LeBron James is viewed by sources close to him as seeing the Cleveland Cavaliers as a sensible free-agency option this summer if he continues his NBA career.
The four-time champion would be willing to take a significant pay cut to join a team capable of contending for a title.
James will be an unrestricted free agent after the season, and a third stint in Cleveland is considered an attractive possibility for what could be his 24th year in the league.
Despite having a no-trade clause, he is expected to remain with the Los Angeles Lakers past the trade deadline.
Currently earning $52.6 million annually, James understands he would need to accept a much lower salary at this stage of his career, sources said.
Cleveland’s reshaped roster could give him another championship opportunity. The Cavaliers recently acquired James Harden from the LA Clippers, pairing him with Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley.
James previously won an Olympic gold medal alongside Harden in 2012 with USA Basketball and delivered Cleveland’s only NBA title during his second tenure with the franchise in 2016.
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