NBA trade rumors: Lakers aiming to recruit LeBron James?

LeBron JamesReuters

The Cleveland Cavaliers and their lead star player LeBron James just recently won the franchise's first championship and there are already rumors that LeBron aims to become a free agent instead of immediately re-signing with the Cavaliers and defend their title. According to Silver Screen and Roll, he may be heading to the LA Lakers.

According to the report, the news first came from ESPN's Stephen A. Smith via Twitter. According to Smith, the Lakers may be among the numerous teams that will be vying for LeBron's attention. One of the main advantages that the Lakers have is that they have a much higher expenditure cap that lets them match whatever offer other teams give James, including an offer from the Cavaliers.

The report points out that Smith is often hit or miss when it comes to rumors but he has been accurate when it comes to James.

As stated by the report, Smith successfully deduced that James would leave the Miami Heat and then successfully deduced that James would return to the Cavaliers, giving credence that the Lakers may indeed be aiming to secure James on the team. 

It is further explained that James might be too enticed to immediately move to the Lakers because of how the Lakers are currently banking on new talents straight out of the draft. If James aims to build a team of veterans that can carry a team to the finals, it might take years for the Lakers to become what he wants.

However, it is stated the Lakers may shift things around and change their strategy if they do get James on their end. This may force the Lakers to trade their draft pick and shuffle some of their players to get the team that James wants and it is undetermined if the Lakers are open to making such big changes in their strategy.