The Cleveland Cavaliers might have the cap space to sign LeBron James in the free agency of 2023, but, they are not intending to pursue the Los Angeles Lakers superstar if he becomes free agent next summer, according to Joe Vardon of The Athletic.
James, a native of nearby Akron, Ohio, was drafted by the Cavaliers and spent his first seven years with the team. After leaving for the Miami Heat, he returned to Cleveland four years later and helped bring home an NBA title in 2016.
Two things are true: LeBron James wants to finish his career playing with Bronny. And, the Pelicans (David Griffin) have the Lakers’ 2024 first-round pick. How does that impact LeBron’s decision on his contract extension, which he can get Thursday? https://t.co/pzrxXh8nRH — Joe Vardon (@joevardon) August 2, 2022
“The door’s not closed on that,” LeBron James told Jason Lloyd of The Athletic in February. “I’m not saying I’m coming back and playing, I don’t know. I don’t know what my future holds. I don’t even know when I’m free.”
The 37-year-old is heading into his fifth season with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2022-23, but he can become a free agent next summer. As Vardon noted, the Cavaliers also own their 2024 first-round pick, which could be used on James’ oldest son, Bronny James.
LeBron has said he wants to play alongside his son, who is eligible for the 2024 NBA Draft. The Lakers don’t own a first-round pick in the year 2024. Vardon reported James is eligible to sign a two-year extension with the Lakers on Thursday worth about $98 million.
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