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NBA Rumors: Los Angeles Clippers ‘most serious competitor’ to sign LeBron James?

By Bryan Rose

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Nov 7, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (6) is pressured by Los Angeles Clippers power forward Blake Griffin (32) during the second half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (6) is pressured by Los Angeles Clippers power forward Blake Griffin (32) during the second half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

It’s been suggested that if LeBron James is to opt-out of his contract with the Miami Heat this offseason, the Los Angeles Lakers would be ready to make him an offer he couldn’t refuse.

But it’s not the Lakers who appear to be the most serious competitor to the Heat if James does decide to become a free agent. Rather, it’s the other Los Angeles team who’ll have their eyes set on signing James in free agency – the Clippers.

Both Ramona Shelburne and Brian Windhorst suggest the Clippers could be the thorn in the Heat’s side if there becomes a bidding war for James:

"The James contingency has been examined by the Clippers, sources told ESPN. The Heat, one of the most thorough and thoughtful organizations in the league, are quite aware the Clippers could end up being a competitor if James elects to opt out. Perhaps the most serious competitor of all."

The Clippers, unlike the Lakers (or even Cleveland Cavaliers, another rumored destination) don’t have the cap space to sign LeBron James outright, but as we’ve seen before – if a team wants to clear salary they can.

Seems a little far fetched to suggest James would sign with the Clippers over other potential destinations, but who would have thought the Miami Heat were serious suitors in the months before James’ free agency in 2010.