Los Angeles Lakers: Free agent alternatives if Paul George re-signs with Thunder
LeBron James, SF, Cleveland Cavaliers
This one was obvious, right? For the last few months, there’s been an unrelenting onslaught of speculation regarding LeBron James potentially joining the Lake Show. It may seem like a pipe dream to some, but the window of opportunity is absolutely open.
As mentioned with Durant, James knows about all of the perks of playing in Los Angeles. The off-court opportunities are endless, and working with a guy like Magic can be a budding businessman’s dream. He also has a home there, talks about the city all the time, blah blah blah. We’ve heard it all before, and we’re sure to hear it again between now and July.
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Let’s take the latest rumors for example. According to Peter Vecsey (H/T HoopsHype), LeBron will “unequivocally” leave the Cleveland Cavaliers and join the Lakers in 2018. It’s a bold statement that definitely feels premature seeing as the season hasn’t even started. And yet, it’s another large, billboard-sized sign that suggests it’s not entirely out of the question.
So let’s imagine a scenario in which James does test the waters. Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert again throws a temper tantrum, and LeBron smirks throughout his entire flight to LA to meet with Magic. The two strike a deal, and James becomes the new savior of the Lakers.
It’s a storybook ending (or nightmare, based on your allegiances) for LeBron, who gets to save one of the NBA’s premier franchises before riding off into the sunset. It also helps him personally, as I’m sure Johnson will promise to support him in whatever business venture he asks if the King puts pen to paper.
Next: 5 Bold predictions for Lakers' 2017-18 season
Regardless of what George decides, James will certainly be hearing from the Lakers when he becomes a free agent. I’m sure Magic and Pelinka are already planning their pitch.