LeBron James on Free-Agency Rumors: Family, Winning Matter Most

Putting himself in the best position to win another NBA championship is important but won't be at the forefront of LeBron James' mind when the Cleveland Cavaliers star examines his next career move this summer.

James told reporters Sunday his family is "all that matters" and will be the biggest determinant in his next step, though he also wants to play for a title contender.

"I want to continue to win at the highest level, because I know I can still do it as an individual, and then my family," he said, per Cleveland.com's Joe Vardon. "My family is what's most important to me, more than anything."

Vardon noted James and his wife, Savannah, reside in Northeast Ohio and that their children attend schools in the region. However, the family also owns a home in Los Angeles and toured a private school in the area last September.

James' connection to the region will help the Cavaliers' chances of re-signing him when he opts out of his contract, but nobody would be surprised if he left the franchise a second time.

Before reshuffling the roster at the Feb. 8 trade deadline, the team was a mess on and off the court. The Athletic's Jason Lloyd reported two days prior that James had also grown frustrated with a number of decisions by the front office and ownership, including allowing general manager David Griffin to leave and the trading of Kyrie Irving.

The drama has largely subsided, though, after the deadline acquisitions of Rodney Hood, George Hill, Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr. Although the Cavaliers sit fourth in the Eastern Conference, a fourth straight trip to the NBA Finals looks to be in the cards.

Even if Cleveland falls short of winning a second title, making another Finals run may be enough to entice James to finish his career with the Cavs.