveland or a “Super-Vet” pairing in Golden State, LeBron’s next move will likely be his final act.
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