Los Angeles Lakers rumors: Latest buzz on LeBron James, Paul George, more

Los Angeles “consensus favorites” to land LeBron?

Apparently it’s not just George who’s destined for Hollywood.

According to the OC Register‘s Mark Heisler, the Lakers are currently leading the race to sign LeBron James when he inevitably hits the open market in July. In fact, he went as far as calling them the “consensus favorites in the LeBron Derby.”

There are several things that have already happened that seem to be playing into Magic’s favor. The Lakers created the cap space needed to sign two max-contract players. The Thunder choked. The Cavaliers are rolling through the playoffs, but LeBron has had to put on a one-man show to make it happen. On top of that, there aren’t many teams slated to have max money available during 2018 free agency.

More needs to happen, though, before we can prematurely crown the Lakers the new kings of the NBA. LeBron and George both need to decide not to re-sign. Magic needs to make a pitch that convinces them that partnering up in Los Angeles is the best option — there will be other teams out there like the Philadelphia 76ers who could try to pry one of them away.

What I’m trying to say is that there are still several hurdles to clear.

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While that may be the case, there’s a growing sense the Lakers stand a legitimate chance at signing the King. I wouldn’t get my hopes too high, but we’re reminded nearly every offseason that anything is possible in the NBA.