NBA Rumors: Top Options if LeBron James Leaves Cleveland

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Feb 10, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) talks with Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) near the end of the Cavaliers /

4. Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers aren’t what they used to be, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The trio of Jordan Clarkson, Julius Randle, and D’Angelo Russell is flush with potential, and Kobe Bryant’s departure will free up a significant amount of cap space.

If LeBron James wants the superstar lifestyle and treatment, there’s no better way for him to get that than by joining the Lakers.

The young and promising players on the roster include Clarkson, Larry Nance Jr., Randle, and Russell. Bryant’s $25 million is coming off of the books, Roy Hibbert’s near $16 million contract will do the same, and the salary cap is expected to rise beyond $90 million.

The Lakers could conceivably sign James and still find the room to bring on a second star and a crop of solid complementary pieces.

The allure of the Lakers has been called into question by some, but veterans are unlikely to have lost that desire to thrive in purple and gold. With Bryant approaching retirement, a new star will be needed in Laker Land.

It’s not very likely, but if he leaves the Cavaliers, James could embrace the Lakers lore.

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