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Brady Farkas
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Updated at May 13, 2026, 14:22
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James is headed for free agency this offseason, so could the Celtics make a run at him?

So far, nearly all of the offseason conversation surrounding the Boston Celtics has revolved around the idea of if they can acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks.

We've discussed that and outlined that multiple times already, but is there actually another big move that may fit the Celtics better?

As the 'Greg Hill Show' on WEEI talked about on Wednesday morning, could the C's actually end up in the market for future Hall of Famer LeBron James?

Let's dive a little deeper.

About James

By this point, you certainly know that James is one of the most accomplished players in NBA history.

A 23-year veteran of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers, James is the NBA's all-time leader in games played (1,622), minutes played and points scored (43,440).

He's a 22-time All-Star, a 21-time All-NBA selection, a six-time All-Defensive selection, a four-time MVP, a four-time NBA Finals MVP, a four-time NBA champion and a Rookie of the Year winner. He's also won a scoring title and an assist title, not to mention multiple gold medals with Team USA at the Olympics.

He is a free agent at the end of this season and it's unclear if he'll head back to the Lakers, retire, or sign somewhere else.

He still seems to have plenty in the tank if he wants to keep going. He averaged 20.9 ppg, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists for the Lakers this season, playing in 60 games.

Why might Boston be intrigued?

1) Simply signing James would allow them to keep Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum together, rather than having to (probably) move Brown for Antetokounmpo.

2) James can certainly add scoring to Boston's offense, and he can still get to the rim, which is something that the Celtics have said they want to do better in 2026-27. He can also take some of the point guard load off Payton Pritchard, allowing him to flourish further as a scorer. He could also help take the ball out of Tatum and Brown's hands, allowing them to play more off the ball.

3) James is a proven winner, making the playoffs 19 times in his career. Maybe he won't be the driver of this team, but his experience can certainly help get it over the hump again.

4) It's unclear what the cost for James will be in free agency. He played this past season at $50 million with the Lakers, but will clearly have to take less in most scenarios. Depending on what the number is, the Celtics can fit him in, especially if they were willing or able to move off someone like Derrick White, or if they are especially willing to cross further tax apron thresholds. 

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) moves the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) and guard Ajay Mitchell (25) during the first half in game four of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn ImagesLos Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) moves the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) and guard Ajay Mitchell (25) during the first half in game four of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Why might they not be intrigued? 

1) Well, the money could be an issue given that the Celtics are paying Brown and Tatum more than $60 million each next season. If the Celtics want to spend less, they may not want to take on James's salary, whatever it is, or they may not want to move other money in order to bring him more easily.

2) Maybe they like the idea of Pritchard playing the point guard spot more, and maybe they don't want to take the ball out of Tatum's hands.

Would James even be interested?

James has always valued winning, so you'd have to think he'd listen to any offer that involves him going to a contender. He may also see the Eastern Conference as a better bet for that than the West, which features the Thunder and Spurs both on upward swings.

However, he's made his home in Los Angeles and that's where his family is, does he want to move 3,000 miles away?

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