There continues to be virtually nothing coming out of LeBron James’ camp when it comes to what he may decide to do in free agency this summer. There has been lots of speculation about whether he will stay with the Los Angeles Lakers, jump to another team or retire after a record 23 seasons in the NBA.
The league’s free agency period officially starts on June 30, and Los Angeles has already agreed with Austin Reaves, its rising star guard, on a four-year, $185 million contract. But according to ESPN insider Shams Charania, there has been little communication between James and the Lakers, and he also implied that the Lakers want to see what they can do with their salary cap space first.
“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 reported. “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. They’re trying to see what can they do with his $50 million of space, potentially, and then where does that leave LeBron?”
L.A. is projected to have up to roughly $50 million in cap space, and the team wants to upgrade at the center position, as well as snag an athletic two-way wing. James made $52.6 million this season, and it seems highly unlikely that the team will offer him that type of money for next season.
It remains to be seen how much the Lakers will offer the future Hall of Famer and how much money he and his agent, Rich Paul, will demand. If he leaves, it is thought he will join the Cleveland Cavaliers or Golden State Warriors, with the Miami Heat possibly looming as a dark horse option.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Shams Charania gives minor update on Lakers, LeBron James
Reporting by Robert Marvi, LeBron Wire / LeBron Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Robert Marvi, LeBron Wire | USA TODAY Network
