LeBron James' tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers was clearly over after the 2025-26 season, but he still could have stayed in Los Angeles. In fact, the Los Angeles Clippers were reportedly considering a massive play to keep LeBron from leaving LA.
The Clippers weren't one of the reported final suitors for LeBron but they certainly had some level of internal interest. According to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, the Clippers reportedly discussed a one-year deal worth north of $20 million. That's far more than the $3.8 million the Philadelphia 76ers are paying LeBron this season.
It's unclear whether or not the Clippers sent a finalized offer to LeBron with these financial terms, especially given the purgatory the team is currently in with the pending Kawhi Leonard investigation and trade. But even with a big-money offer, the Clippers probably never had a chance to begin with.
Clippers were never a real suitor for LeBron James, even with a big pay day
LeBron's intentions were a massive sticking point leading up to his eventual decision to sign with the Sixers. Would he prioritize money? Golf? Getting to play with Bronny James? A homecoming with the Cleveland Cavaliers? A retirement tour?
Ultimately, when the dust settled, LeBron himself made it clear that his decision was dictated by winning a fifth championship. LeBron perceives the 76ers as the best team for him to win a championship with. Money didn't matter; location seemingly didn't matter. It was all about winning.
The Clippers were never going to be a finalist given those parameters. The franchise is at an inflection point as the team transitions to a new era where the future is the priority. Kawhi never would have been traded if the Clippers were prioritizing winning in 2027.
Unless... the Clippers wanted to pair LeBron James with Kawhi Leonard
But there is an interesting hypothetical situation that we will never have the answer to. Did the Clippers consider LeBron before making up their mind with the Leonard trade? Did Steve Ballmer and Co. want to go all in on LeBron and Kawhi bringing Los Angeles a championship? It was once a pipe dream for the Lakers, and it would be even sweeter if the Clippers pulled it off.
Perhaps the Clippers removed themselves from the LeBron market by trading Kawhi. Maybe LeBron expressed he didn't have any interest, prompting the Clippers to rip off the bandage by trading Kawhi.
Or maybe the Clippers thought they could win LeBron with money even after trading Kawhi, but that seems unlikely. Either way, it's a fascinating situation that may never have a clear answer.
But one thing is certain: 76ers fans should be grateful that the Clippers aren't in a position to be a title contender in 2027. Because if they were, LeBron very well may have taken the chance to contend with a salary five times higher than what he got from the 76ers.
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