NBA Insider Reveals Top 3 Teams Interested in Signing Lakers' LeBron James After a Buyout

In the unlikely event of a buyout, these three teams would be looking to sign James.

Apr 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) controls the ball against Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) during the first half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers are determined to keep LeBron James throughout this entire season despite the trade rumors swirling around him after the strange behavior he's had.

James is still a franchise icon, even though the Lakers are clearly moving towards making Luka Doncic the face of the franchise. James remains an important cog.

However, if James wants to leave, the Lakers would likely honor his request. There's a very low chance of a buyout happening, but that is one of the options that would be on the table in that event.

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If there is a buyout, NBA insider Marc Stein has revealed which three teams would possibly be looking to bring him in.

"I believe that the Warriors and the Knicks would be right there with the Mavericks IFFFF James became available via buyout," Stein posited.

Stein made it very clear that a buyout is still very much a long shot. The Lakers don't have much of an incentive to buy him out. They would much rather trade him so that they actually get something in return for him.

The Lakers are still intent on keeping James at all costs. They would only allow him to leave if James made it clear that he would accept nothing less than leaving the team.

James has his roots set down in Los Angeles, so it's very unlikely that he would ask out at any point this offseason or during the year. He is also a free agent next season, so he could just wait a year if he is going to leave.

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The Lakers are a great team with both James and Doncic on the roster. They think they have a shot to win a championship. Still, they have to make sure James is happy enough to stay.

Los Angeles is still looking at all of the possibilities to improve the roster in the offseason. It's unlikely that they make any more moves, but they could at the trade deadline.

In 70 healthy games this past season with the Lakers, James is averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game.

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For more news and notes on the Los Angeles Lakers, visit Los Angeles Lakers on SI.