Latest Clue Suggests LeBron James May Be Headed to Los Angeles

I also love how Wade subtly mentions LeBron James and their 2010 hookup.

In the world of betting, what a difference a few hours can make.

Many in the National Basketball Association community have speculated that in order for Lakers to be on the top of James’ wish list, they would have to find him a running mate with high compatibility.

The Cavs, meanwhile, now possess +260 odds to retain James, meaning a successful $100 bet on Cleveland would net $260.

ESPN is reporting that Paul George told the Oklahoma City Thunder he will opt out his $20.7 million salary for the 2018-19 season.

If they Lakers trade for Leonard, it could set the franchise back and disrupt their winning timeline.

The Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, and Los Angeles Clippers have also made offers to the Spurs according to the super team of reporters on the story.

Some Las Vegas casinos aren’t offering National Basketball Association futures bets at the moment because there is so much uncertainty regarding the league’s top free agents.

Per Woj’s report, George “is seriously considering a return to the Thunder, as well as the possibility of joining the Lakers or others”.

While everyone is focused on LeBron James after his decision to opt out of his contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers, the more important piece to the National Basketball Association free agency puzzle is probably Kawhi Leonard. First, because the Lakers have a timeline they would like to meet, it really plays into San Antonio’s hands, much better than you would expect given the fact that Leonard sort of killed their leverage.

It was not an unexpected move for George, who averaged 21.9 points for the Thunder this past season.

If free agents have to take less because the market is terrible, they might as well join a star-studded team that all eyes will be on when the 2018-19 season tips off. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski writes that the Celtics “have assets” that the Spurs have had their eye on for some time. L.A. should be able to offer incoming players plenty of minutes, especially if the front office moves young talent like Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma and/or Josh Hart in a trade for Leonard. On Thursday he told the Thunder he would not be opting in for the final year of his contract, making him an unrestricted free agent.

George, a native of Southern California, and LeBron James are the focus of the Lakers’ free-agent recruiting efforts.

Any trade for Leonard would likely require a huge haul.