Celtics Could Pursue LeBron James If Lakers Buyout Happens

LeBron James’ future with the Los Angeles Lakers appears uncertain. 

The Lakers have shifted their focus to building around Luka Dončić, prioritizing the future over immediate contention. This pivot likely clashes with LeBron’s win-now mentality as he approaches the end of his career at age 40.

In June, LeBron’s agent, Rich Paul, hinted at James’ openness to leaving Los Angeles with a message released by The Athletic:

“LeBron knows the Lakers are building for the future, and he also wants to compete for championships. We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future. We do want to evaluate what’s best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career. He wants to make every season he has left count, and the Lakers understand that, are supportive and want what’s best for him. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we’ve had for eight years with (the Lakers).”

Adding to the buzz, John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 recently posted on X that the Lakers are eager to move on from LeBron “ASAP.” HoopsWire’s Ashish Mathur quickly followed up Gambadoro’s report, noting that while a trade is complicated due to James’ $52.6 million salary for the 2025-26 season, a buyout could cause a handful of suitors to come running. “A James trade is difficult since the future Hall of Famer will make $52.6 million next season,” Mathur wrote. “However, if the Lakers and James agree to a buyout, pretty much every NBA contender would be interested in LeBron.”

For the Celtics, pursuing LeBron makes more sense than most people might realize. With Jayson Tatum expected to miss the 2025-26 season, James could fill a significant chunk of the void without cutting into Boston’s long-term cap space. A buyout situation would minimize financial strain for Brad Stevens, allowing the Celtics to pair LeBron with Jaylen Brown and Derrick White, forming a formidable core in a weak Eastern Conference.

LeBron’s arrival could thrust the Celtics right back into serious East contention conversations. And if all went swimmingly this season, LeBron could even stay on for one more year, setting up a 2026-27 epic run alongside Tatum.

If LeBron wants to win now, he should go to the East, and the Celtics cannot be ruled out as a landing spot.