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NBA Rumors: Under-the-radar landing spots for LeBron James in free agency

By Ben Stern

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 09: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on in the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on April 9, 2018 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 09: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on in the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on April 9, 2018 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images) /
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NBA Rumors: Exploring a couple of the most under-the-radar landing spots for LeBron James as he prepares to hit free agency

Unless you have been living under a rock for the past year, everybody knows that LeBron James is hitting free agency this summer.

Nearly every front office will attempt to win over the best player in the world, and despite widespread speculation, I’m not even sure Lebron knows where he is going to sign come July.

While there are definitely favorites to sign the King, there are also some overlooked teams that might end up on top.

Washington Wizards

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The Wizards were once seen as favorites in the Kevin Durant sweepstakes, and here is their chance to make up for the miss. The Wizards have a nice young core of guards in Wall and Beal that would make for an impressive big three should Lebron choose to sign there.

Having a ball dominant playmaker like wall would certainly help shoulder the load, allowing LeBron to exert more energy in other areas. The Wizards boast two sharpshooters in Beal and Porter that would open up the driving lanes for Wall and James. Another obvious plus for the Wizards is that they are in the East, so LeBron would have a great opportunity to maintain his King status of the conference.

While the fit seems like it would work on the court, their are also off court reasons why LeBron should consider the Wizards. It is well documented that a Lebron is very involved politically. What better place to lobby for his political agenda than DC? The Wizards provide LeBron with a championship caliber roster, off the court opportunities, as well as an easy route to bring the championship starved city at least to the finals, if not all the way.

New York Knicks

We are staying in the Eastern Conference, as LeBron’s greatest chance at success is remaining in his East stronghold. While the Knicks haven’t shown stability at the top, and don’t have such a formidable roster at the moment, don’t write them off in the LeBron sweepstakes.

Many people thought LeBron would come to the Mecca in the decision part one, and the Knicks will be looking to make up for that this summer. The Knicks have a nice young core if Porzingis can recover, alongside Frank Ntilikina and whoever they draft with their top 10 pick. If they can get LeBron, they can move Frank and the pick for another star, forming a Big Three when Porzingis returns.

The Knicks have a surprising amount of cap flexibility, as they have a large expiring contract in Noah, and if Kanter ops out will retain a large cap hold from that. If the Knicks could get sufficient talent to surround LeBron, which is a rather large “if,” signing with the Knicks makes a ton of sense.

Must Read: NBA: Every team's top priority heading into the 2018 offseason

LeBron loves playing at MSG, and playing in NYC would help grow his already enormous brand. LeBron already has a strong relationship with head coach David Fizdale dating back to his Miami days. The icing on the cake is how it would affect his legacy.

Winning a ring at the Garden would arguably do more in cementing LeBron’s legacy than any other team. LeBron winning a championship in a Knicks jersey would be a fairytale ending to both his career and for the league.

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