Some may have expected that this would happen. While the Lakers would love to keep LeBron around, he may already have his mind made up. The 39-year-old LeBron James will decline his option and become a free agent, according to a report by his agent Rich Paul.

The latter part of that story likely could have been a cover-up. Or it could have been a simple mistake by Paul. We won’t really know until James either accepts or declines his player option. He has til two days after the NBA Draft to decide. Currently, LeBron James is not a free agent so is this a sign that he is planning to opt out? Only time will tell, but right now everything is pointing to the likelihood that James may be headed elsewhere.

He’ll be entering his age-40 season, but there will not be a shortage of suitors. He has shown us that he is still at the top of his game. He also stated last offseason that he wouldn’t be retiring until he can’t give the game his all. The teams that we should be keeping an eye on are those in the playoff picture, such as the Philadelphia 76ers. His hometown Cleveland Cavaliers could also throw some money at LeBron this offseason. It’s also likely that whatever team drafts Bronny would want to throw money in that direction as well.

Despite the Lakers struggling and being eliminated in the first round, James had another strong season (25.7 PPG, 8.3 APG, 7.3 RPG, 54 FG%). They are in the midst of finding a new coach for the third time in six years. Right now, it appears that J.J. Reddick may be the favorite. Nothing is set in stone yet but there is a real chance that LeBron James hits the free agent market this summer.

Click Here for More Basketball Content

Subscribe to Fantom’s Twitch

Listen to our podcasts!