After four more seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers, LeBron James is once again at a crossroads in his career. Now 33 years old, LeBron has fulfilled his goal of bringing a championship to the city of Cleveland and is set to turn the page on what could be the final chapter of his career. Will he return to the Cavaliers? Or will he sign with another team he feels has a better chance at challenging the Golden State Warriors for an NBA title? Here is a look at the updated odds for where LeBron James will sign in free agency.
The Los Angeles Lakers are currently the obvious betting favorite to sign LeBron James at -325 odds. Los Angeles has plenty of cap space and could entice a pair of free agents to sign with them this summer. There have been plenty of rumors about the potential for the Lakers to bring in both LeBron and Paul George as free agents. Would that be enough for Los Angeles to contend for a title? LeBron’s son recently enrolled in a school in the LA area, pushing the Lakers hype over the top. Nobody will be surprised if LeBron signs with the purple and gold this summer.
Meanwhile, there is still a chance LeBron could return to the Cavaliers for another championship run. LeBron calls Cleveland his home and after everything he has accomplished there, home could be where his heart is. The Cavaliers are currently listed at +325 to be LeBron’s home next season. However, Cleveland was absolutely dismantled by the Warriors in the NBA Finals and it’s hard to see how they will be able to improve enough to challenge Golden State next season. The Cavaliers have reportedly pushed hard on the trade front for San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard but it’s hard to imagine a situation in which they have enough to offer. Without the addition of another major piece, it’s hard to envision LeBron going back to Cleveland.
Perhaps the most intriguing option on the list is the Houston Rockets. Houston nearly upset Golden State in the Western Conference Finals and now has an opportunity to reload with a player of LeBron’s caliber. Chris Paul is expected to be back in a Rockets uniform next season. Would a big three of James Harden, LeBron and Paul be enough to challenge the Warriors supremacy? Houston is currently listed at +800 odds to sign LeBron this offseason.
Beyond the Lakers, Cavaliers and Rockets it’s difficult to imagine another situation where there would be a fit for LeBron. The Boston Celtics are listed at +1800 odds to sign him but they play in the Eastern Conference. They are still the home of Kyrie Irving, who just left Cleveland to get away from LeBron. The San Antonio Spurs are listed at +2000 to sign LeBron. There is no guarantee they can even convince Kawhi Leonard to return and there aren’t many other young pieces to really insulate LeBron. Rounding out the list is the Los Angeles Clippers at +2500 odds, the New York Knicks at +3000 odds and the Miami Heat at +4000. One thing is for sure: LeBron’s decision will have a major impact on the NBA futures whichever team he signs with.
Odds For LeBron James Next Team
Lakers -325
Cavaliers +325
Rockets +750
76ers +1000
Celtics +1800
Spurs +2000
Clippers +2500
Knicks +3000
Heat +4000
*Odds provided by BetDSI Sportsbook.
