LeBron James has been linked to multiple teams ahead of his upcoming free agency.
The future of LeBron James is up in the air after he completed his 23rd season following a second round exit for the Los Angeles Lakers.
At the age of 41, James proved he could still play at a high level, averaging 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists.
With Luka Doncic sidelined for the playoffs, James was even better in the playoffs, averaging 23.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 7.3 assists.
Near the end of the regular season, when the Lakers had all three of LeBron, Luka, and Austin Reaves, LeBron willing accepted his role as the third option on the team, and the results saw the Lakers go 15-2 in March and looking like a threat in the West.
Injuries to Luka and Reaves before the playoffs meant fans, and LeBron, never got to see what the team could truly do when it mattered the most.
What's Next?
According to Marc Stein in his newsletter, four teams have been linked to LeBron ahead of free agency: The Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, and Los Angeles Clippers.
His thoughts are as followed.
Warriors: "League sources say the Warriors have maintained a longstanding interest in bringing James to Northern California, will be severely limited in what they can offer."
Cavaliers: "They have even less financial flexibility than the Warriors and are so far away from all the Tinseltown ties that LeBron and his family have established during this run as a Laker ... but no one wants to totally rule that one out because of the storybook ending factor."
Knicks: "James' deep fondness for Madison Square Garden has been known for years, but the Knicks could certainly opt to stay on their current path."
Clippers: " The only other team you could credibly add to the shortlist is the Clippers, who employ James' former Cavaliers coach (Tyronn Lue) and do play in Los Angeles"
Best Option?
There is always the possibility that James remains with the Lakers as this has been his longest singular tenure with any team. Joining any of the four teams mentioned above would require James to take less money or roster maneuvering that could weaken its current position.
James has been mum on his future, saying that he will spend time with his family before ultimately making a decision, and wants to remain in love with the process more than the results.
James is an unrestricted free agent, meaning the decision is completely his.