Jason Burgos
A new rumor offers up a surprising yet exciting potential suitor in LeBron James‘ free agent market this summer.
At 41 years old, it is not a guarantee that James returns for a 24th NBA season this fall. It might even be a lock that he retires if the Los Angeles Lakers surprise and win an NBA Championship this spring. Yet despite their recent hot play, most don’t expect that to happen, so the 22-time All-Star has a big decision to make this summer.
After this season, James will become a free agent. It’s very possible that he stays in LA for a retirement tour. And in a new report from ESPN’s Dave McMenamin and Tim Bontemps, the Lakers seem to be the favorites to retain his services for a multitude of reasons. However, the NBA insiders also revealed a dark horse to watch in a potential free agent sweepstakes.
“One intriguing option floated to ESPN by multiple sources was Denver, where teaming up with three-time MVP Nikola Jokic would make for some awfully entertaining hoops,” the insiders claimed. “‘Who is the only guy on his level from a basketball IQ standpoint in the league?’ a West executive asked. ‘Go there and team up with that guy.'”
Denver Nuggets have a legit chance to sign LeBron James this summer
McMenamin and Bontemps added that James going to the Denver Nuggets might appeal to the Lakers because it would open the door to a sign-and-trade opportunity that could land LA players like Peyton Watson or veteran forward Cameron Johnson. Furthermore, they explained why going to the Mile High City would interest the multi-time MVP.
“Denver pursued James in 2018, when he left Cleveland as a free agent, spearheaded by Nuggets president Josh Kroenke, who is a friend of his. The Nuggets have since added Jared Dudley, another one of James’ friends, to the coaching staff,” they wrote. “After teaming up on the Lakers from 2019 to 2021, their relationship remains so strong that Dudley went into the visitors’ locker room at Ball Arena to see James after L.A. beat Denver on Jan. 20.”
The idea of James and Jokic teaming up, even for one season, could lead to a very entertaining year in Denver. Joining the Nuggets would show he really does want to win one more championship. However, there will surely be doubt that he would pass on a retirement tour Hollywood to play in Denver.
