The NBA universe will revolve around LeBron James' big decision this summer, and while free agency doesn't officially begin until July 1, the superstar is reportedly already hard at work recruiting prospective teammates.
Mark Heisler of the Southern California News Group reports that James is already talking with some prospective teammates around the league. Heisler notes an Eastern Conference team's general manager said, “LeBron is doing what we does — calling players on other teams he wants to play with.”
No surprise there, that James is working behind the scenes to set up his own dream team. The veteran has the leverage and desire to build the team he wants, as he did when he and Chris Bosh joined Dwyane Wade with the Miami Heat.
Three players in particular James might be interested in teaming with, Heisler says, are Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Chris Paul. The Spurs, however, would likely balk at trading the disgruntled Leonard to a Western Conference rival, no matter how much he apparently wants out of San Antonio.
The team most often associated with James, the Lakers, has the most salary cap space and/or flexibility to bring in James and one or two of those aforementioned players.
Obviously, James could end up elsewhere. A return to Cleveland seems highly unlikely at this point, despite rumors the Cavs are trying to work a deal for Hornets point guard Kemba Walker in a bid to keep James from leaving.
