SouthernWorldwide.com – As the NBA season concludes for LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers, speculation is mounting about the basketball icon’s next move.
The question on many fans’ minds is whether the legendary “King James” has played his final game in the league.
Back in January, the odds suggested a slightly higher chance of James retiring before the start of the 2026-27 season compared to him continuing his illustrious career.
Now, with the Lakers’ playoff run officially over, sports bettors are actively placing wagers on where LeBron James might end up next, or if he will hang up his sneakers for good.
These are the most recent betting lines, as of May 12, according to Oddschecker.com.
LeBron James Next Team or Retirement Odds
- Stays with the Lakers or retires: +108 (a $10 bet would yield $20.80 in total winnings)
- Cleveland Cavaliers: +213 (a $10 bet would yield $31.30 in total winnings)
- Golden State Warriors: +669 (a $10 bet would yield $76.90 in total winnings)
- Phoenix Suns: +900 (a $10 bet would yield $100 in total winnings)
- Denver Nuggets: +900 (a $10 bet would yield $100 in total winnings)
- San Antonio Spurs: +2400 (a $10 bet would yield $250 in total winnings)
- New York Knicks: +2400 (a $10 bet would yield $250 in total winnings)
- Los Angeles Clippers: +4900 (a $10 bet would yield $500 in total winnings)
- Any other remaining team: +9900 (a $10 bet would yield $1,000 in total winnings)
This past regular season, James was instrumental in guiding the Lakers to a strong 53-29 record.
However, their postseason journey took a downturn.
Despite some bettors expressing skepticism about the Lakers’ playoff prospects, they managed to secure the fourth seed in the Western Conference.
They successfully navigated the first round, defeating Houston with a 4-2 series win.
Unfortunately, Los Angeles was ultimately swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the conference semifinals, losing the series 4-0.
Even if this second-round exit marks the end of James’ playing career, his impact on the NBA over his more than two decades in the league is undeniably monumental.
Throughout his career, he has donned the jerseys of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers, achieving championship victories with each franchise.
His list of accolades includes Rookie of the Year, four regular-season MVP awards, and an astonishing 22 All-Star selections.
Read more : South Carolina Republicans Block Trump-Backed Redistricting Plan
Furthermore, “The King” has earned four NBA Finals MVP awards and boasts career averages of 26.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game.
