Lakers star LeBron James’ future within Los Angeles remains uncertain as free agency continues. During an appearance on ESPN’s *NBA Today*, NBA insider Shams Charania reported there has been little communication between the Lakers and James’ representatives since an initial check-in shortly after the NBA Finals.
“There was a check-in call made, to my understanding, early in free agency once teams were able to start negotiating with their own free agents after the end of the NBA Finals,” Charania said. “Since then though there hasn’t been much communication, from my understanding, between the Lakers and LeBron James’ side. And certainly not an offer yet. They’re trying to see what can they do with his $50 million of space, potentially, and then where does that leave LeBron?”
Charania’s update comes after ClutchPoints senior NBA reporter Brett Siegel reported earlier this month that the Golden State Warriors are expected to pursue James if he reaches free agency.
“League sources telling us at ClutchPoints that the Warriors are very much open to pursuing LeBron James and they plan to do so this offseason in free agency,” Siegel said. “LeBron James, at the end of his career, he could still contribute at a high level, we saw that in the playoffs. Pairing him with Stephen Curry is going to be something that the Warriors look to pursue over the next few weeks.”
Siegel added that Golden State’s interest has become increasingly legitimate as the offseason has unfolded.
“It seemed very doubtful, it seemed low percentage, now it’s kind of questionable. Now there’s going to be some legs to this… That same source told us that Steph is planning on meeting and talking with LeBron about potentially joining the Warriors over the course of the next few weeks leading up to free agency.”
While James has not publicly indicated he intends to leave Los Angeles, the lack of progress in negotiations could leave the door open for interested teams if discussions with the Lakers continue to stall. It particularly becomes advantageous for the Warriors, who look to make a splash signing to maximize the final years of Steph Curry’s career.
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