LeBron James returns to L.A. to plot his next move

According to RealGM, 80 percent of National Basketball Association teams are over the salary cap, which means that only a few teams are capable of signing max-contract free agents outright (teams over the cap can acquire players through sign-and-trade deals or by other means).

CLEVELAND – Cleveland Cavaliers general manager Koby Altman spoke to both LeBron James and his agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, over the phone when National Basketball Association free agency officially opened at 12:01 a.m. ET Sunday, sources told ESPN. Free agents can’t sign contracts until July 6.

Gilbert, whose relationship with James improved after the Cavs’ title but was always a source of speculation, went on to credit the four-time MVP for delivering on his promise to make Cleveland a championship city. Wojnarowski reported the deal is a four-year, $137 million max contract with a player option.

The Cavs, who are well over the NBA’s projected $101 million salary cap for next season, are not expected to make an early deal outside of whatever happens with James’ decision.

Furthermore, James could sign a one-year deal with Cleveland, with a one year option, so he can have chance at exploring free-agency in 2019. Others competing for his signature can only offer a four-year contract worth $152 million.

The Lakers are still interested in pairing James with either San Antonio’s Kawhi Leonard, through a trade, or Oklahoma City free-agent Paul George, while the Sixers have enough cap room to add James to a promising young duo of Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons.

The result was a hodgepodge season that James assessed as one of the most challenging of his career.

The Cavs advanced to the NBA Finals for the fourth consecutive season and were swept by the Golden State Warriors.

James announced on Sunday night that he’s agreed to join the Los Angeles Lakers, a decision that dredged up bad memories for some Cavs fans.

Last summer’s stunning trade of guard Kyrie Irving left the Cavs without a quality running mate for James, who was forced to carry a heavier offensive load throughout the regular season and playoffs.

With reports surfacing that King James’ preferred destination would be with the Los Angeles Lakers, the Houston Rockets and the Philadelphia 76ers could also be on LeBron’s radar. However, he seems to have his list narrowed down to a handful of teams.

The $75K a week mansion James is staying in while he decides his future.

Let’s take a look at what the Lakers roster and starting lineup would look like if James signed with the Lakers. James has not publicly commented on what team he will sign with as his family and close advisers consider offers at his “decision cave” in the Caribbean. I’ve got a teenage boy, a preteen and a little girl that wasn’t around as well.