With the Cavaliers falling behind 0-3 to the Warriors in the NBA Finals, and the NBA Draft still a couple weeks away, what could spice things up around the league? How about some LeBron James free agency rumors?
The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor, citing several unnamed league sources, reported James could be taking his talents to California, where he owns a sprawling $21-million mansion, to join the Lakers or Clippers, potentially linking up with friend and former teammate Dwyane Wade, Chris Paul and Carmelo Anthony when he becomes a free agent in 2018.
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Sounds farfetched? Of course it does, but so did James going back home to Cleveland after four straight Finals trips and two championships, with the Heat to rejoin the Cavs after owner Dan Gilbert's scathing open letter following his departure in 2010. James might be thinking like another of his good friends, rapper Jay Z on his classic posse cut "Reservoir Dogs": "'The weather's nicer and the price is much cheaper."
It could happen. It could not, but that's what's being said in these NBA streets.
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It's OK to entertain these rumors. After all, the Cavs-Warriors series is all but over.
Down 2-0 already, Cleveland allowed a six-point lead to slip away in the last three minutes of its 118-113 loss to Golden State in Game 3 of the NBA Finals Wednesday and face insurmountable odds, heading into Friday night's contest at Quicken Loans Arena.
Sure, LeBron James and the Cavaliers overcame a 3-1 deficit to capture the championship last year, but with new addition Kevin Durant firing all on all cylinders, this just looks and feels different. The Finals have become a formality.