LeBron James Fantasy Basketball Landing Spots In Wake Of Lakers Departure

On Tuesday, LeBron James announced his return for the 2026-27 NBA season, in addition to his decision to leave the Los Angeles Lakers. Ethen Hutton|

May 11, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the second half in game four of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

In this story:

Los Angeles Lakers Cleveland Cavaliers Golden State Warriors Miami Heat

The NBA offseason continues its movement with major news out of the Los Angeles Lakers locker room, with reports indicating that LeBron James plans to move on from the team for the 2026-27 season. Klutch Sports revealed the 22-time All-Star’s return for the upcoming season on Tuesday afternoon, hours before the start of the free agency period.

BREAKING: LeBron James will continue his NBA career for the 2026-27 season and has informed the Los Angeles Lakers that the franchise can move on without him because he will play elsewhere, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul tells ESPN. pic.twitter.com/zzVk6xUVF1
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2026

James is set to hit unrestricted free agency, headlining a talented class amid an offseason that has already seen a plethora of movement throughout the NBA. He’ll garner immense attention leading up to the signing of his next, and likely final contract, with several teams offering an optimal fit based on fantasy basketball outlook.

Let’s explore three landing spots for James in free agency, and his outlook for the upcoming year with each squad:

Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cleveland Cavaliers are widely expected to make a run at James in free agency, despite current cap situations that position the team over the second apron. Cleveland’s front office is looking to significantly bolster the lineup following the team’s quick Eastern Conference Finals loss to the New York Knicks. With the return of the franchise’s greatest player alongside Donovan Mitchell, James Harden and Evan Mobley, the Cavs will be positioned to compete in a talented East.

Cleveland Cavaliers' James Harden is declining his $42.3 million player option for 2026-27 and the sides are working through a new multiyear deal together, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/UiE1bn3BnP

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 29, 2026

Joining the likes of Mitchell, Harden and Mobley, James’ fantasy outlook should take a sizable leap with a vastly expanded role on the offensive end. He likely takes over as the team’s No. 2 option as a scorer, and provides the offense a reliable playmaker and consistent rebounder. I’d expect improvement on his numbers across the board in a move from Los Angeles to Cleveland, serving as a primary contributor alongside Mitchell.

Golden State Warriors

The Golden State Warriors have positioned themselves to make a compelling case to land James. Star veteran Draymond Green will explore a reduced salary after declining his player option, as the front office attempts to land both James and his former Lakers teammate, Anthony Davis. The potential core of Steph Curry, Green, James, and Davis will be able to compete in a loaded Western Conference, forming a quartet with instant chemistry.

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green is declining his $27.7 million player option to become a free agent, sources tell ESPN. This move gives the Warriors flexibility to pursue LeBron James in free agency and Anthony Davis via trade to form a Big 4. pic.twitter.com/jBVRe1YZ1B
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 29, 2026

Similar to his role in Cleveland, James and Curry would likely shoulder the majority of the offensive responsibility, with Davis presenting an All-Star-caliber pick-and-roll partner to both future Hall of Famers. His scoring and assist numbers likely take a noticeable jump, though his rebounding production could be limited behind Davis and Green.

Miami Heat

The Miami Heat are big-game hunting this offseason, looking to pair Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo with a complementary third star ahead of a crucial 2026-27 campaign. Pat Riley and the Heat’s front office went all-in on the trade for Antetokounmpo, sacrificing several key contributors to land the superstar big man. With James set to hit free agency, Riley will likely work to orchestrate a potential reunion with his former superstar in Miami.

Like our previous two fantasy dives, James likely sustains a role as the No. 2 scoring option in Miami, though he sets an elevated floor from a playmaking perspective. James would likely set the tempo as the primary ball-handler in Erik Spoelstra’s half-court sets, potentially providing a significant bump in assist production.

Badenoch blasts 'moaning' female Labour MPs over Burnham jobs 'quota'

Kemi Badenoch has told Labour women to earn a job in Andy Burnham's Cabinet instead of demanding they are handed jobs because of their gender.

The Tory leader lashed out today amid reports that female MPs are demanding the de-facto new prime minister introduce a 50:50 gender split 'quota' in his government.

Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister also complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts.

But in a scathing article in the Times today Mrs Badenoch told them to 'stop moaning' and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'.

'There are many, many reasons why you shouldn't have any Milibands in the cabinet,' she said.

'But complaining that the boys haven't given them the right jobs or that the boys are taking all the jobs, just shows that Labour's women still don't get it.'

The idea of quotas was also attacked by Baroness Jacqui Smith, Labour's Skills Minister.

Asked by Times Radio if Mr Burnham should reserve jobs for women, she said: 'No, I think what Andy Burnham should be doing is building the very best team around him to change this country.'

A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs

Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband (above, right, in 2010) is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts

But Mrs Badenoch told them to pipe down and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'

A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party and seen by the BBC has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs after he succeeds Sir Keir Starmer.

'We are asking you to demonstrate this change from day one and address the toxicity and misogyny within our own party and government,' it said.

Labour has never had a female leader, while the Conservatives have had three, and Mrs Badenoch urged the government to follow its meritocratic example.

'If you run a meritocracy, then you do not have to worry about jobs for the boys,' she wrote.

'Every woman who is a Conservative MP, every woman who has ever won the leadership, has had to fight to get where she is.

'By contrast, Labour women are demanding guarantees from Burnham. But the truth is he doesn't have to give any guarantees.

'If none of Labour's women are prepared to get their hands dirty and challenge him for the leadership, their demands are toothless.'

'In fact, it's quite revealing that the women's parliamentary Labour Party has written to Burnham asking him to commit himself to at least 50 per cent female ministers.

'This has nothing to do with meritocracy. It is yet more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country.'

Venezuela Fury and Noah Price subsidising their life by livestreaming

Venezuela Fury and her husband Noah Price look to be making their own way in the world by raking it in from their lucrative social media accounts.

The influencer daughter of Tyson and Paris Fury, 16, has become an internet sensation after tying the knot with her husband Noah, 19, earlier this year.

Since getting married and moving in together the couple have been earning thousands of pounds a month, livestreaming their life as newlyweds in their static caravan in the East Riding of Yorkshire.

And fans can't get enough of their regular life updates on TikTok and Kick, which have proved to be very profitable for the pair.

They look to be supporting themselves after Noah denied that he was given £5million by Venezuela's family as a wedding gift.

Despite his wife's huge family wealth, an estimated combined £160 million, Noah recently told his Kick followers that he 'pays for everything' for the couple.

Making light of the claims about Venezuela's millionaire financial status, Noah said: 'I actually pay for everything unfortunately. You'd expect the millionaire to pay for it wouldn't you.'

Venezuela Fury and Noah Price are earning thousands livestreaming their caravan life - after her new groom insisted he pays all the bills and denied he had £5m handout from her dad

The influencer daughter of Tyson and Paris Fury , 16, has become an internet sensation after tying the knot with her husband Noah, 19, earlier this year

Venezuela then asked their fans: 'Do you think I am a millionaire?'

Noah joked: 'She isn't a secret millionaire guys', before she broke into song and sang: 'But I live like a millionaire!'

But it seems according to estimated calculations from their social media work, Noah and Venezuela can more than afford to support themselves.

Noah has been livestreaming on platforms such as Kick and TikTok, where viewers can send paid gifts or donations.

He was previously encouraging viewers to send gifts on his honeymoon during livestreams, suggesting this is one revenue stream.

Both Noah and Venezuela have built substantial followings on Instagram and TikTok. They can potentially earn money through sponsored posts, brand collaborations, affiliate links and creator payouts.

Kick allows its creators to take home 95 per cent of the £4.99 subscription cost that fans pay.

Streamers keep 100 per cent of direct tips and donations, minus minor standard payment processing fees.

It is unclear how many subscribers Noah currently has because this information is hidden, but he does have 7,200 followers which is publicly viewable.

An industry insider has suggested Noah is making around £400 per video on TikTok, while Venezuela is likely to make £2,000 due to her following count of 1.3 million.

An industry insider has suggested Noah is making around £400 per video on TikTok, while Venezuela is likely to make £2,000 due to her following count of 1.3 million

In one video on their honeymoon, Noah asked his followers if they'd give them some more gifts now that they were married.

In a TikTok live viewed by 20,000 he said: 'Keep liking our videos people, keep sending gifts.'

After saying thank you to several of his followers he joked they should stick around on the livestream and 'watch Venezuela punch me in the mouth'.

The other half of the honeymooning couple said: 'I am, honestly!'

Noah previously confirmed that the pair don't share their finances after they were asked whether they have a shared bank account.

'She earns her money, I earn mine,' said Noah, as Venezuela joked: 'Yeah, what you gonna do about it.'

Noah went on to debunk the rumour that Tyson gave him £5million when he tied the knot with his daughter as he insisted: 'No Tyson did not give me £5million'.

Meanwhile Venezuela is being eyed up by executives for a fly on the wall TV series.

Noah went on to debunk the rumour that Tyson gave him £5million when he tied the knot with his daughter as he insisted: 'No Tyson did not give me £5million'

Boasting 1.3 million TikTok followers, Venezuela is already entertaining fans with her honest musings and candid moments, from cooking to kitting out her and Noah's static caravan home.

And following the success of the Netflix series At Home With The Furys, it is no wonder bosses are wanting to draw on the Fury popularity.

A TV insider said: 'The couple are not A-list celebrities but everyone has become obsessed with their love story.

'People are genuinely intrigued by them. Whether it’s the fact they have married so young, Venezuela’s famous family or their gypsy lifestyle, they have the ‘X factor'.

'Several TV executives think a proper fly-on-the-wall series following their lives as newlyweds in the gypsy community would be fascinating,' they told The Sun.

It is thought Netflix would be likely to produce the series due to their already established relationship with the Furys.

Venezuela's representatives told The Daily Mail: 'We have many offers on the table regarding Venezuela which we are discussing.'