LeBron James is heading into an unprecedented 24th NBA season, and the next stop still isn’t settled. The latest reporting says the Lakers can move on without him, opening the door for a summer chase that could reshape the league.
According to ESPN, James has already told Los Angeles he will play elsewhere.
“LeBron James will return for an unprecedented 24th season in the NBA -- but it won't be with the Los Angeles Lakers. James has informed the Lakers that the franchise can move on without him because he will play elsewhere, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul told ESPN's Shams Charania on Tuesday,” ESPN wrote.
That has kicked off a scramble around the league, with the Golden State Warriors emerging as one of the most serious possibilities. NBA reporter Evan Sidery said James was preparing to meet with Golden State this week, and that the team’s flexibility could keep the door open for a move involving Anthony Davis as well.
“LeBron James is preparing to meet with the Warriors this week as an unrestricted free agent. After Draymond Green opted out today, Golden State has the necessary flexibility to sign LeBron and trade for Anthony Davis. LeBron leaving the Lakers is gaining significant traction,” NBA reporter Evan Sidery wrote.
Golden State is not alone in the mix. The Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat are also being described as legitimate options, and NBA reporter Chris Haynes said those are the three teams he believes are truly in play.
“The Warriors are in play, Cleveland is in Play, Miami has interest as well. Those are only teams for sure I know are legitimate options.
I’m told people close to LeBron that he’s going to be patient. It’s not about money.
It’s about which team has a legitimate shot at contending for a championship because he believes he can still play at a high level,” NBA reporter Chris Haynes said.
Among those teams, the Warriors are the only one James has not played for before. That gives Golden State a different kind of appeal, while Cleveland and Miami each bring their own familiar pull. For now, though, the focus is on which team can convince James it has the best championship path.
James finished last season on his $101 million deal with the Lakers. He is not expected to command anything close to that number in free agency, with winning a title now taking priority over the paycheck. The next move from the Heat, Warriors, and Cavaliers will help decide where one of the biggest names in basketball lands next.
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