The King is leaving Los Angeles, as LeBron James has decided that he has played his last game as a Los Angeles Laker. The best of all time to many, and one of the NBA’s all-time legends, will be a free agent. So, how did the NFL react to this huge news?
What Does the NFL Think of LeBron James’ Future?
There are a couple of teams circulating at the top of the list of where LeBron could end up next year. One team is the Golden State Warriors. Even though the Warriors defeated James three times in the NBA Finals, James and Warriors superstar Stephen Curry have a huge amount of respect for each other.
Seeing Curry and LeBron play together on the same team outside the Olympics would truly be a magnificent sight.
However, Green Bay Packers linebacker Zaire Franklin is not a fan of that idea. “I’d rather see Bron back in Cleveland than going to GSW personally,” said Franklin on X.
I’d rather see Bron back in Cleveland than going to GSW personally
— Zaire Franklin (@ZiggySmalls_) June 30, 2026
Las Vegas Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby is also on the same page as Franklin. On his podcast, “The Rush,” Crosby said, “I want LeBron to lowkey go back to Cleveland… that team is young they are still building… and still made it to the Eastern Conference Finals.”
Does LeBron James go back to Cleveland?! đź‘€ pic.twitter.com/Ni0ZCW5Hwa
— The Rush Podcast (@TheRushWithMaxx) June 30, 2026
James grew up in Ohio and spent many years with the Cavaliers. During his time with the Cavaliers, LeBron has brought them to the finals five times. However, he only got one ring for Cleveland. So, going back could be his chance to get the city he loves another championship.
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Destination aside, some were split on LeBron leaving the Lakers. However, former NFL wide receiver Dez Bryant showed his support on X for LeBron leaving.
💪🏿 https://t.co/NQij2YbPUP
— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) June 30, 2026
Several NFL teams on social media reacted humorously to LeBron being a free agent, as they posted photos of LeBron photoshopped onto their team uniforms.
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“@KingJames… heard you’re on the market,” tweeted out the Houston Texans on X.
.@KingJames… heard you’re on the market 👀 pic.twitter.com/CZ26qAqlA4
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) June 30, 2026
Another team in the AFC South, the Indianapolis Colts, took to X, tweeting out the eyeball emojis with a photo of Colts cornerback Sauce Gardner convincing James to play for the Colts.
👀👀👀 pic.twitter.com/oEaPUPymud
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) June 30, 2026
The Jacksonville Jaguars tweeted a photoshopped image of the cartoon character Squidward wearing a Jaguars hat and pointing, with the text being “Jaguar,” basically insinuating they want James on their team.
https://t.co/lVtMQm7LFy pic.twitter.com/1qW3aF3a3B
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) June 30, 2026
Some AFC East teams got in on the fun as well, as the Buffalo Bills said on X, “Never say never.”
Never say never. pic.twitter.com/aLc7nnNo40
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) June 30, 2026
Meanwhile, the New York Jets said, “run it back in the green and white, @kingjames?” Like other teams, they posted a photo of LeBron in their respective team’s jersey.
However, they also posted a photo of LeBron playing football in his high school days.
run it back in the green and white, @kingjames ? pic.twitter.com/JXBxcsNRwp
— New York Jets (@nyjets) June 30, 2026
James was amazing at basketball during his time at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, Ohio. However, he was also very good at wide receiver. With how athletic and dominant James is, especially with his height and strength, it makes sense that he would be very good as a receiver.
However, after high school, he was drafted by the Cavaliers, and the rest is history. Overall, no matter where LeBron goes, it will be a major story that will affect his NBA legacy.
