Shams Updates LeBron James Buzz on Potential NBA Free-Agent Landing Spots Amid Lakers Rumors
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is set to be an unrestricted free agent this summer, and it sounds like the frenzy has already begun.
During an appearance on Monday's episode of The Pat McAfee Show, ESPN's Shams Charania revealed that James is already being pursued by teams hoping to contend for an NBA title next season.
"I do know a lot of teams are calling him and his camp," Charania said. "I spoke to Rich Paul the other day at the Chicago draft combine last week, and he told me, like, every contender in the NBA has essentially, since the season ended, placed a call."
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The Athletic's Dan Woike and Sam Amick reported last week that running it back with a mostly similar roster isn't a palatable option" for the Lakers, and the team is expected to try to build around star guard Luka Doncic this offseason. James' return to Los Angeles isn't guaranteed, as ESPN's Dave McMenamin previously reported on recent frustrations brewing between him and the franchise.
Charania noted that James is expected to take time to contemplate whether he will retire or return for a 24th NBA season. When asked about James returning to play for another team, he said he "wouldn't say that that's something that's been determined."
"We've never seen this. 41 years old, year 23. I think if he decides to step away, I don't think anyone would hold it against him, but I think the expectation has been that probably you're gonna get one more, and we'll see if it's gonna be with the Lakers or somewhere else. But listen, being in L.A., having that comfortability, and [if] the Lakers want him, I think all those factors do play a part," Charania said.
James has remained one of the best players in the league this late into his career, and he's surely hoping to add a fifth NBA championship before he walks away from the game. Fans will be hoping their favorite team manages to convince James to spend his potential final year in another uniform after leaving the Lakers.
