Brian Windhorst teases LeBron James’ mystery team for next year

After last week’s deadline passed, los angeles The future of the Lakers with LeBron James remains uncertainlike ESPN Brian Windhorst hints at the future Hall of Fame hitter’s next destination. Windhorst has several teams in mind, as all signs point to this season being James’ last with the Lakers.

Since the Lakers won’t extend James’ contract, LeBron will join a new team next season? Windhorst chimed in on the topic, according to the Rich Eisen Show.

“There’s one or two places I’m not going to say right now, but I’m keeping an eye on them,” Windhorst said.

Windhorst did not want to reveal which two teams he has in mind.

“Honestly, with All-Star weekend and things like that, I don’t need this in my life right now. But let’s just say I’m not crossing my fingers, but let’s just put it this way, I have a team or two that I think might consider going, and I’ve explored the concept,” Windhorst said.

“And I’m going to keep looking at the concept, digging, and let’s just say it’s not without merit. It’s just not something I’m going to say. And I don’t want to be a jerk like that. But I’m going to try to keep a low profile this weekend.”

Still, Windhorst believes James will have some intriguing opportunities to play elsewhere.

“But I’ll just tell you, I think he would have some tasty options,” Windhorst added. “In a one-time situation, when he would be comfortable playing for a salary that would fit in another team.”

For Cleveland Cavs fans reading this hoping James returns for a third time with the team he led to his first championship in 2016, yes, the Cavs are one of the teams Brian Windhorst has in mind for LeBron.

“Cleveland is one of them. I’m not sure I’d put the Heat on the list,” Windhorst said. “Golden State, depending on how things go, would be one of them. Depending on where their team is.”

For Windhorst, the Cavs and Warriors are the two teams to watch for James.

LeBron James slaps the Lakers with championship reality

Lakers veteran LeBron James talked about the defending champion Thundersaying his team pales in comparison, after last week’s 119-110 loss. For James, the Lakers ran out of fuel in an attempt to keep up with the Thunder for a full game.

“You want me to compare us to them? That’s a championship team and we’re not,” James said. “We can’t sustain energy and effort for 48 minutes, and they can. That’s why they won the championship.”

LeBron on Thunder:

“You want me to compare us to them? It’s a championship team and we’re not. We can’t sustain energy and effort for 48 minutes and they can. That’s why they won the championship” 👀 pic.twitter.com/j59NF4uAcS

— Oh no, it’s not (@ohnohedidnt24) February 10, 2026

James is dealing with a left leg injury that will keep him out during the All-Star break.