LeBron's decision nears: Cleveland stands out

One of the most talked-about free agency sagas in NBA history is approaching its end. As decision time arrives for the new home of 41-year-old LeBron James, who is preparing for the 24th season of his career, the reported picture is a striking one: his agent Rich Paul is fielding offers from clubs and relaying developments to the star via voice texts, while a return to the Los Angeles Lakers is not on the table.

The most striking detail comes from the Cleveland front. According to league executives, the only team official believed to have had direct contact with LeBron James during this free agency is Brandon Weems, the star's childhood friend who works in the Cavaliers' front office. James spending the July 4 holiday in his hometown of Akron has also been added to the picture. Renowned basketball pundit Bill Simmons took the claim a step further: "The Cleveland thing is done. What happened to poor Golden State is, they thought they were getting LeBron, but they were being used as leverage."

Public suitors are not lacking either. Stephen Curry made a Warriors pitch with the words: "Up until two or three years ago, that was a pipe dream. But that's part of the allure. Him going into his 24th season, me going into my 18th... after the battles we've had, playing together would be such a unique story in sports history." Rich Paul, meanwhile, offered this assessment of Golden State: "If we're talking strictly basketball, you don't want to play them; you definitely don't want to play them in a playoff series."

With Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors and Philadelphia 76ers scenarios in circulation, the decision of the four-time champion is said to be near. A third return to Cleveland, where he began his career and delivered a historic championship in 2016, stands out as the story's strongest scenario.

Source: The Athletic
Image: BBC Sport