With Jayson Tatum expected to miss the 2025–26 season, the Celtics might emerge as a surprising but logical landing spot for LeBron James if he and the Lakers agree to a possible buyout.
LeBron James' future with the Los Angeles Lakers looks a bit shaky, even after he opted into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025–26 season.
LeBron James
LeBron James
LeBron James
MIN: 35.31
PTS: 24.49 (56.91%)
REB: 7.88
As: 8.04
ST: 1.07
BL: 0.64
TO: 3.64
GM: 75
While many still expect him to stay in L.A., the Lakers appear to be shifting their focus toward building around Luka Doncic and prioritizing long-term success over immediate title contention.
This has opened the door to a possible what-if scenario: a buyout agreement between James and the team.
If a buyout were to happen, nearly every NBA contender would be interested in signing LeBron.
Colin Keane of NESN recently floated the idea of a surprising potential destination—the Boston Celtics.
He argued that the Celtics might make more sense for LeBron than many realize. With Jayson Tatum expected to miss the entire 2025–26 season, James could step in to help fill the void without significantly impacting Boston's future cap space.
Credit Getty Images via AFP - Scanpix
Keane also noted that a buyout would lessen the financial burden on Celtics president Brad Stevens and allow the team to form a formidable core of LeBron, Jaylen Brown, and Derrick White in what's shaping up to be a weak Eastern Conference.
"If LeBron wants to win now, he should go to the East, and the Celtics cannot be ruled out as a landing spot," Keane wrote.
That said, trading for LeBron is complicated by his hefty $52.6 million salary. However, if a buyout occurs, several teams could quickly enter the mix.
Reportedly, four teams are already showing interest in a potential trade: the Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Golden State Warriors, and Los Angeles Clippers.
The Miami Heat could also emerge as a dark horse, hoping for a reunion with the four-time champion.
Thank you for being with us! Subscribe to BN+ and browse ad-free.