The L.A. Clippers appear to be leading the pack to land LeBron James in summer free agency should the four-time league MVP chose to leave the defending champion Miami Heat, according to ESPN.
Though the Clippers will not have the cap-space to outright pursue James with the lure of a maximum contract like the Lakers or Cavaliers, ESPN adds Miami might be open to a package centering around forward Blake Griffin if they determine James is intent on bolting South Beach similar to the way he left his hometown Cavs in 2010.
"This time is going to be different," a source close to James told ESPN of his free agency views. "If LeBron decides to look at other options it won't just be teams with cap space. He has 30 options if he wants them."
James also has strong relationships with Clippers Coach Doc Rivers and star point guard Chris Paul, one of James' best friends who he has talked about playing with since they were in high school and playing on the AAU circuit. Paul is even the godfather to James' son, Bryce, and they were in each other's weddings.
ESPN notes the Heat will not concede without a fight and are doing everything they can to keep James heart and focus in Miami.
James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh can all become free agents this summer and all have warned things can be different this time from when they first came together in 2010.
"There are different times and different mindsets that you deal with," Wade told ESPN. "That was 2010. I'm not saying that LeBron James or Chris Bosh, if they get the opportunity again, are going to leave $17 million on the table. No one can say they should do that. You have to do what is best for you."
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