“If I’m There”: LeBron James’ Text to Dan Hurley Raises Uncertainty Around Lakers Future Despite JJ Redick Takeover, Knicks Linked

As the free agency date gets closer, LeBron James narratives abound. As for the man in question, we all know that he holds his cards close to heart. After all, he did provide an ultimatum regarding his decision regarding his future via a Twitter post not too long after the Lakers’ playoff exit. The 4x champion planned to focus on family, discuss with all parties involved, and then make a decision.

However, the latest chatter surrounding James is that he is planning on opting out. It would seem, though, that it wasn’t that big of a surprise. Nick Wright, Chris Broussard, and Kevin Wildes get together in First Things First to discuss exactly this. Broussard, for his part, believes that the chances of Bron, given he opts out, re-signing with the Purple & Gold is at 2%.

Brew further explains that a look at his decision-making over the years, be it in leaving Cleveland or not wanting coach Mike Brown, LeBron has been careful to not be at the center of it all. At least not directly. As an example, he provides one closer home – that of Dan Hurley and Los Angeles. The UConn coach had revealed that the 20x All-Star had reached out to him via messages, which is also the point Chris brings our attention to.

“Even when he’s texting with Dan Hurley, he’s saying ‘if I’m there’. That makes you think, ‘Are the wheels turning in his head?’ We know he’s not going anywhere for the minimum,” Broussard pointed out. As per reports, he is worth a three-year $162 million max contract if he opts out. It is a 5% increase from his previous $47.6 million salary with an 8% increase in the following years. In contrast, were he to opt in, he could claim the $51.4 player option, bringing his total earnings to more than $164 million.

But if James, as Broussard said, is not settling for the minimum, what are his choices?

LeBron James and the New York Knicks?

If you remember, the ‘L Train’ caused quite the chaos early in February with a series of cryptic Twitter posts, all relating to New York. From an hourglass emoji to responding to an apple emoji with a Statue of Liberty and crown emoji, he had X buzzing with excited Knicks fans ready to welcome the ‘Chosen One’ to Madison Square Garden.

Not to mention, James has never been short of words when talking about the ‘Mecca of Basketball’. So, when Chris Broussard brings the ‘Big Apple’ into the conversation again, it wouldn’t be an impossible scenario. He named a few teams before arriving in NYC. Namely, the Sixers, who make the most sense from the financial viewpoint, but it just doesn’t work from a basketball outlook. Then there is Miami, which does not exactly have any trade pieces. And there is always his home team, Cleveland, who does have Darius Garland as an attractive option for the Lakers.

However, none of it looked right for Chris as well as New York. “The Knicks is the one to me because if LeBron wants to really make a splash, and we know he cares about the GOAT conversation, [NYC is the one] … Because if you lead New York to its first title in 50-some odd years, you got the New York media on your side in the GOAT debate.”

However, with the latest news about Mikal Bridges to the Knicks for Bojan Bogdanovic and a group of future draft picks, how a deal with the Los Angeles Lakers would look will be interesting to watch. Of course, there is the important part where LeBron James has to announce his decision.

What do you think of this take by media veterans? Will the Knicks make a move for LeBron James, if he is available? Or will James opt out and re-sign with the Lakers? Let us know what you think in the comments.

 But before you go, be sure to check this video of Leonardo Armato’s take on the deadly duo, Shaq and Kobe.

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