The Los Angeles Lakers are finally clicking, but this season could be the swan song for superstar LeBron James. LeBron could retire after this season or, more likely, sign elsewhere in free agency.
That would mark just the third time in his career that he has been a free agent, and while he isn’t nearly the player he once was, he could still have no shortage of free agent suitors.
However, according to NBA insider Sam Amick of The Athletic, if LeBron left the Lakers this summer, he would join either the Golden State Warriors (subscription required) or the Cleveland Cavaliers.
League executives do not believe LeBron James will return to the Los Angeles Lakers after this season. The Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers are viewed as his top landing spots.
Neither would be much of a surprise, with both teams having been linked to LeBron for years.
The Golden State Warriors could land LeBron James this summer
The Warriors reportedly tried to trade for LeBron last season, and he has a long history with star Steph Curry. His moving from LA to the Bay Area would seem like a reasonable one, especially if it gives them a chance to win the championship.
Him being paired with Curry and Jimmy Butler—once he’s fully healthy might be enough to make the Warriors contenders once again. Even though LeBron isn’t the same superstar he once was, he can still be among the best players in the NBA.
If Golden State can convince him to take a steep pay cut, then he could be what they need to contend again. Him taking less is key considering the Dubs’ cap constraints.
The Warriors won’t be alone in trying to land LeBron James
Otherwise, a team such as the Cleveland Cavaliers could potentially steal him this summer. Look, we all know the theory of the case for the Cavs, and the reasons are obvious.
He has spent 11 of his 23 seasons in the NBA in Cleveland and is already their all-time leading scorer and best player in franchise history.
Him returning for a third stint would solidify him as a franchise icon and perhaps give him another shot at winning a championship with the home-state Cavs. That’s all well and good, but the Warriors seem like a better fit, and LeBron may not want to return to Cleveland for a second time.
Golden State should hope so because they could be in the driver’s seat to land him this summer if Amick is correct.