If LeBron James doesn’t retire from the NBA this offseason, the future Hall of Famer will receive interest from four teams, sources told Lakers Daily.
The Los Angeles Lakers, James’ current team, along with the Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks and Cleveland Cavaliers are interested in signing James this offseason, sources said.
For the first time since 2018, James becomes an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
James is making $52.6 million this season. He won’t get that type of money in the offseason since he’s the oldest active player in the NBA and turns 42 next season.
The Lakers have made it known, both publicly and privately, that they would love for James to retire from the NBA with them. If James doesn’t retire this offseason, returning to the Purple and Gold will most likely happen due to the NBA legend’s close relationship with Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and JJ Redick, sources said. Bronny James, LeBron’s son, is also on the team.
However, the Warriors, Mavericks and Cavaliers will be serious threats. After all, James is close with Warriors stars Stephen Curry and Draymond Green and Mavericks stars Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving and is from Akron, Ohio. The Cavaliers are James’ hometown team. He has played for them twice and guided the franchise to its only NBA championship in 2016 against the 73-9 Warriors.
The leading scorer in NBA history, James doesn’t know if he will retire after this season or continue playing, sources said. He will have conversations with his family and agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group, before making a decision.
James has been in the NBA since 2003. He missed the first 14 games of this season because of sciatica on his right side. How James’ body feels after this season will play a major role in his future, sources said.
The 41-year-old James is averaging 22.0 points, 5.9 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game this season. James’ scoring average is the lowest it has been since his rookie season with the Cavaliers. The basketball icon averaged 20.9 points per game during the 2003-04 campaign.