After losing to Golden State in the NBA Finals, LeBron James expected the Cleveland Cavaliers to be aggressive in acquiring talents in the offseason to close the gap on the Warriors. However, James was disappointed with the decisions that the Cavaliers have made so far, according to Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today. Zillgitt reported that James’ optimism diminished after Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert declined to bring back general manager David Griffin and vice president of basketball operations Trent Redden.
The firing of both Griffin and Redden left James concerned and frustrated about the Cavaliers’ ability to form a formidable team that can beat the Warriors, according to Zillgitt, who based his report on information from a source with direct knowledge of James’ thinking.
James’ disappointment with the ownership grew after the Cavaliers failed to pursue a trade for Jimmy Butler with the Chicago Bulls. Griffin was close to a deal with the Bulls before the Cavs decided to let him go.
James frustrations could drive him away from Cleveland
James’ frustrations could lead him to leave the Cavaliers for the second time as he is set to become a free agent after the 2017-18 season. It was reported that James is planning to join the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018 and form a super team with Paul George and rookie Lonzo Ball. Currently, the Cavs are still the best team in the Eastern Conference with James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love leading the way. However, it will take more than three superstars to beat the Warriors, who boast of Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green.
The Warriors’ core also remained intact after they signed Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston to fresh deals.
LeBron could build super team with Lakers
Earlier, sports columnist and podcaster Bill Simmons floated a possibility that James might build a super team with the Lakers in 2018. Simmons said James might recruit DeMarcus Cousins of the New Orleans Pelicans, Paul George of the Oklahoma City Thunder and John Wall of the Washington Wizards to the Lakers.
Explaining his presumption, Simmons said George is expected to move to the Lakers in 2018 after his contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder expires. James, for his part, can turn unrestricted free agent in 2018 and join George.
The coming season will be the last year in Cousins’ four-year, $65.6 million deal that he signed with the Sacramento Kings.
If he turns free agent, he can choose the Lakers, who have enough salary cap by that time to accommodate his demand. Wall, for his part, can work out a trade or wait until after the 2018-19 season to join the Lakers.
