LeBron James won't be winning another championship for as long as he remains in the NBA, and his relationship with the Los Angeles Lakers doesn't appear to be improving either.
So why not consider a brief stint with the Phoenix Suns before calling it a career? It might sound crazy, but there's actually a bit of logic to a potential pairing that includes some of the same beats as before.
LeBron would get to go out on his terms in The Valley
The only reason this is even a story is because Rich Paul recently claimed that between "10-12 teams" had made enquiries about James already this offseason. That appears unlikely and is just being used to both remind the Lakers of what they have and also pump up his value throughout the league.
But if that many franchises really did call, then the Suns were surely one of them. If LeBron really wants to escape Los Angeles but still be based there, geographically Phoenix is about as close as it gets.
We can't make an argument for James picking the Golden State Warriors and Stephen Curry over going to The Valley, it makes too much sense.
If you go back to when LeBron's son was coming into the league however, the Suns were mentioned as a potential landing spot for him (the organization had a late second round pick) that could have convinced James to go and play with his son.
That same scenario could play out again in 2027, with Bryce James eligible to be drafted. The Lakers aren't going to indulge that again, but the Suns sure might. They continue to build slowly around Devin Booker, but James would be a fun detour that wouldn't risk the future.
He would come in on a minimum deal and owner Mat Ishbia could use this as his latest proof that he treats superstars right. Important when you consider he traded Kevin Durant to the destination he wanted to and has always tried to do right by Booker.
The franchise cornerstone is in the middle of his prime (and greying a little himself as we've seen this summer), and could find the idea of teaming up with James appealing for a short run. It would legitimately improve his chances of winning, while all manner of players have flocked to play with James throughout his career.
It has never felt more apparent that he will leave the Lakers than this offseason, while the Cleveland Cavaliers don't appear to be interested right now. Why not the Suns?
Add us as a preferred source on Google