Several NBA executives are convinced that LeBron James will still leave the Cleveland Cavaliers despite the trade of Kyrie Irving to the Boston Celtics. According to Bleacher Report, several NBA executives said James will not exercise the option on the final year of his contract with the Cavaliers. An Eastern Conference general manager said James leaving the Cavaliers in 2018 is a foregone conclusion while a Western Conference scout said Cleveland should not count on the superstar to stay after this season. LeBron has committed to stay with the Cavaliers this season but did not reveal his future plans.
New players can’t help Cavs beat Warriors
The NBA executives also believe that acquiring Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic and Brooklyn's 2018 first-round pick will not help the Cavaliers beat the Warriors. The executives are concerned about Celtics general manager Danny Ainge’s statement that Thomas might not be ready at the start of the season after he suffered a hip injury in the playoffs. The was also a concern about Thomas’ decision to recover from his hip injury without surgery due to his status as a free agent next summer. The NBA executives also expect the Cavs to trade the 2018 first-round pick if LeBron guarantees that he will stay with the team after this season. It was reported that James plans to join the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018 and join forces with up and coming players Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram.
James to join Lakers in 2018
The league executives are convinced that LeBron will leave Cleveland for the second time in his career and join the Lakers after this season. According to them, there are three reasons why James would pick Los Angeles as his next career stop. First, he wants to set up his post-playing career in TV and movie production.
James has already established a Los Angeles-based production company, SpringHill Entertainment, which has already produced several shows and television specials.
In addition, LeBron James and his childhood friends-turned-business partners -- agent Rich Paul and business manager Maverick Carter – all have homes in Los Angeles.
Recently, James’ wife said that she wants to live in Los Angeles full-time. Second, James wants to try a new achievement of leading three different teams to a championship. He already won two NBA titles with the Miami Heat and one with the Cavaliers. Third, James is eyeing an ownership stake with the Lakers when he retires.
