The 2026-27 NBA season will be Year 23 of LeBron James’ career. Many of his rivals on the court had not been born yet when he debuted in 2003 in Arco Arena, home of the Sacramento Kings.
Even at 41 years old, he is still the top free agent of this summer in a lean class which has Trae Young and James Harden as possible unrestricteds if they opt out. Both are likely to pick up their options as no other team would possibly pay more than what they’re currently making.
The best true free agent is probably CJ McCollum based on his performance with the Atlanta Hawks. Still, it’s a first round exit.
The Lakers are now clearly Team Luka. They feel they have given LeBron the proper tribute, like drafting his son. Both parties could now move on.
LeBron has won a title in every stop after his first Cleveland Cavaliers’ stint. This is the first stop where he is not the best player after he leaves. It’s time to accept that.
Retirement feels real now, but there will be teams with interest. The Golden State Warriors are the most interesting destination, but realistically, everything is conjecture at this point.
Real Draft Predictions Start Now
Now that the draft lottery has passed, there are actual teams attached to the picks. Speculators can now factor in actual need when they make their mock drafts. Another key factor is how high the possible Giannis Antetokounmpo suitors would go. That’s an underlying subplot beneath every event in the offseason.
The Washington Wizards pick first, and right now, the consensus pick is AJ Dybantsa. It’s not, by any means, certain. Darryn Peterson is still considered the most ready, talented, prospect, but recent questions about his injuries and attitude caused some to raise red flags.
While there is evidence presented to show those concerns are legitimate, they may be exaggerated. Some pundits operate close enough to people with real interest. Criticizing Peterson, to the point that he won’t be the top pick, may end up benefitting the team picking second. Sure, we did not know who that was until two days ago, but casting doubt is enough.
Side note: It just shows how close the top three are. Projected red flags can rock the boat. This is not the Wemby draft or the Cooper Flagg draft where there was never really any debate. However, there is another question: just how far (or close) is Caleb Wilson?
Top Four, Not Top Three
Caleb Wilson of the University of North Carolina is continuing to impress. He was not hyped at the start of the season since he is not as polished as the three high school juggernauts. However, he is the tallest and most athletic. He definitely improved the most, as it was often noticed that Dybantsa and Peterson were seen coasting through games. It was all but a done deal that they are the top two, and Boozer would follow suit.
Wilson was not on the radar, so he worked the hardest. There are now legit experts who feel that he has the most upside. Tate Frazier, college basketball expert from The Ringer, even chose Caleb Wilson as the best player from this draft after ten years.
Thus, the Memphis Grizzlies have their own debate: Cameron Boozer or Caleb Wilson? Not because Boozer has dipped—he still is the most decorated player among them, but Wilson is simply showing more and more potential in the Draft Combine.
So here’s my take for the top four. Not an expert, just a fan.
Washington Wizards - AJ Dybantsa. Not a case of need, but they will debut Trae Young. You can’t go wrong with either pick, to be honest.
Utah Jazz - Darryn Peterson. Power forward is not a position of need for the Jazz. Even with the ties to dad Carlos Boozer, Peterson’s game simply translates better at the onset than Boozer’s.
Memphis Grizzlies - Caleb Wilson. As Ja Morant remains the only star for this team, they are likely to gamble on upside.
Chicago Bulls - Cameron Boozer, second generation Bull, a smart, sure contributor.
