Lakers News: Nick Wright Makes Surprise Prediction For LeBron James' Next Club

James can opt out of his current contract at the end of the season.

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James is still one of the better players in the game today despite his advanced age. James is in his 21st NBA season, which shows the incredible longevity that he has had over his career.

James is eligible to become a free agent at the end of this current season if he were to opt out of his contract. By doing so, he would be leaving $51 million on the table, but he would surely make it up with a new deal. 

Even at almost 40 years old, other teams would still be lining up to land him. There has been thought he could leave Los Angeles to join a team with higher title odds, which has caused much speculation as to where he could go.

Long-time analyst Nick Wright seems to believe that if James leaves L.A., he will join a familiar franchise from his past. That would be the Miami Heat.

"The Heat are absolutely the next team. I love the ownership, front office & coach. Playoff Jimmy. LeBron. Bam. He's been there. His family loved it there. They might go to the Finals again this year. They haven't been able to quite get over the hump."

“The Heat are absolutey the next team. I love the ownership, front office & coach. Playoff Jimmy. LeBron. Bam. He's been there. His family loved it there. They might go to the Finals again this year. They haven't been able to quite get over the hump.” - @getnickwright on Miami… pic.twitter.com/MjsczBTU2A

— Dru (@dru_star) February 21, 2024

James heading back to South Beach for his final few years would be a cool story, but all signs have pointed to the likelihood of him staying in Los Angeles. He has even said that he hopes to stay with the Lakers, easing some fans' minds.

It will be difficult for James to turn down the $51 million that he is owed from the Lakers, and he may just sign a new deal with Los Angeles. But James has been known to do the unexpected at times.

Nobody really knows what his plans are, but one thing is for certain: he still wants to win. As long as he feels the Lakers are title contenders, he will likely remain right where he is.