LeBron James Next Team Odds: Where Will The King Play in 2025-26?

• LeBron James picked up his $52.6 million player option, but that doesn’t mean he’s staying in L.A.
• Lakers are heavy -700 favorites to keep The King, with Cleveland and Dallas lurking at decent value
• See the complete LeBron next team odds and where the smart money should go

LeBron James just locked in $52.6 million for next season, but that doesn’t guarantee he’s staying put.

DraftKings posted next team odds for the 40-year-old legend, and while the Lakers are -700 favorites, Rich Paul’s comments this week were telling: LeBron “wants to compete for a championship.”

For the first time in 23 years, LeBron’s playing on an expiring contract. That’s not an accident.

Let’s break down the LeBron James next team odds and find where the value hides.

LeBron James Next Team Odds

*First regular-season minute played in 2025-26

The LeBron James next team odds show the Lakers at -700, which translates to about an 87% implied probability. Heavy, but not insurmountable if things go sideways in L.A.

Remember, this market is about where LeBron plays his first regular-season minute. So even if he gets dealt at the deadline, whoever has him in October wins.

DRAFTKINGS SPORTSBOOK

Sign Up Today & Receive Up to
$1,050 in Bonuses!

LOCK IN PROMO

SIGNUP PROMO

SIGN UP
& GET $1,050

BONUS BETS + DEPOSIT BONUS

GET PROMO

Odds as of July 5, 2025 at DraftKings. Use this DraftKings promo code when making any NBA futures bet.

Lakers Playing With Fire

At -700, the Lakers are rightfully favored. LeBron just opted in, they’ve got Luka now, and moving a $52.6 million contract isn’t exactly simple.

The problem is that the Lakers’ 2025 free agency has left lots to be desired. Los Angeles lost Dorian Finney-Smith to Houston and signed… Jake LaRavia? That’s not exactly moving the needle for a guy chasing ring number five.

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst made a key observation: This is LeBron’s first time ever playing on an expiring deal. King James has never had this kind of leverage before, and it makes a potential trade more digestible for the Lakers if things go south.

Los Angeles did add DeAndre Ayton on a two-year deal, but he’s been a headache everywhere he’s been. The 26-year-old missed team events and threw locker room tantrums, with Portland literally paying him to go away.

If the Lakers don’t make serious moves soon, LeBron’s camp could start making calls. Four teams reportedly already reached out to Rich Paul within 24 hours of the opt-in news.

Best Value Plays in LeBron Next Team Odds

Cleveland at +600 is the play if you’re betting against the Lakers.

The hometown narrative writes itself. LeBron was just spotted at the Cavs’ practice facility (yes, he trains there every summer, but still). They’ve got Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley just won DPOY, and they added Lonzo Ball. That’s a real squad with top-5 NBA Championship odds.

The challenge? Cleveland’s $20 million over the second tax apron. Making the money work would require serious gymnastics and probably a third team.

Dallas at +800 has intrigue. The Mavs shocked the sporting world by trading Luka, but they did receive LeBron’s friend, Anthony Davis, in return. Now they’ve got Cooper Flagg coming in as the No. 1 pick. Add in the element of LeBron reuniting with Kyrie Irving, and you have a fantastic all-around storyline.

However, the hypothetical trade of LeBron to Dallas is met with a major roadblock. Multiple reports indicate the Mavs would only pursue LeBron via buyout, not trade. Good luck getting LeBron to leave $52.6 million on the table.

Golden State at +1600 feels like wishful thinking. I can’t argue LeBron and Steph would be loads of fun, but the Warriors are capped out and would need to gut their depth.

Top LeBron Next Team Pick:

• Cleveland Cavaliers (+600)

LeBron Next Team Longshots Worth a Sprinkle

If you’re feeling spicy, the Knicks at +2500 have sneaky appeal.

New York has hired Mike Brown to be their new head coach – LeBron’s old coach from Cleveland. The Knicks are in the weaker Eastern Conference and have matching contracts for salary purposes. Not to mention, LeBron’s always flirted with the Garden mystique.

Sure, the Knicks are saying they’re not interested, but that might just be for show. If they strike out on other moves, a Mikal Bridges package for LeBron starts making a bit more sense.

San Antonio Spurs at +6000 is the ultimate wildcard. If the Lakers completely mismanage this summer, LeBron might prefer mentoring Victor Wembanyama and playing alongside fresh talent rather than grinding through another mediocre Lakers season.

The reality is LeBron holds all the cards with his no-trade clause. He’ll dictate where he goes if he goes anywhere. And at 40, turning 41 in December, he’s not leaving for anything less than a legit championship opportunity.

What the Lakers do next is going to say a lot. If they can’t bring in real talent, those -700 odds could take a serious hit. Four teams are already sniffing around, and LeBron’s camp is clearly keeping options open.

Longshot Pick:

• New York Knicks (+2500)