LeBron James reaches decision on NBA future amid rumors of Lakers exit
By JAKE FENNER
Amid increased speculation about his future with the Los Angeles Lakers, NBA icon LeBron James doesn't appear to be preparing to leave the team.
Just a few days ago, James declined the opportunity to go on ESPN and further explain his situation, telling Dave McMenamin, 'I ain't got nothing to talk about.'
McMenamin then reported in that game that 'four teams' had expressed interest in trading with the Lakers for James.
A day after that report, rumors suggested that the teams in question were the Dallas Mavericks, Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Los Angeles Clippers.
But now, according to The Athletic, both the Lakers and those close to James 'expect that he will be with the organization for training camp once the season begins this fall.'
Moreover, James has not had trade talks - or talks about buying out his contract - with the Lakers front office.
Lakers staff and those close to LeBron James believe he'll stay with the team this season
Rumors about James' future with the team have spread like wildfire in recent weeks
If he stays, James will have an entire season to play alongside point guard Luka Doncic
Speculation began when James' agent, Rich Paul, said in June that he and LeBron 'want to evaluate what's best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career.'
There are pros and cons to each team rumored to be interested in James' services, but if these reports hold true, nothing will change.
Additionally, there are various roster building obstacles (salary cap, current state of the roster, James' age) which could complicate a trade.
There's also the reality that James may make significantly less money if he were to leave the team and sign somewhere else.
James' contract ends after this season, with the $52.6m man able to be a free agent to decide what would likely be the final team he plays for.
Last season, the Lakers acquired a new superstar in Luka Doncic in a blockbuster trade. Now, Doncic and James have the chance to compete together for a full season after earning a three-seed in the Western Conference last year.
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