4 NBA Teams Named Options For LeBron If He Returns Next Year

NBA fans may have witnessed the final game of LeBron James' career on Monday night.

James had 24 points and 12 rebounds in the Los Angeles Lakers' season-ending loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The 41-year-old legend averaged 23.2 points, 7.3 assists and 6.7 rebounds per game this postseason. He had to shoulder the load for the Lakers since Luka Doncic was sidelined with a hamstring injury.

After getting swept in the Western Conference semifinals, James answered questions about his future. He was unwilling to commit to a 24th season.

"I think for me it's about the process. If I can commit to still being in love with the process of showing up to the arena 5½ hours before a game to start preparing for a game, giving everything I got, diving for loose balls and doing everything that you know that it takes to go out and play," James said, via ESPN. "Showing up to practices, 11 o'clock practice, I'm there at 8 o'clock preparing my body, preparing my mind, preparing to practice, to put the work in. So I think for me, I've always been in love with the process ... so I think that would be a big factor."

If James decides to play at least one more season, For The Win listed these teams as suitors for his services:

• Cleveland Cavaliers
• Golden State Warriors
• Los Angeles Lakers
• New York Knicks

Should we expect LeBron to play another season?

Technically, James doesn't owe NBA fans anything at this stage in his career. However, he could still produce at an All-Star level.

It's also worth noting that his agent and longtime friend, Rich Paul, said James has at least two seasons left in him.

"LeBron could play five more years," Paul said. "He could play at least 28 years in the NBA. Now, I personally think he should play 25 years. He definitely has at least two more years in him."

While he hasn't said he wants a farewell tour, LeBron has certainly earned one.

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This story was originally published May 12, 2026 at 9:20 AM.