LeBron James can opt out of the final year of his contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers after the 2018 season, and many expect him to become a free agent.
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There have been rumors circulating all season that he could leave Cleveland and join the Los Angeles Lakers, but a new rumor surfaced earlier this week. ESPN's Chris Haynes reported that James could have interest in joining the Golden State Warriors next season.
James addressed the rumors while meeting with reporters on Friday, and he called the speculation "nonsense."
LeBron on report linking him to Golden State: "Nonsense." #Cavs pic.twitter.com/L7xRizVGs7
— Spencer Davies (@SpinDavies) February 2, 2018
Related: LeBron James open to meeting with NBA superpower during free agency
"I've always handled (free agency) at the right, appropriate time and that's at the end of the season, when it's time appropriate," James said. "And I've never let anything on the outside get in the way of what I'm trying to accomplish.
"So, I know the sound bite will be broken up and cut and however you guys want to cut it up, but the Golden State conversation is a non-story, all the other conversations is a non-story. My focus right now is on this team and trying to figure out how we can get back to a fourth NBA Finals and compete for a championship."
There's no telling who gave Haynes the tip that LeBron might be interested in joining the Warriors. The Ringer's Bill Simmons actually believes LeBron's camp leaked the story for leverage, but has no interest in joining the Warriors.
This LeBron/GSW “rumor” is such an obvious plant by LeBron’s camp to (a) pressure the Cavs to trade that Nets pick/players for help, (b) unsettle GSW’s chemistry, and (c) pressure the Lakers to create cap space for him/others. I can’t believe anyone took it seriously. Come on.
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) February 1, 2018
Don't expect to see LeBron in a Golden State uniform next season. He might not return to Cleveland, but it would be shocking if he joined the Warriors.
