Warriors' LeBron James Pursuit, Salary Cap Plans Updated in New NBA Rumors After Star's Lakers Exit

The Golden State Warriors reportedly believe they are still very much a factor in the LeBron James' pursuit after the future Hall of Famer told the Los Angeles Lakers he does not plan on returning.

ESPN's Anthony Slater reported Thursday that Golden State can maneuver the two-year, $11 million contract De'Anthony Melton agreed to into the taxpayer midlevel exception prior to him officially signing it so it could exceed the first apron.

"Much of this is in relation to LeBron James and the team's ongoing pursuit of the high-profile unrestricted free agent," Slater wrote. "The Warriors, team sources said, very much believe they're still in the mix for James but still have been given no indication they're any type of front-runner."

ESPN's Shams Charania reported Thursday that the King "is not in a rush right now to make a decision" with agent Rich Paul "getting about a dozen pitches." 

Despite so many being interested, Charania added that teams around the league see the Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat as suitors who "stand out."

Cleveland comes as no surprise, as it would be a fitting end to his career to return to the team he is most closely associated with after it drafted him and welcomed him back after he left for Miami. Ohio is his home state, and he famously led the Cavaliers to their only championship in franchise history in 2016.

Miami would also be a homecoming of sorts after he helped lead the Heat to multiple championships earlier in his career. It would also give him a chance to play alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.

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As for Golden State, Kevin O'Connor of Yahoo Sports reported it was attempting to trade for Anthony Davis and then sign James so the pair could reunite after they won a championship together with the Lakers.

However, ESPN's Marc J. Spears reported the Washington Wizards have no plans on trading Davis.

That reportedly won't preclude the Warriors from pursuing James and giving him a chance to play alongside the player who has helped define a generation of the NBA with him in Stephen Curry.

Curry's gravitational pull because of his outside shooting would give James plenty of driving lanes and open the floor for the legend to continue making an impact in what will be his age-42 season.

It is surely an enticing proposition and one James will likely consider as he takes his time making his decision.