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LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.

Hall of Famer Gary Payton, the father of Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II, has predicted that LeBron James will leave the Los Angeles Lakers to sign with the Bay Area franchise this offseason.

On a recent episode of the “Nightcap” podcast, Payton explained why the Warriors were the most logical choice for James if he decided to leave Los Angeles after eight seasons.

“I really think he’s going to stay in the West,” Payton predicted.

“…There’s a good shot he comes to Golden State,” added the 1996 Defensive Player of the Year. “If he leaves [Los Angeles], he’s going to Golden State.”

Payton, though, won’t be surprised if James stays put with the Lakers for a ninth year.

“I don’t think Jeanie Buss is going to let him go,” Payton stressed.

“I don’t think she’s going to let him get nowhere. She’s still running that thing for the next five years, and she’s not going to let him go nowhere.”

LeBron James Free Agency

Further to Payton’s points, the Lakers have repeatedly stressed their desire to re-sign James and bring back their Big 3 of Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and James.

“We want that core to be back together,” Lakers head coach JJ Redick said in his exit interview, via ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.

“All three of those guys showed a lot of growth this year. I think a lot has been made about Luka’s fitness level and his dedication to that. He was great throughout the season. He’s still in fantastic shape six weeks after an injury. But he’s also grown as a leader.”

Lakers GM Rob Pelinka also showed his appreciation for James.

“He’s an incredible partner,” Pelinka said of James.

“His basketball IQ on the court is something we get to see as fans. JJ and I get to see his basketball knowledge in terms of other players in the league and the way he wants to play and who he wants to play with. His knowledge base is vast and so those collaborations with him are really inspirational.”

LeBron James Next Team Odds

The Lakers remain the odds-on favorites to retain James for another season.

According to Kalshi, there’s a 58% chance that “The King” will either remain in Los Angeles or retire, while there’s a 26% chance that James will return to the Cleveland Cavaliers for a farewell season. Fox Sports also favors the Lakers/retires (+108) option, followed by the Cavaliers (+213) and Golden State Warriors (+669).

Elsewhere, Polymarket gives the Lakers a 56% chance of retaining LeBron James, while the Cavs (36%), Miami Heat (26%) and Warriors (9%) round off the top four.

After the Lakers’ season ended on Monday, James made it clear he had yet to decide on his plans for the 2026-27 season.

“What my future holds, I don’t know,” James said.

“Obviously, we’re still fresh from losing. I don’t know what the future holds for me as it stands right now tonight.

“I got a lot of time, I’ll sit back and recalibrate with my family. Talk with them, spend some time with them and when the time comes, you guys will know.”