LeBron James launched his name into NBA trade rumors, choosing the $52.6 million player option.
In his eighth season with the Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James turned 41, leading to many calling for the King to choose his player options.
James’ agent Rich Paul explained the reasoning, but the 40-year-old’s name became the mainstay of NBA trade rumors.
The Cleveland Cavaliers and Dallas Mavericks are considered James’ top destinations if their partnership with La Lakers breaks.
There’s no doubt James shares a special connection with the Cavs. After all, he was drafted by the organization during the 2003 NBA Draft.
James also led the Cavs to the first and only NBA championship in franchise history in 2016. Clearly, his return to the Cavaliers is a massive one.
But ESPN expert Dave McMenamin thinks James to the Cavaliers “isn’t happening.”
“The Cavs are currently in the second apron, so you can’t trade them for LeBron James. That’s a risk if you remove the (multiple players) it may not pass.
“I don’t think Cavs are happening,” McMenamin said on ESPN LA.
Simply put, McMenamin hasn’t seen the Cavaliers parting with multiple stars and reaching under the second apron to make space for James.
After all, don’t forget that James still has a no-trade clause in the final year of his contract with the Lakers.
Recently, the Lakers were blessed with the acquisition of Deandre Ayton’s deal from the Portland Trail Blazers, which they signed on a two-year deal.
Meanwhile, Ayton will make just $16.6 million. This is very cheap for the previous No. 1 overall pick.
Coming to rumors of signing with Mavs, McMenamin reported that the organization would consider signing the King only if it negotiates an acquisition with the Lakers.
“Dallas, I’m told they’re only interested in LeBron in the acquisition situation. There’s a deal there, but again, I don’t think that’s going on,” said an NBA insider.
All in all, if James can create a competing roster around him, there’s no reason to say goodbye to the Lakers.
After all, LBJ is 41 years old, but he averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists per game for the team last season. Not bad for the oldest player in the NBA.