LeBron James could be a Laker very soon. The three-time NBA champion has reportedly been very frustrated with how the Cleveland Cavaliers are handling the off-season. With how things are turning up for his team, LBJ could be looking to opt out of his contract to seek greener pastures.
King James has been with the Cavs for three years after leaving the Miami Heat in 2014. He previously played for the same team for seven years before leaving to join Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in what was dubbed "The Decision."
Cavaliers not aggressive in NBA Trade
NBA trade rumors continue to swirl online about LeBron leaving Cleveland again.
What looked to be a powerhouse and shoo-in team to make it the NBA Finals year after year is facing difficulty this summer. According to reports, the 2016 NBA Champions aren't being aggressive in going after prospects to join the team. This passiveness has frustrated their superstar, LeBron.
After failing to grab back-to-back championships last season, falling into the hands of the Golden State Warriors, the Cavs have not made any movement. NBA trade talks continue to prove that the team isn't looking to add more depth to its roster. So far, they have only signed guard Jose Calderon and forward Jeff Green. They failed, however, to lure big guns Gordon Hayward and Paul George to the team.
It also did not help that Cavs GM David Griffin was let go after their failed championship bid.
At a time when the team should be reinforcing the roster with capable pieces to help them level the field with the Warriors, Cleveland has remained silent.
All these have led to talks that LeBron James is leaving after this season. The four-time MVP can opt out of his contract after the 2017-18 season, and may likely if he feels the chance of winning another ring doesn't improve in the Eastern team.
LeBron-Lakers may happen in 2018
According to sources, James' agent Rich Paul is already in contact with the Los Angeles Lakers. With a young but promising roster and a flexible cap space, LBJ reportedly believes LA is a good fit for him.
Rob Pelinka says agent Rich Paul contacted him, noticing how patient the Lakers have been with their cap space: ‘Let’s talk.’
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) July 18, 2017
The LeBron James, Lakers talks were further ignited when Kyrie Irving hinted at problems in Cleveland.
Asked about how the team would be in a couple of years, the All-Star point guard confirmed that the Cavs are in a "peculiar place" right now. He seemingly confirmed the LeBron James trade rumors by hinting things may change after summer.
"Like I said, we're in a peculiar place. The best thing we can do is handle things with class and professionalism," Irving told Sports Illustrated. "At this point, we just see what happens throughout the summer."
So far, nothing has been confirmed yet and all are just what they are -- NBA trade rumors. However, for LA fans who have been waiting for a revival, having LeBron James in Lakers uniform may be the start of their winning stretch again.
