The Miami Heat have casually been linked to LeBron James over the last couple of months, as whispers continue to spread about his potential discontent in Los Angeles. However, as he inches closer and closer to the open market, the Heat’s stance on LeBron is going to become clearer in the next few months.

From all indications, it does seem as if there’s a very real chance that LeBron could be entering his final season in a Los Angeles Lakers uniform.

Longtime NBA insider Marc Stein doesn’t believe that LeBron is going to end his career in a Lakers uniform. And if that’s the case, a team like the Heat will be in a great position to potentially make a play for him, whether that’s via trade before the 2026 NBA Trade Deadline, or in free agency next year.

The Heat have positioned themselves to be flexible enough to pursue both avenues.

If Miami has any level of interest in LeBron, we’re going to find out just how much over the next few months. Considering the Heat will be under immense pressure to make a big move, LeBron can’t be considered off the table by any means.

The Heat must make a big move in the next 12 months

With the way the last couple of years have gone, there’s been a bad narrative growing around the idea that the Heat can’t close the deal on star players. And to be quite honest, the evidence is quite overwhelming between failed pursuits of Bradley Beal, Damian Lillard, and Kevin Durant, among others.

But heading into this season, all of that could change. The Heat are finally in a spot where they have the flexibility to make a big move. Over the next few months, that position is only likely to improve, especially considering the possible other moves they could make regarding Andrew Wiggins’ future.

There’s a very real chance that the Heat will be sitting in a prime position to make a move for a star player. Could or will LeBron factor into those plans at all?

At this point, that’s difficult to predict.

However, if Miami wanted, it could strongly pursue a reunion with LeBron. And if it does get to that point, LeBron could be one of the most realistic possibilities on the table.

You’d imagine that the Heat almost have to figure out a way to make a move for a star player in the next 12 months. Maybe LeBron is not at the top of their list, but he could be entertained if Miami struggles to find realistic options.

At the very least, it’s worth keeping an eye on LeBron’s situation with the Lakers. Make no mistake, we’re going to find out an awful lot about the Heat’s feelings about LeBron, especially if he ends up being one of the most available star players on the market.