This year’s NBA offseason has been the gift that just keeps on giving. From superstar trades and draft rumors to front office drama, this summer has certainly kept basketball fans captivated. Even though the majority of the free agency period is over, the offseason appears to have no interest in slowing down.
The latest rumor has Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving asking to be traded. This has added fuel to rumors that LeBron James will leave his hometown team next summer, and many, including Lonzo Ball’s younger brother LaMelo, appear to be in favor of him heading west to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Nothing is certain, but after an uncomfortable parting of ways with general manager David Griffin during one of the most crucial parts of the offseason, rumors have been picking up steam about James looking to leave Cleveland next summer as a free agent, with Los Angeles being one of his preferred landing spots. LaMelo took to Twitter to emoji his thoughts on the situation:
LeBron to the lakers? ????????
— Melo (@MELOD1P) July 21, 2017
Lonzo Ball has thrilled Lakers fans with his impressive performance in the Las Vegas Summer League, where he not only notched a record-setting two triple-doubles but he also took home the MVP award for the tournament. He has thrived as a passer, and a strong but unselfish wing like James could be a solid fit playing alongside him.
That said, it would still be a bit surprising to see James opt to jump to the Lakers next summer. Los Angeles has weather that can’t be beaten and James does own a home there, but with the incredibly weakened state of the Eastern Conference and the strength of the West, one would think that James would prefer the easier road to the NBA Finals in Cleveland.
However, until we know something definitive, expect the LeBron-to-Los Angeles storyline to remain at the forefront of NBA rumors.