Three weeks ago, on July 1, I placed a one dollar bet on LeBron James playing the 2026-27 NBA season up north for my hometown Minnesota Timberwolves.
I proudly placed this bet, not because the payout was so enticing (although I wouldn’t mind the $31.21 that I would win), but because I had the luxury to do so.
Is it a good bet? Eh, probably not. But the seven-year-old-me who sported a Wolves Michael Beasley jersey would’ve never believed that his once maligned favorite team would someday be in contention to land “the King,” so I might as well toss a buck on it while I can.
The Timberwolves were the NBA’s punching bag—a fanbase that had been battered around by 20-win season doldrums.
But here the Wolves are in the summer of 2026 following a blockbuster trade that has them “livin’ Lamelo loco” (thank you, Eric Collins) and a pair of Western Conference Finals appearances, now sitting at a 7% chance to land LeBron James (according to Kalshi).
So, LeBron—take your time. There’s no rush. Let me enjoy this bet while I can.
Credentialed Fan 