2. LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers (Player Option)
What needs to be said about LeBron James at this point in his career? Even though he’s been in the league since 2003 and has won his share of MVPs and NBA Championships, he still hasn’t slowed down too noticeably in regards to his performance and is now set on bringing a title to his “hometown” of Cleveland.
After that pursuit of the title concludes, though, James has a player option for next season for around $24 million. Given the premise that he’s been operating under as of late with opting out and signing a new deal, that’s what many can expect LeBron to do this offseason.
During the regular season, it appeared like LeBron might actually be on his way out for the Cavaliers given the things he was saying on social media and so son and the way that the season was going in Cleveland. However, that’s looking less and less like an actual possibility given what he and his team have done in the postseason.
Given that I don’t see him even remotely thinking about leaving the Cavs this offseason (or ever again, for that matter), it’s safe to say that the Lakers don’t have much of a shot at LeBron, even if he has to be considered atop the class of NBA free agents.
Next: No. 1 Durant