Despite all the offseason drama, the Cleveland Cavaliers are still the presumptive favorite to represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals during the 2017-2018 NBA season. The loss of Kyrie Irving will be an adjustment for the team, but if Isaiah Thomas proves to be healthy, the Cavs should have no trouble dispensing the rest of their conference.
However, this may be the last dominant run for Cleveland as LeBron James is set to be a free agent at the conclusion of next season and he has failed to commit to the Cavaliers long-term. As a result, reports have him leaving Ohio for a second time and according to Peter Vecsey, he is apparently guaranteed to leave for the Los Angeles Lakers:
Accordingly, I’m publicly terminating the pandemic of speculation surrounding LeBron James’ playing plans past this season. For months, many in the media declared or composed presumption the Lakers would be the beneficiaries of his talents when he became a free agent July 1, 2018. I’m eradicating all conjecture and uncertainty! I’m comfortable now in stating unequivocally, LeBron will leave the Cavaliers a second time and join the Lakers, and return the team to LA Lore status.
Los Angeles has been the popular landing spot for the three-time NBA champion as he lives there in the offseason and would be closer to his business interests. Also, the Lakers have every look of an up-and-coming team with new point guard Lonzo Ball and rising forward Brandon Ingram.
While the report stated James is sure to leave, he has not said anything to publicly support that claim. Still, Los Angeles makes more and more sense as the days go by and this will be a situation to monitor until next summer.
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