LeBron James has opted out of the final year of his contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
People close to the situation told Cleveland.com James declined a $35.6 million contract and will become an unrestricted free agent on Sunday, July 1.
James had until 11:59 p.m. on Friday to accept the contract, and his agent, Rich Paul, shared his decision on Friday morning.
Sources say he is interested in potentially joining the Los Angeles Lakers.
This decision doesn't mean he will leave the Cavaliers. He could sign a new 5-year contract with the team worth $207.4 million, more than any other franchise is willing to pay, a number based on a projected NBA salary cap of $101 million. The most another team could offer is four years and $152.3 million.
The news has drawn various reactions, with many fans throwing in suggestions:
Best Options For LeBron James Next Season:
14. He
13. Will
12. Make
11. His
10. Own
9. Decision
8. No
7. Matter
6. What
5. Happens
4. With
3. Other
2. Players
1. Philadelphia 76ers— Josh Lyons (@TheLyons_Den) June 29, 2018
Now that LeBron James has opted out, let's look at his best 4 options in free agency. pic.twitter.com/o7UuVETIIs
— McNeil (@Reflog_18) June 29, 2018
If my two favorite players end up in LA I guess my wife and I have to move back to LA ????????♂️
Lebron James + PG13 = ????
— Dylan Bostic (@Dylan_Bostic) June 29, 2018
Watching the LeBron James opt-out news thinking… pic.twitter.com/rkMfAvUbhS
— McNeil (@Reflog_18) June 29, 2018
I dont think Lebron James cares much about money anymore. He wants to play somewhere that is fun and will bring success.
— KrispyFlakes (@KrispyFlakes2k) June 29, 2018
Yo @KingJames I'mma tell you this one more time. We got a point who can shoot and defend. We got two big men who can shoot defend and rebound. And we can get Tyreke Evans to stay for you. Holla at the @memgrizz big dawg https://t.co/F5cnqHgAxG
— FindMe (@DeezyWest) June 29, 2018
LEBRON JAMES CAN GO WHERE EVER THE FUCK HE WANTS SINCE HE HAS A HORRIBLE FINALS RECORD
also these athletes are getting paid so much and they look like heroes when they’re all just whores who buy yantoon boats and rollercoasters in their front yards and have 3weak children
— Legendarichiro (@Natural___Highs) June 29, 2018
please go to the LAKERS, sincerely your friendly Raptor fans. (or come to Toronto, you will like the politics better up here).????
— joe makowecki (@cheemo_joe) June 29, 2018
Where do you want to see Bron play, Blavity Fam?
