The all-time leading scorer in NBA history, LeBron James, is nearing the end of his illustrious career. Before hanging up his shoes, James has one wish he wants to see come true. He wants to play alongside his elder son, Bronny James. But it begs to be seen as to how many teams can help James Sr. make his dream come true.
That dream has its own set of obstacles. LeBron James is in year 21 of his career, and at 39 years old. James does not have age-riding on his side.
Bronny James, on the other hand, has had a disappointing year so far at the University of Southern California. So how will it work out for the teams who may want to get both James’ in their building?
James Sr. is the most marketable player in the league and is still playing at an elite level. Those facts alone make him an attractive signing for any team. Bronny James, on the other hand, was touted as a top-10 draft pick this year.
That is before his cardiac arrest and subsequent disappointing play so far. But the potential is undeniable. As a solid 3 and D player, James Jr. will find value in his play on the court.
Rumors are floating around that LeBron James might decline his upcoming player option and join the team that drafts his son. James Sr.’s player option deadline is 4 days after the 2024 NBA Draft. So, the idea is set that he will play alongside his son wherever he is drafted.
But which teams in the league can afford both James’ on their roster while also providing a potential run at a championship? Here are five options:
1. Los Angeles Lakers
The King moved his family and his businesses from his hometown of Akron, Ohio to the city of Los Angeles. He did this with a long-term view.
LeBron James would prefer to stay at the Los Angeles Lakers until his retirement (image via LakerNation/X)Bronny James is playing for USC and younger son, Bryce James is at Sierra Canyon, both in the Los Angeles area. With family close to home and James Sr.’s preference to retire as a Los Angeles Lakers player, the first option is with the most storied franchise in NBA history.
The Los Angeles Lakers are already on the hook with James Sr.’s salary. They also have their 2nd round draft pick with them. All they have to do is select James Jr. with that pick and LeBron James’s wish comes true. More importantly, the Lakers already have most of the pieces they need for another championship run. Adding a 3-and-D specialist like James Jr. means they can focus on other areas.
It also helps that the Lakers are in 9th place in the hotly contested Western Conference. Even if there are 16 games left, chances of jumping into the playoff spots are unlikely. This means they would be drafting late in the 2nd round. Picking Bronny James there will not be a marketing disaster.
2. Golden State Warriors
The trade deadline this year did send shivers down the spine of the basketball world. LeBron James teaming up with his perennial rival, friend, and hometown native, Stephen Curry, could have been too much for any team in the league. James did draw himself out of conversations surrounding the trade.
LeBron James moving to the Golden State Warriors to team up with Stephen Curry was the hottest topic during the trade deadline (image via GSW/X)But his friends in the Bay Area were trying their best to convince him to join them. San Fransisco is a six-hour drive from Los Angeles.
The biggest issue that could scupper this deal is the Warrior’s team salary. They have the highest cap hit of any team in the league. They would certainly like to keep impending free agent Klay Thompson. At the same time, they would not like to give up on their rising youngsters.
Even though James could sign a veteran minimum contract to join them, a lot of moves are needed to make this happen. But the prospect of LeBron James and Curry playing together is tantalizing for sure.
3. New York Knicks
The New York Knicks may not have the championship pedigree of the Lakers. But it is something else to play at iconic Madison Square Garden.
LeBron James was heavily linked to the New York Knicks prior to the trade deadline (image via NBA/X)The possibility of LeBron James joining the Knicks is real. They have the best young squad to contend for an NBA championship. They also are equipped with a 2nd round draft pick and do not have massive contracts to dispose of in case senior James wants to stay in New York City.
LeBron James will slot into the playmaking forward role without any hesitations. His son Bronny James will also be a valuable contributor off the bench. All in all, it makes for a match made in heaven. The chances of father and son James playing together and winning a championship are high with the Knicks.
4. Miami Heat
Two things have remained the same the last time LeBron James played for the Miami Heat. President of Basketball Operations Pat Riley and head coach Erik Spoelstra.
LeBron James spent 4 seasons with the Miami Heat, winning 2 championships (image via Heat Nation/X)Both would love to reunite with James. He also holds current Heat players Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and former teammate Kevin Love in high regard. Joining the team where he won his first two championships will be a dream situation. The only thing is, they may have to move a few pieces.
They hold a 2nd round draft pick which could net Bronny James. The combination of James, Butler, and Adebayo will strike fear into the hearts of opponents. Another title will not be far from reach. More importantly, the development of Bronny James will be in excellent hands, with Father knowing what the Heat culture stands for.
5. Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers have an intriguing lineup. Led by league MVP Joel Embiid and the newest All-Star in Tyrese Maxey, the 76ers are always a lock-in for a title challenge.
LeBron James appreciates Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers as a franchise (image via NBA/X)However, they have long wanted that one player who can take them over the edge. LeBron James is probably the best candidate for that. James could help the 76ers play a better brand of basketball with his playmaking.
Yes, some pieces need to be moved for the deal to happen. But the prospect of James, Embiid, and Maxey playing together with James Jr. is something everyone would like to see. The 76ers do have the draft pick and the trade pieces to make the move. Having championship-winning coach Nick Nurse helming the ship will be a point of interest for the senior James.
Even though there is still time for one of these situations to unfold, it begs one to think about which direction the face of the NBA decides to take. The King will do what is best for himself with retirement looming. But after all, he is LeBron James. His decision will impact the rest of the league profoundly.
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