NBA insider Brian Windhorst believes LeBron James' future still starts with the Los Angeles Lakers, but he's not ruling out another team if contract talks become difficult.
Speaking on The Pat McAfee Show on June 9, 2026, Windhorst said there's uncertainty around the negotiations between James and the Lakers.
While Windhorst sees Los Angeles as the best fit, he also pointed to the Golden State Warriors as a team worth watching if the two sides can't reach an agreement.
Windhorst explained that the Lakers and James are still trying to figure things out as the veteran star enters free agency.
He believes Los Angeles is the right place for James, but any new deal must balance recognizing James' contributions and giving the Lakers enough flexibility to improve the roster around him and Luka Dončić.
James is coming off another productive season despite being 41 years old, making contract discussions an important topic around the league.
Windhorst mentioned the Warriors as a possible alternative, citing LeBron's relationships with Stephen Curry, Steve Kerr, and Draymond Green as reasons Golden State could become a realistic option.
For now, the Lakers remain the team Windhorst views as the strongest fit for James, but with no agreement in place yet, the outcome of the negotiations remains uncertain.
