CHRIS Paul is actively recruiting LeBron James, but believes he’s keen on a move to Los Angeles, while the San Antonio Spurs would consider a trade with the Lakers for Kawhi Leonard.
LeBron James favours a move to Los Angeles, according to ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith.
“According to my sources, several things are happening,” Smith said on ESPN Radio.
“Chris Paul is telling folks [that] LeBron ain’t trying to come to Houston; he's trying to be in L.A. … Chris Paul is saying LeBron wants to be in L.A.”
While Smith didn’t specify as to which L.A. franchise that would be; most reports surrounding James suggest the Lakers are the far more likely destination.
The ESPN personality did add that Paul George, who has long been linked with a move to the Lakers, could still stay with Russell Westbrook and the Thunder.
“Point No. 2, folks are not so sure Paul George is coming to L.A.,” said Smith.
“From what I’m being told, Sam Presti and the Oklahoma City Thunder are going to back up the Brink’s truck for Paul George.
“They’re going to offer him the max.”
CHRIS PAUL WORKING OVERTIME
If LeBron James does indeed choose Los Angeles for the 2018-19 season, it won’t be because Chris Paul didn’t explore every option in recruiting his long-time friend to the Houston Rockets.
“Chris is going to return there [Houston]”, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported.
“Right now, his focus isn’t so much on his own free agency, he’s trying to recruit LeBron James to Houston.
“Somebody close to [Paul] said to me that he has his focus on recruiting LeBron as anything he’s done in this league.”
SAN ANTONIO CAN BE CONVINCED
With Kawhi Leonard reportedly interested in a move to Los Angeles, the San Antonio Spurs are said to be apprehensive about trading their superstar to the Lakers.
That’s according to the New York Times’ Marc Stein, who added that if Gregg Popovich and co. do receive the ‘right’ deal; they could be convinced to part ways with Leonard.
“They clearly do not want to do business with the Lakers, but if the Lakers could assemble the best deal … If the Lakers could use their assets to bring in a third team, and San Antonio gets the most out of a trade from the Lakers … they would do it,” Stein said of the situation.
It’s unknown what the Spurs would want in return for their 26-year-old forward.
Leonard, a native of Los Angeles, has one year remaining on his existing contract with San Antonio.