LeBron James opted into the final year of his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, returning to the team after a surprise playoff push and looking to make a run at another title in his first full season with Luka Doncic. Analyst Sam Quinn of CBS Sports broke down the potential landing spots, noting that the San Antonio Spurs could have the clearest path to a sign-and-trade deal for the 40-year-old.
Rising Western Conference Team Has 'Clearest Logical Path' to Landing LeBron James in 2026 originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
LeBron James opted into the final year of his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, returning to the team after a surprise playoff push and looking to make a run at another title in his first full season with Luka Doncic.
But the future beyond next season looks increasingly murky for James, who appears headed toward free agency in 2026 with close to a dozen teams named as contenders to land him. Analyst Sam Quinn of CBS Sports broke down the potential landing spots, noting that the San Antonio Spurs could have the clearest path to a sign-and-trade deal for the 40-year-old.
"The Spurs are primed to start contending in the very near future. And, as someone who thinks deeply about his place in NBA history, the concept of retiring on Victor Wembanyama's team might appeal to James, specifically," Quinn wrote, adding, "If James were to actually play for the Spurs, he could pass him the metaphorical baton as a teammate."
Quinn added that there would be "obstacles" to James joining the Spurs, predicting it would take a sign-and-trade between two franchises that traditionally have not worked together on such deals. He added that the Spurs passed on pursuing Kevin Durant, making it unclear whether they would part with their young assets for an even older player.
Quinn added that the chances of a deal may not be the most likely, but added that "as possible sign-and-trade partners go, the Spurs have the clearest logistical path."
The Spurs showed improvement last season but still landed in 13th place, finishing the season 34-48. Pairing James and Wembanyama could help their slow rise in the Western Conference move even faster, potentially making them a title contender by the time he would arrive in 2026.
Related: Cavaliers Unsure About Potential LeBron James Reunion
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 29, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Basketball
