Will LeBron James ultimately re-sign with the Los Angeles Lakers? That’s one expectation, or hope, many hold. His other option is targeting the Golden State Warriors and teaming up with Stephen Curry. The Bay Area team might not be able to afford him, though. A prominent NBA analyst has positioned the San Antonio Spurs as a premier fit for the 41-year-old veteran, only hours after Victor Wembanyama and his young team’s heartbreaking 4-1 loss in the Finals.

“Any free agent targets? What about LeBron? Is it a bit click-baity? Sure, but are we sure LeBron James isn’t a fit for the Spurs?” CBS Sports writer Sam Quinn asked the pertinent question. “But he [James] and longtime Spurs coach Gregg Popovich have long shared a mutual admiration. If he’s as serious about wanting to win as he says, there’s no better suitor out there. The Spurs can make the money work… The basketball fit works because it always works with LeBron. He can do anything. He’s power forward-sized.”

“LeBron’s no sharpshooter, but come on, nobody is ignoring LeBron James off the ball. He might be ball-handling overkill, but if they move [De’Aaron] Fox, James could step in as the veteran stabilizing creator. Maybe officially passing the ‘face of the league’ baton to Wembanyama would appeal to him. It’s not likely, but it’s worth an internal discussion on San Antonio’s part.”

With James’ presence, Luka Doncic, in his first full season, averaged 33.5 points per game, a league high. Similarly, Austin Reaves had a breakthrough year with a career-best 23.3 points per game. Now, James had changed roles and played off the ball to give his two teammates more freedom. The 41-year-old checks the boxes that the Spurs need right now: a power forward, a leader who can contribute, and an elite facilitator to elevate Wembanyama.

How does the math work?

Wembanyama ($16.9 million), Dylan Harper ($13 million), Stephon Castle ($10 million), and Carter Bryant ($5.1 million) are the Spurs’ best contracts. That’s why San Antonio enters the offseason with $151.7 million on the ledger, below the projected $165 million salary cap. In fact, they remain far below ($44 million) the $201 million luxury tax line or the restrictive apron. For now, Fox ($49.5 million) is the highest earner, followed by Devin Vassell ($27.5 million).

LeBron James’ max slot for 2026-27 is projected to be up to $57.75 million. But many predict that the 22x All-Star could accept a deal around $30-35 million if there’s a genuine shot at chasing a championship. Now, Fox, whose leadership and performance have come under scrutiny, could be the one to be traded. But the Spurs could move Johnson to create cap space. The reigning Sixth Man of the Year earns $18 million and was a no-show during the Finals. His exit can push the Spurs’ cap space close to $30 million.

While the Spurs do have wiggle room financially, they’d need to keep Wembanyama’s imminent max rookie extension in mind as well. Reports suggest that the Frenchman is eligible to sign a huge $251 million contract, which could potentially scale up to $300+ million.

James wasn’t particularly kind to San Antonio on his Mind the Game podcast during the Finals series. In fact, he went on to make a joke about them.

“I mean, San Antonio, we focus on basketball,” James said. “You ain’t doing s–t in San Antonio. Nothing at all. Nothing. And I mean nothing.”

But it is all about the project the Spurs front office can pitch to him, if they do. The 41-year-old spoke about “the process” and deemed it “a big factor” during his final interview in May. He made it clear that he’s been motivated enough to show up early while “preparing my body, preparing my mind, preparing to practice, to put the work in.” He clearly stated that as long as that commitment lasts, you’ll continue to see him on the court.

Tapping into that incentive, the Warriors have reportedly been preparing a plan for James through Stephen Curry, who’s supposed to meet him this offseason. According to Marc Stein of The Stein Line, the Dubs remain “legitimately interested” in adding James to their veteran core of Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green. But that move depends on multiple factors, the first being that the Bay Area side needs to clear its books to bring in another veteran’s salary.

Letting go of Green or Kristaps Porzingis, a probability of a trade and sign deal, the Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception (worth $15 million), there’s a lot of moving blocks for Joe Lacob to manage first. You’d imagine that it’s far easier for the Spurs in that regard. But will their project be attractive enough for James to prefer them over a Steve Kerr-led team? While a return to the Lakers seems to be the easiest option for James, is there any clarity on that bit yet?

Rich Paul spoke about LeBron James’ decision

Rich Paul previously revealed that 10 to 12 contenders have reached out to express interest in LeBron James. But Klutch Sports’ super agent emphasized that no meaningful discussions had occurred because of one key factor.

“Believe nothing that’s out there because I haven’t had one conversation with him at the end of the season,” Paul said on the Pat McAfee Show. “I made it clear that I would respect him and the family because this is going to be a family decision for him… We played a couple of rounds of golf. I don’t mention it. We haven’t had one conversation with anybody about anything. I’ll continue to give him his time. When he’s ready to talk, we’ll talk.”

While James hasn’t appeared to have made a decision yet, rumors about his next destination are rampant. A return to the Lakers, a reunion with Curry, a storybook ending with the Cavaliers, or potentially partnering up with Wemby, they are all genuine options for now.