Three NBA Teams Expected to Pursue LeBron James in 2026 Free Agency

LeBron James is set to enter his final contract season with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2025-26 and will become an unrestricted free agent thereafter, with his future in the NBA still uncertain as he approaches 41 years old. Despite his age, James continues to perform at a high level, helping lead the Lakers to playoff appearances. Several teams, specifically the Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, and Golden State Warriors, are expected to aggressively pursue James once he hits free agency. The Cavaliers represent a potential return to his hometown team and the franchise that drafted him, while the Mavericks offer the appeal of playing alongside former teammates and ex-Lakers coaches. The Warriors, led by friends like Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, may also court him, aiming to bolster their roster for another championship run, though there is speculation about whether James' ego would allow him to join the team that has defeated him multiple times in the past. Ultimately, James will have a significant decision to make about whether to continue with the Lakers, where he plays alongside Luka Doncic and his son Bronny, or to pursue one of these other opportunities.