Betting markets explode on where LeBron James will go next after Lakers exit

The King may be headed for the Bay.

Polymarket traders sent the Golden State Warriors’ odds of landing LeBron James skyrocketed Tuesday after James’ camp informed the Lakers that the NBA legend will not return to Los Angeles next season.

Golden State surged to the top of the prediction market at 64%, making the Warriors the overwhelming favorite to be James’ next team.

James’ hometown Cleveland Cavaliers trailed at 28%, followed by the Miami Heat at 9% — while the Lakers crated to just 1.6% after the legends bombshell decision.

The frenzy comes amid swirling speculation that James could join longtime rival Steph Curry in San Francisco for one final title chase.

That chatter only intensified after Warriors star Draymond Green declined his $27.7 million player option, a move that could give Golden State more financial flexibility if he returns on a cheaper deal.

James, 41, is now an unrestricted free agent after eight seasons with the Lakers, where he won the 2020 NBA championship and passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the league’s all-time leading scorer.

More coverage on LeBron James

• LeBron James leaving Lakers in NBA free agency as Golden State Warriors rumors swirl
• Warriors master offseason plan includes LeBron James and Anthony Davis
• LeBron James’ silence leaves Lakers in the lurch ahead of NBA free agency
• Lakers need LeBron James, and he needs them. It’s time to get deal done
• Jimmy Butler’s agent pushes back on Warriors trade rumors amid Anthony Davis buzz

The Lakers had hoped to bring James back, but the franchise has shifted toward building around Luka Doncic, who became the new face of the team after his blockbuster arrival in 2025.

Now, at least on Polymarket, traders believe James’ next — and perhaps final — chapter could come in San Francisco.

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