Unless you've been hiding under a rock since the end of the NBA Finals, you probably noticed LeBron James is an unrestricted free agent this summer. That's kind of a big deal.
The three-time NBA champion has been connected to the Cavs, Lakers, 76ers, Rockets and even the Celtics in free agency, but it appears Los Angeles is in the lead for James' services. LeBron will ultimately change the landscape of the league with his latest decision, and he may move quickly once he's able to begin negotiating his next deal.
Sporting News will keep you up to date on the latest deals, rumors and speculation below. The Summer of LeBron is officially underway...
LeBron James free agency: Latest news, rumors
LEBRON JAMES SIGNS WITH LAKERS
Team: Los Angeles Lakers
Rumor: It's official. LeBron James has agreed to join the Laker on a four-year, $154 million contract.
Reported by: Klutch Sports official announcement
— Klutch Sports Group (@KlutchSports) July 2, 2018
76ers could persuade LeBron with Kawhi Leonard trade
Team: Philadelphia 76ers
Rumor: There have been rumors surrounding the Lakers and multiple stars for quite some time, but the Sixers should not be ignored. Philadelphia already has a group meeting with James' agent, and now a trade for Leonard could be coming. Nothing is close to being finalized at the moment, but reports suggest Philly is confident it can acquire Leonard.
Reported by: Marc Stein, Adrian Wojnarowski
The 76ers have engaged in talks with the Spurs on a potential Kawhi Leonard trade.
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 1, 2018
So far, Philly has kept Fultz, Embiid and Simmons off limits in talks, team sources tell @wojespn. pic.twitter.com/PsA3hNMQaw
LeBron's representatives to meet with 76ers
Team: Philadelphia 76ers
Rumor: The Sixers have been lurking on the outside of the LeBron sweepstakes, but perhaps Philly sees an opening to jump to the top of the list here. James' agent, Rich Paul, will meet with a "high-level" group in Los Angeles, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, though James isn't expected to be in attendance.
Reported by: Adrian Wojnarowski, Marc Stein
Among the Sixers' planned top selling points to LeBron James' agent Rich Paul today: Philly believes it still has a real chance to win the Kawhi Leonard trade sweepstakes, league sources say
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 1, 2018
The Sixers' contingent in Los Angeles to make the pitch to Paul will include co-owners Josh Harris and David Blitzer, according to league sources https://t.co/Wwduy1ef6d
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 1, 2018
Nuggets making late push for LeBron?
Team: Denver Nuggets
Rumor: Do we have another team crashing the party? The Nuggets are hoping to schedule a meeting with James and his representatives with Will Barton and Nikola Jokic locked up. Denver must know its chances are slim, but it's at least worth making a call to see if James is interested.
Reported by: Chris Mannix
With Jokic and Barton on board, the Denver Nuggets will turn their attention to one more free agent: LeBron James. The Nuggets have been in contact with James's agent and will aggressively pursue a meeting.
— Chris Mannix (@ChrisMannixYS) July 1, 2018
Lakers, Pelicans reach out to DeMarcus Cousins
Team: Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans Pelicans
Rumor: The Lakers could be more aggressive in their pursuit of Cousins with Paul George off the board. Could Los Angeles be feeling pressure to add another star and ensure a guarantee from James?
Reported by: Marc Spears
New Orleans Pelicans All-Star free agent center DeMarcus Cousins received calls from the Pelicans and Los Angeles Lakers tonight once free agency began and is expected to have meetings scheduled with both teams soon, a source told ESPN's The Undefeated.
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpearsESPN) July 1, 2018
LeBron's agent will touch base with Cavs
Team: Cleveland Cavaliers
Rumor: James might not meet with the Cavs in person early Sunday, but his agent, Rich Paul, will contact general manager Koby Altman. Again, nothing guaranteed here, but those communciation channels remain open.
Reported by: Joe Vardon
LeBron’s agent Rich Paul expects to speak with Cavs GM Koby Altman right around now as free agency begins. They spoke yesterday when Paul informed him LeBron was declining his option
— Joe Vardon (@joevardon) July 1, 2018
Lakers looking to team up Boogie and LeBron?
Team: Los Angeles Lakers
Rumor: With Paul George closer to staying in Oklahoma City, the Lakers may chase DeMarcus Cousins. The four-time All-Star is coming off an Achilles injury, so a short-term deal with less risk could make sense for Los Angeles. Former Cavs general manager and current NBA TV analyst David Griffin pointed out James believes in Cousins despite his flaws, and this could be a move that finally pushes LeBron to LA.
Reported by: Kevin O'Connor
DeMarcus Cousins sounds like an increasingly likely target for the Lakers on a short-term max contract now that it appears Los Angeles will lose out on Paul George, per league sources. In January 2017, LeBron James called Cousins "the best big man in our game."
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) July 1, 2018
LeBron not planning to meet with Cavs... yet
Team: Cleveland Cavaliers
Rumor: When free agency officially begins on July 1, LeBron James and his representatives won't be meeting with the Cavs in person. This could simply mean he will talk to the Cavs at another time, but it's interesting to see he will start in Los Angeles as opposed to Cleveland.
Reported by: Dave McMenamin
LeBron could be first star to sign with Lakers
Team: Los Angeles Lakers
Rumor: League executives believe James could join the Lakers at the start of free agency and let the rest of the pieces come together later. Already having Kawhi Leonard or Paul George on the roster would certainly help, but it might not change James' mind if he is set on Los Angeles.
Reported by: Sean Deveney
