Cavaliers, Heat, Celtics reportedly in bidding war for $101M four-time NBA champion, former MVP originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James will officially part ways before the start of the new season. James is expected to continue his career elsewhere, making this one of the biggest storylines of the NBA offseason.

Several teams have already emerged as potential landing spots for the four-time NBA champion. Earlier this offseason, James even met with Stephen Curry to discuss the possibility of teaming up.

“Pairing him with Stephen Curry is going to be something that the Warriors are going to pursue over the next few weeks… It seemed very doubtful, it seemed low percentage, now it’s kind of questionable. Now there’s going to be some legs to this… That same source told us that Steph is planning on meeting and talking with LeBron about potentially joining the Warriors over the course of the next few weeks leading up to free agency,” NBA insider Brett Siegel said.

One team that has recently gained significant momentum is the Philadelphia 76ers after acquiring Jaylen Brown.

“The Sixers now have a golden opportunity to recruit LeBron James to form a truly lethal starting lineup: Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Jaylen Brown, LeBron, and Joel Embiid. On paper, it seems like an ideal LeBron destination after that trade,” NBA reporter Evan Sidery posted.

However, Philadelphia is far from the only contender in the mix. The Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, and Cleveland Cavaliers are also viewed as legitimate destinations for James.

“Rich Paul made a white board with ‘realistic destinations’ for LeBron. 76ers, Knicks, Cavs, TWolves, Nuggets, Heat, Warriors, Celtics, Spurs, and Mavs,” Bleacher Report posted.

Joining Jayson Tatum in Boston would give James another superstar teammate and a chance to compete for a championship. A return to Cleveland would pair him with James Harden and Donovan Mitchell, while rejoining the Heat would create another star-studded trio alongside Bam Adebayo and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

James’ last contract with the Lakers was worth $101 million. His next deal is expected to be significantly smaller, regardless of where he signs. As the sweepstakes continue, the Heat, Celtics, and Cavaliers all have reason to feel optimistic about their chances of landing the future Hall of Famer.

More NBA news:

• Timberwolves reportedly make $150M pitch to ex-Laker LeBron James to join championship contender

• Warriors predicted to trade Kristaps Porzingis for elite $112M 3-and-D wing to secure LeBron James

• Celtics’ Jayson Tatum was reportedly the final straw to cutting ties with 76ers’ Jaylen Brown

• 76ers’ Jaylen Brown fires shot at MLB, NBA, NFL over low IQ remarks after Celtics blockbuster trade