LeBron James Rumors: Lakers Reportedly 'In the Mix' If Star Leaves Cavaliers

Less than 12 hours after LeBron James led the Cleveland Cavaliers to a Game 7 win over the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals—the organization's first title—Stephen A. Smith of ESPN reported that James would consider signing with the Los Angeles Lakers if he left Cleveland in free agency this summer. 

"I'm hearing that it's a huge possibility that if he leaves Cleveland, the Lakers could be in the mix," Smith reported, per First Take.

He defended the possibility of James joining the Lakers when challenged about it on Twitter:

Smith previously suggested on First Take in May that James could leave Cleveland if the team won a title this season (h/t Dan Feldman of Pro Basketball Talk):

"

I’m in Miami last week. I’m in Miami a few months ago. Skip Bayless, I’m hearing about a return to Miami if this man wins. He ain’t going nowhere if he loses. But, if he wins, his options are open. LA, but especially Miami, a return to South Beach.

Look man, there’s a lot going on. And there’s a lot riding on him winning. Losing changes everything, because it keeps there in Cleveland. But more importantly, it keeps him stuck, because he knows he can’t leave until he fulfills his promise. And if you can’t because you’re not a champion, that’s far worse than just choosing to stay because you want to.

It’s going to get very interesting. Keep your eyes on it.

"

In other words, the connection between James and Los Angeles isn't new, at least not from Smith. 

And the Lakers are going to be linked to pretty much every high-profile free agent this summer, if for no other reason than the Lakers are one of the biggest organizations in sports and lack a true superstar following the retirement of Kobe Bryant.

While the Lakers could use the draft to build around D'Angelo Russell, Julius Randle and whomever they select with the No. 2 pick in this year's draft, the team has traditionally used free agency and trades to rebuild quickly with proven veterans.

James, meanwhile, did hint during the season that he would love to play with the trio of Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul before he retired, per Howard Beck of Bleacher Report. Doing so in Los Angeles or Miami seems more likely than doing so in Cleveland.

Whether that ever happens—or whether James chooses to leave Cleveland at all—is another matter entirely, of course. He was brilliant in this year's NBA Finals, averaging 29.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, 8.9 assists, 2.6 steals and 2.3 blocks per game, earning the Finals MVP award for his efforts. 

However, Kyrie Irving's performance may have been even more important then James'. He averaged 27.1 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.9 assists during the Finals, and if there were any questions about Irving's ability to play as James' wingman and help lead Cleveland to a title, they were answered on Sunday night—especially after Irving hit what turned out to be the game-winning three-pointer.

The fact that Irving is just 24 and seems capable of one day assuming the superstar role in Cleveland as James' game eventually declines could be a major selling point for James to remain with the organization. Likewise, the team has built a strong supporting cast around the star, led by Tristan Thompson and J.R. Smith.

The future of Kevin Love will be interesting to follow, of course, as he has seemed out of place with the team and might be better suited as a trade chip for Cleveland rather than the third fiddle behind James and Irving. So Cleveland could still have a fairly transformational offseason, even if James remains with the organization.

But this summer will be a fascinating one to watch, as James is likely to at least consider his options on the market. After winning a title with Cleveland, he's probably better positioned to repeat with the Cavaliers than he would be going elsewhere. But teams like the Lakers will assuredly do everything in their power to lure James away from Cleveland.

You can follow Timothy Rapp on Twitter.