Four-time NBA Most Valuable Player LeBron James has been recruiting stars to play either for the Cleveland Cavaliers or on a new team.
James, who will become an unrestricted free agent next month, will be making a decision on his future this June 29. A 14-time NBA-All Star, James led the Cavaliers into four straight finals appearances while steering them into the 2016 NBA title.
According to Mark Hesler of the Orange County Register, James has been making phone calls with other players in hopes of having them join him wherever he goes. Since the last off-season, James has been rumored to suit up for the Los Angeles Lakers. Experts believe that the LA Lakers are willing to part ways with do-it-all court general Lonzo Ball should James be available in the market.
"LeBron is doing what we does — calling players on other teams he wants to play with," said an Eastern Conference general manager.
During last season's playoffs, James averaged a near triple-double unloading 34 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 9 assists. He was also a big help on the defensive end of the floor averaging 1.4 steals and 1.0 blocks per game.
James Contacting Paul And Leonard?
Earlier last week, All-Star point guard Chris Paul told several people that James won't be joining the Houston Rockets with the primary reason of staying close to his family. Paul, who will also become a free agent this July, is currently having tensions with the Rockets. Interestingly, Paul is also one of James' best friends.
Aside from the Rockets point guard, James is also rumored to be making phone calls with Kawhi Leonard, who earlier asked to be traded to the LA Lakers. While the San Antonio Spurs have already turned down the LA Lakers, there is still a window of opportunity that Leonard might play in the City of Angels. Should Leonard ask for a trade, the LA Lakers will likely offer Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, and draft picks.
On the other hand, numerous reports across the league suggest that the Cavaliers have also made its bid of convincing James to stay. Cleveland is reportedly willing to let Kevin Love go in exchange for Leonard.
Besides making a move for Leonard, the Cavaliers are also hoping that selecting court general Collin Sexton with the eighth overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft would convinced James to remain in Cleveland. The 19-year-old Sexton, who averaged 19.2 points and 3.6 assists for Alabama in college, called James to stay right after being picked by the Cavaliers.
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