Everybody seems to be waiting on LeBron James. That includes the Lakers.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Los Angeles still hasn’t made a contract offer to the four-time MVP, even after the sides briefly touched base once teams were permitted to begin negotiating with their own free agents.
“There was a check-in call made, to my understanding, early in free agency once teams were able to start negotiating with their own free agents after the end of the NBA Finals,” Charania said on NBA Today. “Since then though there hasn’t been much communication, from my understanding, between the Lakers and LeBron James’ side. And certainly not an offer yet.”
That doesn’t necessarily mean anything is wrong.
The Lakers are still trying to figure out how best to use what could amount to roughly $50 million in cap flexibility as they continue building around Luka Doncic.
“They’re trying to see what can they do with his $50 million of space, potentially,” Charania added. “And then where does that leave LeBron?”
Los Angeles has already secured a commitment from Austin Reaves on a new four-year contract, though his cap hold allows the Lakers to complete other offseason business before officially signing the deal.
James, meanwhile, still hasn’t publicly announced whether he’ll return for a 24th NBA season.
That uncertainty has naturally fueled speculation.
The Cavaliers and Warriors have both been mentioned as possible landing spots if James decides to leave LA — though there have been no credible reports of serious trade or free agency talks involving either team.
Cleveland remains the sentimental favorite because of James’ history with the franchise, while Golden State has frequently surfaced in rumors because of his longstanding relationships with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.
But no matter how you spin it, there doesn’t appear to be much movement.
Just a lot of waiting, and a whole lot of people wondering where LeBron will be when next season begins.
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