LeBron James will not return to the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency, and as teams line up to make their pitch to the NBA legend, he recently revealed something that should have the San Antonio Spurs on the edge of their seats,
For the seemingly umpteenth time in his career, LeBron James is the focal point of NBA free agency. He's been linked to the San Antonio Spurs, Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, and Cleveland Cavaliers.
One thing is certain: he will not play for the Los Angeles Lakers next season.
With LeBron's legacy set in stone, there's not much for him to prove. Sure, if he and Stephen Curry drag the Warriors to another title, that should earn him some points, but at this juncture, there's no reason for him to suit up for a team with unrealistic hopes.
The Spurs and Heat, meanwhile, are on the upswing, and a recent report suggests that he has his target set on playing for a good team, not a fun team.
But .. there's a Spurs "but.''
LeBron James Willing to Take Paycut
In offseasons past, James has made it very clear that he's a maximum-salary player and that he will be paid as such. The Cavaliers, Heat, and Lakers all moved money around to meet his demands.
While James is still one of the top 25 players in the world, teams aren't willing to pony up a maximum deal for someone who will be 42 years old next season. The Spurs could easily sign James to a mid-level deal, but they might not even have to reach that deep into their pockets.
There are murmurs that James might be willing and ready to take a minimum contract in order to go on a deep playoff run.
Do the Warriors fit the bill? Even fully healthy, their age and limited roster will hold them back, and Jimmy Butler is still recovering from an ACL tear. While James might want to ride off into the sunset alongside Curry, winning a title in The Bay isn't realistic.
Parading into retirement on a boat down the San Antonio River, however, could have been on the table. ... but no more.
Multiple reports insist that the Spurs' signing of Tobias Harris essentially ends the connection with James.
Denver, meanwhile, wants in, joining Golden State, Cleveland and Miami in the chase.
One thought? If James is really willing to accept a minimum, the Spurs could do all sorts of business here. That would mean the Spurs could trot out a starting five of James, Victor Wembanyama, Devin Vassell, Stephon Castle, and De'Aaron Fox.
But it seems that's not to be.
