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Lakers Rumors: Executives believe LeBron James will leave Cleveland Cavaliers in 2018

By Kenneth Teape

OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts after being called for a foul against the Golden State Warriors in Game 5 of the 2017 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts after being called for a foul against the Golden State Warriors in Game 5 of the 2017 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers Rumors: NBA Executives think LeBron James will still leave the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2018 despite the recently reported trade with the Boston Celtics.

Los Angeles Lakers rumors have been few and far between in recent weeks. With their roster pretty much set heading into training camp, there hasn’t been much news involving the team. However, their name keeps popping up in the news and in other rumors.

The biggest news involving the Lakers recently is the tampering charges brought against them by the Indiana Pacers. The Pacers believe the Lakers had impermissible contact with Paul George and want the NBA to investigate Magic Johnson. General manager Rob Pelinka and President and controlling owner Jeanie Buss will also be talked to.

If the Lakers are found guilty, they could face some heavy punishments. Anyone found guilty could be suspended and the team could face a massive fine. What would really hurt is the Lakers being barred from acquiring George in free agency or in a trade.

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That is something the Lakers fans are hoping does not happen. George is one of the players they are hoping to land next offseason in free agency with the cap space that has been cleared. Another player on that wish list is LeBron James.

Earlier in the offseason, a rumor popped up that said James would consider the Lakers in free agency next offseason. That rumor will only pick up more speed based on what some executives said recently.

‘There are some people that believe the most recent move the Cleveland Cavaliers pulled off could convince James to stay long term. The Cavaliers agreed to trade Kyrie Irving to the Boston Celtics for Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic and the Brooklyn Nets 2018 first round pick.

That is a solid haul for Irving. Thomas is an All-Star level player and Crowder is one of the best bargains in the league. Zizic gives the Cavaliers a developmental prospect in the front court, and the Nets pick could land the Cavaliers their next franchise cornerstone.

However, NBA executives say not so fast. NBA executives that Ric Bucher of Bleacher Report got in touch with said this doesn’t change a thing in terms of James’ future in Cleveland.

"“He’s out,” a Western Conference scout says.“Foregone conclusion,” one Eastern Conference general manager adds.“I don’t see him staying in Cleveland,” another thinks."

This is right in line with the report earlier in August that said James is a lock to leave Cleveland. This is something Lakers fans will love to hear. The more reports of James leaving the Cavaliers, the better their odds of landing him essentially become.

Next: 3 Reasons Lakers Should Sign LeBron James

The Lakers have a very strong nucleus of young players on the team, led by Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram. If they continue to develop, and the Lakers are able to clear enough cap space for two max free agents, the Lakers could quickly become contenders once again.

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