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.

Article Continues Below
More Cleveland Cavaliers News
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) drives against Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (1) in the fourth quarter at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
Magic rumors: Anfernee Simons, Darius Garland must be on trade radar, says insiderJulian Ojeda ·
Temple Owls forward Steve Settle III (2) drives to the basket against the Memphis Tigers during the second half at FedExForum.
Cavaliers work out 6-foot-10 marksmen ahead of NBA DraftMiguel La Torre ·
timberwolves, anthony edwards, kevin durant, timberwolves trade
3 trades Minnesota Timberwolves must make to win 2026 NBA title with Anthony EdwardsGarrett Kerman ·
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) and center Jarrett Allen (31) celebrate during the second half against the Chicago Bulls at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
Cavs should resist trading Darius Garland or Jarrett Allen to stay in championship contentionEvan Dammarell ·
Magic news: Orlando favored for potential Darius Garland trade
Magic favored for potential Darius Garland tradeJake Faigus ·
Cavaliers' guard Darius Garland with Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle - NBA trade rumors and scenarios
Timberwolves’ Darius Garland trade headlines 4 intriguing scenarios before NBA DraftBrett Siegel ·

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.