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LeBron James and the Lakers may be headed separate ways this offseason
LeBron James could depart Hollywood for greener pastures this summer.
The Los Angeles Lakers star will be among the most coveted players in free agency this offseason.
Given that he will have no shortage of suitors, league executives consider a Lakers reunion a long shot for the all-time leading scorer.
On Monday, Sam Amick of The Athletic wrote about how, as recently as six weeks ago, the assumption around the league was LeBron was playing his final games in Los Angeles.
“As recently as late January, not long after an ESPN report detailed so much of the dysfunction in James’ relationship with the Lakers organization, the widely-held consensus around the league was that there’s no way he’d be back in a Lakers jersey. The Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors were, and are, often mentioned by league executives as his most likely destinations,” Amick reported.
Not even a month ago, there was widespread speculation that the Lakers were better without LeBron. This included the short-term and long-term outlook.
In light of the team’s recent win streak, there has been a change of tune among Lakers fans.
The Lakers have won nine of their last ten games and are currently the third seed in the West.
LeBron has averaged 18.7 points, 6.6 rebounds and 6.3 assists during that span.
Warriors View LeBron as Top Free Agent Option
GettyLeBron James is among the Warriors prized free agent targets this summer
Steph Curry‘s championship window is closing soon. The Warriors plan for him to go out with a bang.
Although they are still interested in a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo, a free agent signing of LeBron seems more plausible.
The Warriors have been linked to James for years, and reportedly attempted to acquire him before the 2024 NBA trade deadline.
As Amick reported, the Warriors and Cavaliers are considered the favorites to land LeBron should he leave Los Angeles.
Curry and James won a gold medal together in the Paris Olympics and hold each other in high regard.
A potential team-up in Golden State would create one of the league’s most iconic duos.
Despite being in the twilight of their respective careers, both players provide All-Star production.
Curry has averaged 27.2 points in 39 games this season, proving he is still an elite scorer.
Should James join Curry and Jimmy Butler in Silicon Valley, the Warriors could embark on another championship push.
Will LeBron Return to Cleveland?
GettyLeBron James could leave the Lakers and return to the Cavaliers this summer
Another option for James would be to finish his career with his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers.
James has not been shy about his adoration for the franchise and is still invested in several business ventures in Cleveland.
Plus, the team is equipped to contend for a title, which is James’ ultimate goal.
A Cavaliers reunion would slot James alongside Donovan Mitchell and James Harden, forming a new Big 3 in Cleveland.
All eyes will be on James’ decision this summer.
For now, he and the Lakers look to add another championship banner by season’s end.
Jalyn Smoot Jalyn Smoot is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has nearly 10 years of experience in local and national media, including print and digital. He previously covered the Texas Rangers for MLB.com and the Philadelphia 76ers for Metro Philadelphia. Smoot is a St. Louis born writer that now resides in Dallas. More about Jalyn Smoot
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