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Where will LeBron James sign? Cavs open as slight betting favorites

By Rucker Haringey

BOSTON, MA - MAY 27: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on before Game Seven of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on May 27, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - MAY 27: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on before Game Seven of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on May 27, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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Cavaliers fans are still hoping to win an NBA title this year, but they know keeping LeBron James this summer is going to be a battle.

There’s no question that LeBron James is the most attractive potential free agent of the summer. Where he ends up will be one of the most captivating NBA storylines of the summer. The good news for Cavaliers fans is that Las Vegas believes they’re the slight favorite to re-sign the dominant superstar.

Bovada gives the Cavaliers slightly better odds than the 76ers to secure James’ signature. The odds for him to stay in Cleveland are +180 while Philadelphia lurks just behind at +185. The Lakers and Rockets round out the top four potential landing spots for LeBron.

All four teams can free up enough cap space to sign James to a max contract. Money won’t be a deciding factor. Instead, James is expected to make his decision based on where he believes his best basketball future resides.

https://twitter.com/BovadaLV/status/1001912771498430464

It’s fair to wonder just how this year’s playoffs will impact James’ thought process. He’s managed to reach the NBA Finals once again, but he’s clearly had to drag a mediocre Cavs roster with him. No one can blame James for wanting to find a roster that can provide him a little more support.

It’s a fair question whether a more attractive roster is really out there. The 76ers offer a roster with more talent, but his fit alongside Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid is questionable. James has never thrived alongside a dominant low post player and Simmons’ lack of shooting could cause spacing issues. The 76ers have the talent to lure LeBron, but it might not be the right collection of players.

Houston offers him the possibility of playing with two good friends in the form of Chris Paul and James Harden. Unfortunately for the Rockets, they’d have to completely gut their roster to fit James’ salary in. LeBron may be hesitant to join a team where depth will be such a pressing concern.

The Lakers have an interesting mix of young talent, but they are probably a few years away from really entering their prime. James might not want to wait around for young stars like Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma and Lonzo Ball to reach their prime.

Next: Chris Paul is already recruiting LeBron James

In the end, Cleveland fans can take comfort in the fact that they’re the perceived leader to re-sign LeBron James, but a lot can change this summer. Their ability to keep their superstar is very much up in the air.