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LeBron James rumors: Free agency decision down to four teams

By Cody Williams

CLEVELAND, OH - MARCH 1: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers and LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers talk after the game on March 1, 2018 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - MARCH 1: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers and LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers talk after the game on March 1, 2018 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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What LeBron James will do in 2018 NBA free agency is the story everyone’s watching, but his list is already down to just four teams according to a report.

There is plenty of talk about how the 2017-18 NBA season will conclude for LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Currently the third seed in the Eastern Conference, they have long dealt with injuries, inconsistent play and most recently trying to acclimate to a roster that was shaken up dramatically at the trade deadline. 2018 NBA free agency could shake up things in Cleveland even further.

It’s difficult not to look ahead to the offseason and free agency without posing a simple question: Where is LeBron James going? No, we won’t be getting another installment of “The Decision”. However, what we will potentially be getting is another move for the superstar as he could leave Cleveland once again.

While every fanbase likely believes they could lure James — except for maybe the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings, unfortunately — there may only be four teams that have a chance. According to a report from Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer, “multiple league source” say that James’ free agency decision will come down to four teams.

Those four teams are the Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, Philadelphia 76ers and Cavaliers.

Each of those situations obviously offers something different. While the Lakers have young talent, they are still seemingly a ways away from competing without LeBron. However, his inclusion would make them likely contenders in the NBA’s biggest market. Meanwhile, the Rockets offer the chance of a super-team with James Harden and Chris Paul. Then there’s the Cavs, which has history and feigned attempts at loyalty on its side.

Perhaps the most interesting proposition is the 76ers, though. With Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, among others, they are set for a playoff berth this season and seemingly many more to come. With those two young guys (23 and 21 years old, respectively), that would lessen the burden for James as he enters the later stages of his career. And, potentially, complete The Process.

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This certainly won’t be the last report or rumor regarding James’ free agency decision this summer. However, given the state of the four teams mentioned, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see his ultimate destination be LA, Houston, Philly or Cleveland.

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