Celtics appear on Rich Paul’s board of LeBron James landing spots

LeBron James is officially considering his options for his next — and potentially final — team in the NBA this season.

After letting the Lakers know he’s preparing to move on from them after eight seasons, the future Hall of Famer likely has a selection of competing franchises to choose from as he searches for a fifth NBA championship ring.

Rich Paul, James’ longtime business partner, appeared on the podcast and offered some general thoughts on where James could go in free agency. Although Paul’s comments are pure speculation, his close relationship with James gives some credence to those views.

The Celtics appeared on Paul’s board as a possible destination for James. More specifically, Paul wrote “Brad + Tatum” on the whiteboard in reference to Boston.

Stevens and Tatum are not listed In the first bubble Of the four teams that appear to be the favorites to win James. These four: Philadelphia, Miami, Denver, and Minnesota.

For those four destinations, he listed the key players that LeBron would fit well with. In the case of the 76ers, that also included former Celtic Jaylen Brown.

Boston hasn’t gotten that top-tier treatment, suggesting a move there would be less likely for James. But the opportunity to play with Tatum cannot be ruled out. The duo previously played together for Team USA in the 2024 Olympics.

If James joins the Celtics, he will likely operate in a forward role, facilitating the offense from the three or four spots on the floor. The starting lineup of Derrick White, Paul George, Mitchell Robinson, Tatum and James would be filled with star power, and Boston would instantly be an Eastern Conference contender once again.

Whether it’s James or elsewhere, Boston will likely need to make another addition or two to its roster this offseason. It has already added Robinson, as well as Mike Conley Jr. early in the free agency window, and George via the Browns trade. So Stevens is certainly making good on his promise to be aggressive to retool Boston’s roster and get it back to the NBA Finals.