LeBron James is expected to opt out of his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers this summer and enter free agency.
The Lakers obviously want to keep James around on a new deal, but if and when the four-time MVP hits the open market, he’ll have his share of outside suitors as well.
According to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Sixers are eyeing a big move at forward, and if its not Paul George, James could fit the bill.
“The Sixers do have their eyes on other lucrative-salary impact players just in case they don’t get George,” writes Pompey. “That’s why they also are looking at potential free agents like the Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James and New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby. If not in free agency, the Sixers believe they can use their draft assets and available cap space to acquire a difference-maker via a trade. That has led to Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler, Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine, and New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram being among trade interests.”
Whether or not LeBron really wants to play with his son Bronny could also play a role in deciding his future.
Recently, Rachel Nichols hypothesized that the Bronny will factor into his dad’s decision, and that James will look to retire sooner rather than later no matter where he goes.
“I think it’s a year or two, and I think this will be part of it, to decide how long,” Nichols said of playing with Bronny. “I think the Lakers are looking at a two-year window for LeBron. They’re going to sign him to as many years as they can. But I would think that we’re talking about a year or two more.”