If James forces the Lakers to trade, the five potential players will be released in the 2025-26 season

LeBron James decided to exercise his $52.6 million player option, which means he will continue to play as a Lakers player in the 2025-26 season. However, according to the NBA internal news Shams Charania, LeBron James may force the Lakers to join a team with the ability to win the championship in the 2025-26 season.

Because after the Los Angeles Lakers replace their new boss, it is likely that Luka Doncic will rebuild around Luka Doncic, and LeBron James will become Luka Doncic's second in command, the second or third person of the team, which may be something LeBron James cannot accept. The most important thing is that if the Lakers cannot win the championship, they send LeBron James away, the idea that LeBron James' agent Ritchie Paul was proposed.

Now the negotiations between the Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James are in a deadlock. LeBron James wants to win the fifth championship in his personal career. He hopes that the team's new boss can spend huge sums of money to build a lineup with the ability to win the championship. However, the team did not seem to have any reinforcement moves, which also caused LeBron James' dissatisfaction. To this end, the US media "Fadeaway World" showed that if LeBron James forced a deal, he might join the five potential teams.

1. Dallas Mavericks

Los Angeles Lakers won: Klay Thompson, PJ Washington, Daniel Gafford, 2029 first-round draft pick (LAL)

Dallas Mavericks won: LeBron James

LeBron James should be interested in working for the Jewish boss, after all, the Dallas Mavericks boss is a casino tycoon in Las Vegas. Joining the Dallas Mavericks, partnering with Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis, the No. 1 pick in 2025 Cooper Flagg, a combination of four No. 1 picks, really has a chance to dominate the league. Anthony Davis had 24.7 points and 11.6 rebounds and 2.2 blocks last season. Kyrie Irving averaged 24.7 points and 4.7 assists per game. However, Kyrie Irving suffered an ACL injury last season, and it is still hard to say whether he can return healthy next season.

2. Miami Heat

Los Angeles Lakers won: Andrew Wiggins, Duncan Robinson, Nikola Jovic, 2026 first-round draft pick, 2030 first-round draft pick

Miami Heat won: LeBron James

LeBron James returns to the Miami Heat, which is also a good choice. Moreover, if he can lead a lineup like the Heat, enter the finals, and win the championship again, his historical position will definitely be in the top two, and there will be no controversy from now on. But Pat Riley doesn't seem interested in welcoming 40-year-old LeBron James back either. LeBron James forms the three giants with Taylor Sheero and Adebayo. To be honest, the defense of the back and inside will really be beaten by the Western Conference strong teams. The Eastern Bucks and Pacers alone can beat their inside.

3. Minnesota Timberwolves

Los Angeles Lakers won: Julius Randle, Divincenzo, Rob Dillingham, 2026 first-round draft pick (SAS), 2030 first-round draft pick (SAS), 2032 first-round draft pick

Minnesota Timberwolves won: LeBron James

LeBron James lost to the Timberwolves in the first round of the 2024-25 season. LeBron James and his agent should not be stupid enough to commit a surrender to the enemy, which will make the outside world condemn them crazy. The Timberwolves do have the potential to be a favorite to win the championship, but Edwards is not mature and stable enough, which will make the team's internal atmosphere very awkward. Of course, with inside players like Gobert and Naz Reed, LeBron James is really sure to bring the Timberwolves into the Finals and win the NBA championship.

4. Golden State Warriors

Los Angeles Lakers won: Jonathan Kumingga, Brandin Podezmusky, Moses Moody, 2027 first-round picks

Golden State Warriors won: LeBron James

Let LeBron James join the Golden State Warriors to assist Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler, it is almost impossible. LeBron James has seen Kevin Durant's fate of surrendering to the enemy, so he will not choose to force the palace to join the Golden State Warriors. Moreover, the Golden State Warriors' inside weakness is too obvious and it is difficult to succeed.

5. The New York Knicks

Los Angeles Lakers won: Towns

New York Knicks won: LeBron James

LeBron James replaced Towns alone, which is a good deal. The Knicks are also metropolitan teams and have many outstanding stars. Just strengthening the center position is enough to make this Knicks, led by LeBron James, become the real favorite to win the championship in the East, and even have the chance to enter the finals to win the championship. The Knicks' current lineup is not bad, they lack a real leader.