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Apr 12, 2026; Los Angeles, California; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts in the first half against the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena. © Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Where LeBron James will play next season has arguably been the NBA world’s biggest free-agency question. While the focus is on the franchises trying to land the four-time MVP, the intriguing subplots tied to his looming decision are also getting the spotlight.
On Saturday, NBA insider Jake Fischer shared intel on what the team that signs James must do.
LeBron James’ Next Team Could Also Land a 5-Time NBA All-Star, Insider Says
James announced his decision to leave the Los Angeles Lakers late last month. A few days after the 22-time All-Star ended his eight-year stay in Hollywood, Rich Paul, his agent, said on the “Game Over” podcast, that “happiness” would play a key role in the superstar forward’s free agency.
According to Paul, James would want to play golf and also compete for another championship. Fischer, during Bleacher Report’s livestream at the NBA Las Vegas Summer League, added what could be another happiness-driven factor for James.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if Kevin Love is considered as a plus 1 to any team that acquires LeBron James,” Fischer said.
When James returned to Cleveland in 2014, the Cavaliers also traded for Kevin Love. Together with Kyrie Irving, they carried the Cavaliers to a monumental upset of the Golden State Warriors to win the 2016 NBA Finals.
After a four-year stay, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer left Cleveland again to take his talents to Hollywood. Love remained until joining the Miami Heat in 2023.
In 2025, Fischer reported that Love was angling for a move to “the big glamour markets” with New York and Los Angeles as potential destinations.
Had the Heat traded him to the latter city, Love would have been reunited with his good friend.
MORE:‘LeBron (James) Will Make You a Worst Defensive Team’ – NBA Analyst Weighs In on Superstar’s Fit With the Cavaliers
Instead, the Heat sent Love to the Utah Jazz in July 2025 in the three-team trade that sent Norman Powell to South Beach.
This past season, Love averaged 6.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game for the Jazz. He was a key veteran presence on a team loaded with young talent. With Utah going all-in with its youthful core, Love had no place left in Salt Lake City.
Now an unrestricted free agent like James, Love could be an addition to whichever team signs the four-time NBA Finals MVP.
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