LeBron James Next Team Odds: Cavs Favored Over Warriors

In case you’ve been paying too much attention (is there such a thing?) to the World Cup and overlooking NBA news, LeBron James has decided to move on from the Los Angeles Lakers. As to where he’ll go next, that remains a mystery, as he is not talking.

His silence just means we have more time to listen to all the speculation and rumors. There certainly isn’t a shortage of opinions online and in the media about where he could, will, or should go. That, of course, makes betting on the LeBron James Next Team odds at DraftKings even more fun.

(Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

With that in mind, let’s take a look at those odds.

LeBron James Next Team Odds: Top 10 Teams

The odds have shifted since they opened and since free agency officially got underway. Here are the odds via DraftKings for the top 10 teams on the board:

• Cleveland Cavaliers -115
• Golden State Warriors +180
• Miami Heat +900
• Philadelphia 76ers +1000
• Denver Nuggets +1200
• Washington Wizards +1500
• New York Knicks +2000
• Minnesota Timberwolves +2000
• San Antonio Spurs +2500
• Los Angeles Lakers +2500

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On Monday, the Warriors were considered the betting favorite at -120, followed by the Lakers at +135, the Heat (+500), the Cavaliers (+500), and the Knicks (+3000). There was already speculation that he could be looking to move on and/or that the Lakers were ready to say goodbye to him.

Golden State had made their intentions and desires no secret. The possibility of one legend (James) teaming up with another (Steph Curry) got fans excited. So, when James announced he was leaving LA, it was not surprising to see the odds shift significantly in favor of the Warriors (-500).

With the Warriors having an 83.33% chance of signing him, it almost felt like a done deal. It was, of course, anything but. Hence, as we head into the Fourth of July weekend, the odds have shifted enough to make the Cavs a heavy favorite with a 53.49% chance of reacquiring their former superstar.

But at this point, all we really know is that James is not in a hurry to make this decision, he wants to be somewhere he can win another title, and that several teams have been in contact with his agent, Rich Paul.

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Favorite: Cleveland Cavaliers (-115)

As a basketball fan, I’d love to see him return to Cleveland. But while the Cavs were a playoff team last season, are they a legit championship contender? With how the series against the Knicks went, I’d have to say no.

The Cavs have some solid talents in Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. But Mobley’s name has been tied to several trade rumors, and there’s a chance Mitchell could be on the move if he doesn’t sign a contract extension. James Harden opted out of his contract, and it remains to be seen if he’ll return.

James is going to want a more stable roster situation than what the Cavs currently have. But from an emotional standpoint, I’d call the Cavs the favorite. A return to where it all began would be a fitting bookend to his incredible career. But since you should never let emotional appeal impact betting decisions, I have to say pass on the Cavs.

Besides, at -115, you’ll win less than you’ll risk. Who wants to do that?

Dark Horse/Longshots: Philadelphia 76ers (+1000)/ Denver Nuggets (+1200)

After acquiring Jaylen Brown, you’d think the Philadelphia 76ers were done making significant moves, but rumor has it that is not the case. According to reports, the 76ers have thrown their hat into the LeBron James ring.

A lineup that includes Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid and VJ Edgecombe makes Philadelphia a solid contender already. But if they were to add James to the mix as well? Just the thought of it has me interested in betting on the 76ers to win it all (currently +2000 at DraftKings).

So, the roster would meet his desire to compete for a title, but there is no way Philly can afford to pay him anywhere near what he’s worth. But according to ESPN’s Shams Charnia, money may not be much of a factor in his decision:

“…his biggest priority in all this is finding a team where he feels like he's going to have a chance to play meaningful basketball, compete for a championship. My understanding is this will not be a financially driven money decision….”

If that is indeed true, the 76ers could be the ideal landing spot.

As for the Nuggets, their early exit in the postseason last year showed that they could use a little help. Nikola Jokić makes them a contender on his own. Factor in Jamal Murray, and Denver is already a dangerous team.  Add LeBron James to the mix, and we could be talking about the greatest "Big Three" of all time.

However, like Philly, they can’t afford to pay him anywhere close to what he’s worth. So, why would he sign with Denver? Maybe because he’s good friends with  Nuggets owner Josh Kroenke. James has vacationed on Kroenke’s yacht in the past, so there is a solid, pre-existing relationship there. People have certainly been driven to much less for friendship.

Could that be enough? Would LeBron choose his next and likely last team out of friendship with its owner? It feels kind of random.

My Pick: Philadelphia 76ers (+1000)

If money is not a driving factor in this decision, the 76ers may be the best fit. They were a playoff team last season. Swapping Paul George out for Jaylen Brown has already made them a serious contender. Add LeBron to the lineup, and we may be talking about a record-breaking season (and a fitting swan song for King James).