The biggest name in the NBA potentially on the verge of testing the upcoming free agent market this summer could be four-time NBA MVP LeBron James. Although all indications are pointing toward James staying with the Miami Heat, but he can opt-out of his current deal and sign elsewhere.
With even the hint of James becoming available this summer, the speculation has started to swirl about what the future might hold for arguably the best player in the NBA.
According to Marc Stein of ESPN, James’ potential free agency will be much different than the last time:
“This time is going to be different,” a source close to James said about James’ view of free agency. “If LeBron decides to look at other options it won’t just be teams with cap space. He has 30 options if he wants them….
“LeBron is not thinking about free agency right now, he’s totally focused on the season,” said one James associate. “In the summer he knows he can get to any team he wants to.”
Obviously, with the Los Angeles Lakers having a considerable amount of cap space this summer, the rumors of James considering signing with the storied franchise, or the Lakers targeting the superstar are bound to surface.
At this point in time, James staying with in Miami makes the most sense. The Heat could sign him long-term while paying him a premium and continue to build around the two-time NBA champion.
Despite a return to Miami being the most likely scenario, other teams might get the in the mix for James. The Los Angeles Clippers, Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks and Lakers will be in play if James opts out making things interesting to say the least with potentially another power shift in the NBA weighing on yet another decision.
__________________________________________________________________________
Lakers Nation Exclusive: VIP Viewing Party For Backstage: Lakers On Time Warner Cable SportsNet
