Could the Minnesota Timberwolves land LeBron James?
LeBron James will return for his 24th NBA season, though it remains to be seen which team he plays for.
LeBron informed the Los Angeles Lakers that he won't be back in Los Angeles for his ninth season, saying he wants to play "meaningful, competitive basketball" as his career winds down.
The Lakers lost in the second round to the Oklahoma City Thunder last season, thanks in part to an injury to Luka Doncic that kept him sidelined for the entirety of the playoffs.
Few teams have been as competitive as the Minnesota Timberwolves over the past three seasons, which includes a playoff victory over the Lakers in 2025. They have made the Conference Finals in two of the last three years, and lost to the San Antonio Spurs, the West finalists, in the second round this past season.
The Timberwolves Pursuit Of LeBron James
According to Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic, Minnesota is ramping up its push for LeBron.
The pitch includes teaming up with Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, Rudy Gobert, and Jaden McDaniels to help bring the first championship in Timberwolves history and the first major men's championship to Minnesota since the Twins won the World Series in 1991.
Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype adds that the Timberwolves will keep a roster spot open after signing Trey Lyles.
Lyles shot 43% on 3-pointers for Real Madrid. He last played in the NBA in 2024-25 for the Sacramento Kings where he shot 34% from three. He is a career 36% three-point shooter in the NBA.
Do The Timberwolves Have A Shot?
They were on the Rich Paul Whiteboard, which is a big first step.
If LeBron is willing to take the minimum or the $6 in taxpayer mid-level exception money that the team has, then Minnesota has a real shot. They have been playing meaningful and competitive basketball for the past three seasons, but haven't been able to get over the hump.
They made a big change in trading for LaMelo Ball, but gave up Naz Reid and Julius Randle in separate deals.
Ball, Edwards, McDaniels, and Gobert all offer strengths that can take pressure off of James but also highlight some of his strengths, particularly as a playmaker and his ability to get to the rim.
LeBron has already staked his claim as the greatest player of all-time with a legacy that could be unmatched. Helping the Timberwolves win their first title would be one more jewel on his crown.
