Report: LeBron James’ agent meets with Los Angeles Lakers
By Sam Richmond
As expected, the Los Angeles Lakers, including its GM Mitch Kupchak, met with LeBron James’ agent Friday in Cleveland, according to David Aldridge of NBA.com.
Lakers did have their meeting in Cleveland today with LeBron James's agent, Rich Paul, per source familiar with the discussions.
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) July 4, 2014
Besides the allure of playing in Los Angeles, the Lakers wouldn’t seem to have had a great pitch for LeBron. The only valuable piece Los Angeles has on its roster now is a 35-year-old Kobe Bryant, who has suffered a serious injury in each of the past two seasons.
If LeBron were to leave the Miami Heat in part because of a reported lack of trust in Dwyane Wade it would certainly seem odd for James to then team up with an aging and injury-prone Bryant.
The Lakers could also pitch their team’s storied history to James. But again, the Heat could match that by pointing to the fact that they’ve made four straight NBA Finals appearances with LeBron.
Still, James’ free agency is more wide open than even before, according to ESPN’s Chris Broussard.
"But sources who have spoken with two of the Big Three said that was not the case. Bosh and Wade are intent on returning to Miami, but neither of them knows what James will do.“It’s not a done deal,” said one source, when asked about James’ return to Miami. “That’s for sure.”"
So, while it might not look like Los Angeles has a great shot, they at least have a chance, given the reported uncertainty around LeBron and the fact that they were granted a meeting.
James averaged 27.1 points, 6.4 assists and 6.9 rebounds last season with the Heat.