While most people are focused on this year’s free agency, the summer of 2018 will be very entertaining as well because highly-prized free agent LeBron James will hit the market. It has been reported that James is likely to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers next summer to play in Los Angeles. However, it was never mentioned which Los Angeles team James would like to play for.
The Los Angeles Clippers are currently the better L.A. team, but they have major concerns this offseason with Chris Paul and Blake Griffin becoming unrestricted free agents. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers just drafted Lonzo Ball with the second overall pick and are likely to acquire Paul George, who is intent on joining the team.
So which LA team is best for LeBron?
LeBron James rules out one of the two Los Angeles squads
According to Mike Wise of The Undefeated, James will reportedly never play for the Clippers. “I can’t tell you who, but I’m going to tell you it’s somebody that knows, and LeBron James will never be a Clipper.”
So if James leaves Cleveland in 2018 to go to Los Angeles, the Lakers will be the clear favorites to land him according to this report. Why the Lakers? Although the Lakers have been mediocre the last few seasons, their franchise name still seems to attract players. Superstars are interested in playing for a franchise that has banners hanging in their building, knowing the countless legends that donned the purple and gold.
For LeBron, he apparently wants to move to Los Angeles because he wants to remain close to Hollywood, where he is making a lot of money in the industry. There were also recent reports that his wife would like to live in L.A. as well, and that James is already preparing his family to shift to the city of Los Angeles.
What it means for the Clippers
What this obviously means for the Clippers is that they may be headed for mediocrity again. This is a huge summer for them, as they could possibly lose Griffin and Paul, as well as J.J. Redick and a few other role players. If Paul and Griffin are lost, it could definitely steer James to the Lakers, who could likely be a more promising team by 2018.
There is of course still a lot of time from now until James’ free agency. A lot can change, especially since the Cavaliers are determined to trade for Paul George to try and win another championship. It’s hard to imagine James leaving his hometown of Cleveland again, especially when they are a championship-caliber team.
