LeBron James Opts out of Contract

However, if the Cavaliers re-sign James, they’ll be hard-pressed to upgrade their roster through free agency.

James will decline the $35.6 million contract option for the 2018-19 season.

The Lakers could take a conservative approach by signing James, and retaining Julius Randle, who is a restricted free agent.

Cleveland is already over the league’s projected $101 million salary cap, even without James’ contract, with the 10 guaranteed contracts already on the books.

The Cavaliers’ ideal endgame is to retain the league’s best player.

Given his star power it’s expected that most National Basketball Association free agent business will be held up by James’ forthcoming decision with the most likely suitors being the Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers and Cavaliers. ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne reported this week that James would not be seeking elaborate pitch meetings during the free-agency process. If the Lakers can land another star, their chances of signing James are extremely high.

Gilbert and James mended some fences for his return in 2014, but they remain distant other than a shared commitment to winning.

Players can not sign free-agent contracts until 12 p.m. Friday. We’re very, very fortunate to have him here and what he gave to this franchise this year was nothing short of remarkable. If James had opted in with the Cavs, they could have worked out a sign-and-trade with Houston.

Despite James hitting the open market, the Cavaliers would likely face less competition to retain James.

They’d also need scoring off the bench, and there are several free agents who would jump at an opportunity to have this kind of prominent role on a team like the Lakers.

In the post-season, the 14-time All Star averaged 34 points, 9.1 rebounds and nine assists, and was tipped to MVP by the Rockets’ James Harden.

One of the teams that has been speculated as a possible destination for James, the Los Angeles Lakers, has a historically well-worn path to its doorstep by elite players from other teams.

He didn’t say “LeBron”, but sure sounds like James.

After being swept by the Golden State Warriors, most people expect LeBron James to leave his hometown team for the second time and chase another championship ring somewhere else.