Will LeBron James leave the Lakers next season? Latest stance from the Cavaliers and Warriors revealed: willing to prepare a retirement tour for him

On November 9th Beijing time, although LeBron James has yet to make his regular season debut this year, many remain curious about which team he will play for in the 2026-27 season during the final year of his contract, including renowned reporter Zach Lowe. Most insiders in the NBA have stopped speculating whether he will retire after this season and have shifted focus to the possibility of a farewell tour— but will this tour be with the Lakers, Warriors, or Cavaliers?

Will LeBron consider returning to the Cavaliers for a third stint, going back to his hometown team? Could he write a new chapter at the end of the Warriors dynasty? Lowe shared what he heard from sources within the NBA on his podcast.

Looking ahead to LeBron’s destination for the 2026-27 season, Lowe said: “What will happen after this season? I know some people in the Cavaliers organization who are thinking, ‘Do you want to do a farewell tour?’ I also know people in the Warriors who are asking, ‘Hey, want to come here and fulfill a dream?’ Dallas? There have been rumors before. Let’s wait and see.”

LeBron’s and the Lakers’ performance this season may determine whether he stays with the team. It’s hard to make a judgment at this point in the regular season; this is the first time in his 23-year NBA career that he hasn’t played after the team has completed nine games. However, even without LeBron, the Lakers currently hold a 7-2 record, ranking second in the Western Conference.

The situation is similar for Warriors head coach Steve Kerr and his team. With the addition of Butler and Horford, combined with All-Star core players Curry, Green, and Kuminga, they are entering a two-year competitive window. Meanwhile, after finishing first in the Eastern Conference regular season in 2024-25, the Cavaliers have also become strong contenders for the championship.

This season marks Luka Dončić’s first full year with the Lakers, averaging 40.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 9.2 assists per game. Building on last season’s second-round playoff exit, despite injuries to starters including Dončić, the Lakers have held their ground in the competitive Western Conference, currently standing at 7-2 and ranked second in the West.

Based on current reports from multiple sources, it seems unlikely that LeBron will switch teams during the season. Do you think LeBron will leave the Lakers after this season? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.