When it comes to LeBron James’ future, there don’t seem to be any wildcard scenarios truly in play.
He could retire, return to the Los Angeles Lakers for another season, or go back to the Cleveland Cavaliers for a third stint.
The Golden State Warriors have gained some steam as of late, but Golden State would have to miss on Giannis Antetokounmpo in order for them to pivot.
Could the Denver Nuggets make a shocking push for the former MVP?
According to CBS Sports’ LeBron future odds, there are three teams that are predicted to hold a one percent chance of getting James. The Nuggets were mentioned as one of them.
Could The Nuggets Make A Surprising Push?
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – MAY 01: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against against the Houston Rockets d3q in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Toyota Center on May 01, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
A trip down memory lane would help NBA fans recall a time when a handful of NBA teams attempted to lure in LeBron, who wanted out of Cleveland for the second time in his career.
The Denver Nuggets were rumored to be one of the teams taking the big swing. James didn’t show much interest in any team outside of the Lakers. As more time passed, could LeBron change his mind?
“He and Nikola Jokić would be perfect together offensively,” Sam Quinn of CBS Sports wrote. “James thrived with a lesser version of Jokić in Marc Gasol back in 2021, while Jokić won a championship passing to a big, athletic cutter in Aaron Gordon. Stick two basketball geniuses like this together, and the sky would be the limit.”
GettyOKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – MAY 05: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the second quarter of a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game One of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Paycom Center on May 05, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)
Where does the doubt stem from? Money is tight in Denver, so the Nuggets can’t offer much. Is an All-Star going to settle on a veteran’s minimum? Denver is in the Western Conference, but it’s not California. That’s where the Warriors hold the edge outside of LA.
Also, the Nuggets had a strange conclusion in 2026. Despite finishing as the No. 3 seed, they were far from title contenders in the postseason. The Minnesota Timberwolves knocked them out in six games in round one.
The Nuggets still finished better than the Warriors, but their stock is going to be down in the eyes of free agents in 2026.
When it comes to the Nuggets’ chances of landing LeBron James, file it under unlikely.