The Los Angeles Lakers have been in hot pursuit of any big name free agent willing to join their historic franchise, but have been unable to over the last couple of seasons. Fortunately, they had a great chance to attract a number of big names this summer in 2018, with guys like Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James, Oklahoma City Thunder star Paul George, and New Orleans Pelicans star DeMarcus Cousins all free agents.

Unfortunately, the first domino fell for the Lakers when George opted to re-sign with the Thunder on a surprising four-year deal. LeBron James, who was reportedly a near-lock to agree to join the Lakers, is reportedly now open to hearing other teams.

James arrived in Los Angeles’s Van Nuys airport yesterday afternoon on the day that free agency was set to begin, and many assumed he would meet with a Lakers contingent involving legend Magic Johnson. According to Marc Stein of The New York Times, dinner between the two did not happen as previously reported.

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Is Paul George’s quick signing with the Thunder leading to James having second thoughts? Is it having no effect at all and James would likely still sign with the Lakers? One thing is certain: the Lakers can certainly increase their odds of acquiring LeBron James by trading for San Antonio Spurs star Kawhi Leonard.

Two of the very best forwards in the game on the same team could be an intriguing prospect for James, but free agency has shown us that anything can happen and nothing is official until it is official.