Timberwolves, Nuggets reportedly darkhorse candidates for $101M four-time NBA Champion, former MVP

LeBron James will no longer be playing for the Los Angeles Lakers when the upcoming season begins. The way his tenure ended came as a surprise, especially after James reportedly did not even entertain offers from the organization he spent the last eight seasons with.

While James accomplished a great deal in a Lakers uniform, it appears the relationship between him and the franchise had been rocky for quite some time. According to reports, the disconnect began after the Lakers traded for Russell Westbrook.

“There was more of a disconnect between James and the organization, sources said, one that started during the doomed 2021-22 season following the Russell Westbrook trade and never fully recovered. Ultimately, James recognized the Lakers were in a different phase with their franchise and chose to prioritize his basketball happiness, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania, in finding his next situation,” ESPN’s Dave McMenamin wrote.

Several teams are believed to have a legitimate chance of signing James. Among them, the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets have emerged as dark horse contenders for the four-time NBA champion.

“The Nuggets and Timberwolves are viewed as dark horse contenders in the LeBron James free agency sweepstakes. LeBron would arguably complete both teams and put them over the top in a loaded Western Conference,” NBA reporter Evan Sidery wrote.

The Timberwolves announced themselves as serious contenders this offseason when they acquired LaMelo Ball. Minnesota has already made its pitch to James, outlining why he should join the franchise.

“The Timberwolves are ramping up their push for LeBron James, sources tell The Athletic. The pitch: Team w/Ant, LaMelo, Jaden, Rudy in championship-starved Minnesota to go after a title that could cement his case for the throne” The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski posted.

The Nuggets landing James would create a frightening combination, pairing two of the league's best passers in Nikola Jokić and James. Add Aaron Gordon and Jamal Murray to the mix, and Denver would boast a formidable big four.

James played last season on a $101 million contract, but his next deal is expected to be significantly smaller. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves would have a starting lineup with an ideal blend of offensive firepower and defensive versatility. Anthony Edwards would undoubtedly welcome the opportunity to play alongside James in Minnesota.

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