The Los Angeles Lakers' season came to an end Monday night following a Game 4 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round of the NBA playoffs.
That now sets the stage for 41-year-old LeBron James to enter unrestricted free agency this offseason while still playing at an elite level.
James recently made it clear that he plans to take time evaluating his future, but a return for at least one more season appears to be the most realistic outcome. If he does continue playing, several teams are expected to show interest, including the Lakers themselves.
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However, NBA Hall of Famer Gary Payton believes that if James leaves Los Angeles, the Golden State Warriors could emerge as the favorite to land him alongside Stephen Curry.
"I really think he’s going to stay West," Payton said on The Night Cap Show. "Like I said, I think there’s a good shot if he leaves, he’s going to Golden State. I’m telling you he’s coming to Golden State if he leaves. And I don’t think Jeanie Buss is gonna let him go. I don’t think she’s gonna let him get anywhere."
The Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers have been the two teams rumored if James does decide to leave the Lakers, but neither would likely be able to match L.A.’s offer, which would then leave James to simply make the decision based off where he wants to end his career, or potentially where he sees himself having the best chance to win.
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