Eventually, NBA fans will know where LeBron James will play in 2018. However, one of the best players in the game today, Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul, believes he knows where James would prefer to play, and sorry, Cavaliers fans, it is not Cleveland.

Could LeBron be Los Angeles-bound?

The rumors surrounding LeBron James are only going to get more out of control as the summer moves forward. That is just the nature of the beast. One rumor that seems to have legs is James heading to Houston to team-up with Chris Paul and James Harden, which would form a new “Big 3” in the game today.

After a report from ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, that rumor may be disappearing quickly.

According to The Big Lead, Paul, who is a good friend of LeBron James, has reportedly been telling people that LeBron is not trying to come to Houston because he wants to be in Los Angeles playing for the Los Angeles Lakers. Smith indicated on his show that “Chris Paul is telling folks LeBron ain’t trying to come to Houston, he wants to be in L.A. These are things I am getting through the grapevine. Chris Paul is saying LeBron wants to be in L.A.”

If James did head to L.A., the Lakers would have to make some decisions regarding their young corp, as well as whether or not they will attempt to pursue Paul George -- who has been rumored for several months to be interested in heading home and playing for the Lakers.

The only problem? George and James would change the dynamic of the Lakers incredibly, meaning that one or two of their youngsters would be heading out of town. With both James and George hitting the final stretch of their career, would that be the best move for the Lakers? On the other hand, it is hard to argue against these acquisitions.

Paul not giving up

Even if the rumors are true about LeBron wanting to play in L.A., Chris Paul isn’t giving up on trying to get his buddy to play in Houston. According to Real GM.com, Paul is expected to re-sign with the Houston Rockets this offseason, and he has become more focused on recruiting LeBron James. Are we looking at another Dwyane Wade-esque recruiting situation?

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reports that Paul's main focus is to re-sign with the Rockets this offseason. If and when that happens, it is believed that Paul will strongly try to recruit James to head south and suit up with him, Harden, and the rest of the Rockets for years to come. Stay tuned for more, as trade rumors are only getting started.
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