While the NBA waits anxiously for LeBron James' decision on whether to stay with the Cleveland Cavaliers or venture into free agency, reports have it that the superstar already knows where he's playing next season. Brian Windhorst of ESPN said the superstar could decide on or before July 4.
Windhorst, who has covered James' entire NBA career, told The Lowe Post podcast last week that everybody is on a holiday on July 4, and James' decision could be known by then. Windhorst added that James wants to make it quick so as not to drag the issue.
James Has 3 Options
James is faced with several options. First, he could exercise the player option on the final year of his contract with the Cavaliers. If he opts for that, he will earn $35.6 million next season.
James also has the option of arranging a sign-and-trade deal, where he will sign a maximum extension with the Cavaliers before asking a trade to the team of his preference. Third, James could decline the player option and hit the open market.
If he hits the open market, James has no intention of hearing elaborate pitch meetings from teams interested in his services, per Ramona Shelburne of ESPN. The Los Angeles Lakers could be the ideal destination for James if he decides on leaving the Cavaliers for the second time in his career.
Betting odds on OddsShark indicate that the Lakers are the favorites to land James with a -150 odds. The Lakers have enough salary room to sign James and another superstar, most probably Paul George. The Lakers also have the assets to trade for Kawhi Leonard of the San Antonio Spurs.
The Philadelphia 76ers have a +450 chance of getting James and the Cavaliers +500. The Boston Celtics and the Houston Rockets have a +700 and +800 chance of acquiring James respectively.
James To Announce Decision On His Own Platform
According to Brandon "Scoop B" Robinson of Basketball Society, James will use his own platform — Uninterrupted — to announce his decision. Also, James' announcement is also connected to the release of a trailer or documentary for his movie "Space Jam 2" via Instagram TV.
Landon Buford of The Hype Magazine said James' next team could possibly play a part in the trailer of the movie, which is a sequel to the film that starred Michael Jordan two decades ago.
"The reasoning behind it is that the contents of this said trailer will state where the King is actually going," Buford explains. Also, Buford said James will have to inform some of his sponsors where he's headed next.
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