Amid the myriad of rumors surrounding LeBron James' expected departure after this summer, comes a reality check, which suggest teams like the Los Angeles Lakers would have to pry him from the Cleveland Cavaliers' hands rather than just make him a suitable offer to come to the City of Angels.

According to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne “league sources believe it’s “still a long shot” James chooses the Lakers this summer, but that’s mostly because he’s determined to stay focused on winning a title with the Cavaliers this season.”

The Lakers have put all the pieces in place, they've drafted young, exciting prospects and have cleared enough cap room to sign James and a second max-level star to play alongside him — laying out the red carpet and vacuuming it before The King makes his entrance.

But it won't be so simple.

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Ironically enough, while the Lakers thought they'd be able to put the ultimate land mine on the Cavaliers by trading away Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr. to them, the Cavs were able to turn that around and rejuvenate a team that was the oldest in the league, giving James enough reason to stick with this team and hope to push for another postseason.

Sure, Cleveland will have to show more than just a string of deals to warrant James' stay, but the Lakers haven't remotely proved to be a contending team, despite having surpassed their win total by three thus far this season.

At this stage of his career, The King's focus will be to find the best place to continue to contend for championships, and if Cleveland hasn't proved to do that, the Lakers will have to before making a pitch for his services.