LeBron James Rumors: Superstar's Camp Denies Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard Contact
LeBron James' camp has reportedly denied all reports that he reached out to other superstar players ahead of free agency,
Appearing on The Insiders for TheLandOnDemand.com, ESPN's Brian Windhorst (h/t RealGM) said Wednesday that James' team is adamant those rumors are false:
"The LeBron operation, I don't know how else to put it, but they have basically thrown cold water and vehemently denied everything that has been out there the last couple of days. They have denied that he is communicating with Kawhi Leonard. They have denied he is communicating with Kevin Durant about joining up in Los Angeles. They have denied there is a three-way conversation going on between Paul George, Kawhi and LeBron. They have denied that Kawhi being traded to the Lakers would clinch LeBron going to the Lakers. They have pretty much denied that any of that is happening."
If LeBron does not opt in to his contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday, he will become an unrestricted free agent.
On Thursday, Stephen A. Smith said on ESPN's First Take that LeBron had sent Durant a text about joining him with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Regardless of whether that happened, it is difficult to imagine Durant would leave a team on which he has won consecutive championships and consecutive NBA Finals MVP awards.
Also, Durant has said on numerous occasions that he plans to re-sign with the Dubs.
Jordan Schultz of Yahoo Sports reported Thursday that Leonard reached out to James about playing together as well.
That came on the heels of a report from ESPN that the Lakers are feeling pressure to acquire Leonard due to their belief that it could impact LeBron's decision-making process.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski recently reported that the disgruntled Leonard's preference is to get traded from the San Antonio Spurs to his hometown Lakers.
George also could figure into the mix since the Lakers have enough cap room to sign two superstars in free agency.
Although a return to the Oklahoma City Thunder is possible, the Palmdale, California, native has been heavily linked to L.A. in the past.
Regardless of who may or may not join James in free agency, OddsShark reported last week that the Lakers are heavily favored to sign him at 4-13, while the Cavs are second at 13-4.
