Wizards named dark house landing spot for $101 million Lakers star, four-time NBA champion

Things have gotten interesting fast for the Washington Wizards this offseason.

On top of selecting former BYU Star A.J. Dybantsa with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft instead of Darryn Peterson, the Wizards signed Trae Young to a lucrative four-year, $212 million contract extension to remain with the franchise.

Washington has also removed Anthony Davis from the trade block, signaling the franchise likes what it's building and doesn't want to break up its core anytime soon. 

According to NBA insider Scoop B. Robinson, the Wizards are a dark horse contender to land Los Angeles Lakers star and four-time NBA champion LeBron James, which would undoubtedly make Washington the clear winners of the offseason.

“In addition to selecting former BYU, while most of the mainstream media’s attention remains fixed on traditional destinations, the Washington Wizards are quietly positioning themselves as a compelling wildcard in the sweepstakes for LeBron James,” Robinson stated Tuesday.

“The gravity of Washington’s pitch centers around Anthony Davis. It is no secret around the league that Davis and James remain incredibly close friends. However, Davis has been noticeably non-committal publicly regarding his long-term desire to stay in Washington.”

Are the Wizards among the best win-now offseason destinations for James? Absolutely not, as the new look, Giannis Antetokounmpo-led Miami Heat, Stephen Curry-led Golden State Warriors, and Donovan Mitchell-led Cleveland Cavaliers are more plausible suitors for the 22-time All-Star. 

However, given that James appears open to reuniting with Davis, and the Wizards are unwilling to trade the 10-time All-Star, the appeal could certainly be there. James has also noted that he values happiness above all else at this stage of his career.

If teaming up with Davis one more time before ending his career will bring the future Hall of Famer the joy he’s looking for, there’s a slight chance he could consider taking his talents to Washington in a wild turn of events.

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