The big story out of this offseason has been what Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James will do after the 2017-18 season, including loud whispers that the future Hall of Famer will venture west to Los Angeles. James owns a $21 million home in Brentwood, and it’s rumored his wife, Savannah, would prefer living in California full time.
According to Mike Wise of The Undefeated, however, James may have already ruled out one of the Los Angeles area teams — the Los Angeles Clippers. James is good friends with now-former Clippers point guard Chris Paul, who just opted out of his contract. As a guest on the “ESPN’s Freddie and Fitz Show” on Friday, Wise firmly stated his informed take (at 21:01):
“I got from a very good authority, a very good authority, that LeBron James will never be a Clipper.
“I can’t tell you who, but I’m going to tell you it’s somebody that knows, and LeBron James will never be a Clipper.
“I don’t know if that’s because he remembers what the Clippers used to be, or he just doesn’t want to put his lot in there, or he thinks Steve Ballmer is just too animated on the sideline.
“Whatever follicles Steve Ballmer has left—and he has more than me—they’re falling out right now. But he’s never going to be a Clipper.”
On the other hand, the Los Angeles Lakers, who just drafted talented UCLA guard Lonzo Ball with the second pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, are in pursuit of Indiana Pacers forward Paul George. It’s believed that the Lakers will also recruit James to lead George, Ball, and their young group of talent, after next season.
As for the Cavs, they are still currently pushing for a trade with Indiana (with a third team) for George, even if it means using the All-Star forward as a one-year rental.
