NBA Free Agency Rumors: LeBron James Has ‘Strong’ Interest In Signing With Lakers

Matthew Moreno
3 Min Read
Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

NBA free agency began in disappointing fashion for the Los Angeles Lakers as they didn’t so much as receive a meeting with hometown product Paul George before he decided to re-sign with the Oklahoma City Thunder for the max four years and $137 million.

For the past year, George was presumed to be a lock to sign with the Lakers, who also were positioning themselves to chase after LeBron James. But in the final days leading up to free agency, the Lakers’ standing with both players seemingly reversed.

As it became more and more evident George would remain in Oklahoma City, James, once viewed a long shot to bolt for Los Angeles, emerged as a likely option for the storied franchise.

He reportedly spoke with the Cleveland Cavaliers minutes into free agency, and is being pursued by the likes of the Denver Nuggets and Philadelphia 76ers.

While the process continues to unfold, James remains highly interested in signing with the Lakers, according to Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com:

James’ interest in joining the Lakers is strong, sources told cleveland.com.

The assumption that James wouldn’t sign with the Lakers unless a second star was also in place may soon be put to the test. Though, rather than pair him with George, the Lakers might now form a duo headlined by James and DeMarcus Cousins.

A trade for Kawhi Leonard also remains possible, and Leonard reportedly reached out to James to discuss becoming teammates. It’s unclear if or when the Lakers might have a meeting with the 14-time All-Star, if they haven’t already.

Reports Sunday morning indicated James’ representatives were due to sit down with the Philadelphia 76ers.

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Matthew Moreno is a journalist from Whittier, Calif., who is a credentialed reporter and is currently the Managing Editor of DodgerBlue.com and LakersNation.com. In addition to covering Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angels Lakers games, Matthew has a strong passion for keeping up to date with the sneakerhead culture. It began with Michael Jordan and Air Jordan shoes, and has carried over to Kobe Bryant's signature line with Nike. Matthew previously was the lead editor and digital strategist at Dodgers Nation, and the co-editor and lead writer at Reign of Troy, where he covered USC Trojans Football. Matthew graduated from California State Long Beach University with a major in journalism and minor in communications. Contact: matt@mediumlargela.com