LeBron James, the King of the National Basketball Association (NBA), has had a turbulent summer surrounded by trade speculation.

The heavily spinning rumor mill has sparked betting about his next destination and where he will ply his trade for the 2025/26 season.

LeBron trade rumours heat up

He currently sits at -340 to remain with the Lakers, but this has slid from -1000 in a week amid the speculation that he isn’t happy with life in the City of Angels.

He recently exercised the option in his contract to extend his stay in L.A., triggering a $52.6 million clause. Despite this, LeBron has been vocal about “winning it all” at age 40, but concerns persist with a team in deep transition and JJ Redick’s tenure as head coach under constant doubt.

LeBron James trade rumours spark betting odds

James has defied the typical NBA veteran retirement path that an aging superstar usually takes in the twilight of their career. He’s battled injuries and overcome them, played under minutes restrictions during his returns, and still posted some of the best numbers in the league despite those limitations.

Rich Paul, LeBron’s agent, was also cryptic when asked about the legend’s tenure with the Lakers, now in its eighth year, the longest stretch of his career with a single organization.

“We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future. We do want to evaluate what’s best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career,” said Paul.

LeBron James’ next team odds:

• Dallas Mavericks – +300
• Cleveland Cavaliers – +600
• Miami Heat – +1500
• New York Nicks – +2000
• LA Clippers – +2000

He dragged a mismatched Lakers team through the regular season with little to no help beyond Austin Reaves and the departing Anthony Davis. James averaged 20.4 points (#20), 7.8 rebounds (#39), 8.2 assists (#6), and 1.0 steals (#101) per game during the regular season.

Luka Doncic came in as part of the Davis trade, and the Slovenian was a shadow of his former self. A lethargic, sloth-like version of the wunderkind that came to the NBA, who still managed to end the season respectively, but James again was the man in the NBA Playoffs.

He averaged 25.4 points, 9.0 Rebounds, 5.6 Assists, and 2.0 steals per game. He would be #10 in all the initial three categories out of all the teams that made the grade and those that continued long after the Lakers fell away against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The King was also #3 in Steals despite the LA team’s exit in the first round.

The Lakers’ signing of Deandre Ayton has done little to inspire confidence. It’s a lackluster move for a franchise hoping to build a dynasty around the aging LeBron as he prepares to pass the torch to Dončić. According to StatMuse, Ayton’s arrival adds yet another former No. 1 overall pick to the King’s court, but doubts remain about his ability to revive his career in L.A.

First overall picks to play on a team with LeBron:

— Joe Smith
— Shaquille O’Neal
— Greg Oden
— Kyrie Irving
— Andrew Bogut
— Derrick Rose
— Anthony Davis
— Dwight Howard

and Deandre Ayton. pic.twitter.com/OLvQ0n1EbO

— StatMuse (@statmuse) July 2, 2025

Where might LeBron end up for 25/26?

Odds on James’ possible new suitors have been fluctuating, but three destinations look most likely. These are the Dallas Mavericks, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Miami Heat, which would mean the all-time points scorer is spoiled for choice for possible postseason basketball if he makes the move.

The Dallas Mavericks would mean a reunion with his close friend and recent Laker, Anthony Davis, as well as the new number one NBA Draft Pick, Cooper Flag.

James is also rumored to be heading back to Ohio, a place where he grew up as a player and came to prominence. The young Cavs team would be bolstered by his leadership and a generational great, alongside their most decorated former player.

Third in the list would be another former team, headed by coach Erik Spolstra and a palace where LeBron again dominated. He contributed to a talented Heat team that took home back-to-back championships in 2012 and 2013.

Featured image: Ideogram

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