NBA: LeBron James favored to return next season, but leave Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has yet to decide whether he will play a 24th NBA season, though odds strongly suggest he will return to the court in 2026-27.

James, 41, spoke after the Lakers’ elimination by the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night, saying, "What my future [holds], I don't know, obviously."

Despite the uncertainty, SportsBetting.ag opened odds on James retiring at +275, while the "No" option sat at -450, implying an 81.8% chance that he will suit up next season.

"I got a lot of time to sit back, like I think I said last year after we lost, I think to Minnesota, to go back and recalibrate with my family and talk with them and spend some time with them, and then when the time comes ... obviously you guys will know what I decide to do," James added.

The sportsbook also offered several LeBron-related prop bets after the Lakers’ exit:

Will LeBron James return to the Lakers in 2026-27?

Yes (+110) | No (-150) – implying a 40% chance of returning.

Will LeBron and Bronny James be on the same team next year?

Yes (+130) | No (-170) – implying a 37% chance of playing together.

If James decides to continue his career, speculation immediately turns to which team he will join. A pending free agent, James has been linked to possible destinations including a reunion in Cleveland or teaming up with Stephen Curry in Golden State.

Potential 2026-27 Teams for LeBron James (If Not Lakers)

(SportsBetting.ag odds for entertainment purposes only)

Cleveland Cavaliers (1/1)

Golden State Warriors (3/1)

Denver Nuggets (5/1)

New York Knicks (7/1)

Milwaukee Bucks (9/1)

Detroit Pistons (10/1)

Brooklyn Nets (12/1)

Houston Rockets (18/1)

Orlando Magic (22/1)

Chicago Bulls (25/1)

Minnesota Timberwolves (25/1)

Philadelphia 76ers (25/1)

Portland Trail Blazers (28/1)

Charlotte Hornets (33/1)

Los Angeles Clippers (33/1)

Washington Wizards (38/1)

Dallas Mavericks (40/1)

Oklahoma City Thunder (40/1)

San Antonio Spurs (40/1)

Indiana Pacers (50/1)

Miami Heat (50/1)

Atlanta Hawks (66/1)

Toronto Raptors (66/1)

Phoenix Suns (75/1)

Sacramento Kings (75/1)

Boston Celtics (80/1)

Memphis Grizzlies (80/1)

New Orleans Pelicans (80/1)

Utah Jazz (80/1)

This past season, James earned his 22nd consecutive All-Star selection while adjusting to a new role. With Luka Doncic leading the Lakers’ offense at 33.5 points per game and Austin Reaves at 23.3, James averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.1 rebounds during the regular season. In the playoffs, without an injured Doncic, he posted 23.2 points, 7.3 assists, and 6.7 rebounds per game.

"Obviously we fell a little short, but I'm not looking at my year as a disappointment, that's for damn sure," James said. "I was put in some positions I never played in my career before, actually in my life. I've never been a third option in my life.

"So, to be able to thrive in that role for that period of time and then have to step back into the role that I've been accustomed with over my career or my life playing this sport and be able to thrive under that and then just my teammates allowing me to lead them under extreme circumstances, I thought that was pretty cool for me at this stage of my career."

—Field Level Media/Reuters