NBA Rumors: Top 3 Landing Spots For LeBron James If He Leaves The Lakers

The LA Lakers had another disappointing finish to the season, heading home after a five-game first-round defeat at the hands of the defending champion Denver Nuggets. Now the big question becomes what happens next for LeBron James?

A report in The Athletic says that the Lakers "badly" want James back and they are open to discussing a three-year, $164 million max extension that he's eligible to sign this summer.

But what if LeBron is tired of coming up short with the Lakers as he approaches the final season or two (or three?) of his career? It's worth taking a look at the three top landing spots for James IF he decides to move on.

1. Miami Heat

This one makes all the sense in the world. A franchise that he is more than familiar with, having "taken his talents" there once before, and led them to two championships in 2012 and 2013. In addition, with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, LeBron could easily be the missing star piece for the Heat to make it back to the promised land.

2. San Antonio Spurs

Who wouldn't want to see LeBron—the greatest player of the past generation—team up with the future of the NBA, Victor Wembanyama? James would probably love to play with the man he's passing the baton to, who he dubbed 'The Alien', but whether they'd be close enough to having a shot at the title would be another question.

3. Dallas Mavericks

LeBron and Kyrie Irving together again? They won a title together in 2016 in Cleveland, and reports are that they talked about the possibility of a reunion, this time in Dallas, last offseason. A trio of James, Irving and Luka Doncic could certainly be a title contender.

As it stands, LeBron, even at age 39, can obviously punch his own ticket as he sees fit. This past season with the Purple & Gold, he averaged 39 he's still capable of playing at a high level. He averaged 25.7 points, 8.3 assists and 7.3 rebounds per game in 71 games.