As the NBA gears up for what’s sure to be a compelling, frenzied free agency period this summer, the key linchpin of them all, LeBron James, might throw a monkey wrench into many teams’ plans.
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, James is “looking for reasons” to stay in Cleveland and would prefer to remain with the Cavaliers.
Windhorst: “I think LeBron’s preference is to stay in Cleveland. … I think he’s looking for reasons to want to stay in Cleveland.”
— Cavaliers Nation (@WeAreCavsNation) June 18, 2018
It’s been widely assumed that James will bolt for greener pastures. Especially after enduring what he himself described as multiple seasons rolled up into one on a team that featured very little supporting talent.
Teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets and Philadelphia 76ers are all being touted as strong options for James, depending on which day it is and who’s spreading the rumors. And they make sense for various reasons.
In the end, however, it shouldn’t surprise anyone if James does in fact decide to stay at home, where he’s not only built a lasting legacy on the court bringing the only major sports championship in history to the city of Cleveland, but also has built a lasting legacy off the court.