James breakup letter to the Lakers in advance? US media lists the top 5 potential next players: Knicks rank fourth in the Cavaliers

On June 30, LeBron James made a surprising decision: He chose to execute the $52.6 million player option instead of signing a new maximum salary contract with the Lakers.

Why did he do this?

James could have made $1.5 million more by signing a new max contract with 35% of the salary cap, and attached player options and trade vetos the following year — like the contract the Lakers gave him last summer.

One possible reason why he doesn't sign a new contract and instead executes the player option is that it makes the deal much simpler.

James' agent Ritchie Paul made a clear public statement -

"James knows that the Lakers are building a team for the future, and he is eager to continue to compete for the championship. We understand the contradiction between competing for the championship and preparing for the future. We do need to evaluate what is the best choice for James at this stage of his career and life. He hopes that every remaining season will be valuable, and the Lakers understand that, they support it, and hope to make the decision that is most favorable to him. We are very grateful for our eight years of partnership with Jenny (Bass) and Robert (Pellinka), and the Lakers are a crucial part of his career."

Bleacher Report pointed out that the statement is either a strategy for James to pressure the Lakers to use all trading assets to build a championship lineup, or a "breakup letter" issued in advance. Given that James may enter the final season of his legendary career, where would he go if he left the Lakers? The following five teams are most likely, arranged in reverse order by possibility.

5. Golden State Warriors

Highlights: Jenku teamed up with

The Warriors entered the Western Conference semi-finals last season. Stephen Curry, 37, still maintains the All-Star level average of 24.5 points, 4.4 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game (the three-point shooting is the league's highest 4.4 points/game).

Trading plan: Directly exchange Jimmy Butler and James, the Warriors can use young centers (such as Tracy Jackson Davis, Post) to fill the gap in the Lakers' inside. If Butler is retained, Draymond Green must be the core, and matched with players such as Moses Moody and Buddy Hilde and draft picks.

Potential controversy: James had played against the Warriors in the Finals for four consecutive years. Joining the team may have a subtle impact on his historical status, but it is still interesting to join forces with Curry.

4. Cleveland Cavaliers

Highlights: Fairytale Return

If James returns home ten years after winning the first championship in the Cavaliers' history, it will be a Disney-style ending. The East is under injury due to star injuries such as Tatum, Halliburton, and Lillard, and the competitive pressure is less than that of the West.

Salary barrier: The Cavaliers' salary exceeds the second rich line of $18.7 million. Core players such as Garland and Jarrett Allen need to be sent away, and third-party teams will be introduced to match their salary.

Ideal lineup: James + Mitchell + Mobley's Big Three, supplemented by veterans' basic salary, but the transaction cost is too high and the actual operation is extremely difficult.

3. Dallas Mavericks

Highlights: The four top picks join forces with

If James joins, the Mavericks can form the four top picks formation of "James + Davis + Irving + Irving", and there are also shooters like Klay Thompson around.

Trading plan: The Mavericks send out role players such as Gafford, P.J. Washington, and with the 2029 unprotected first-round pick, the Lakers can use this to strengthen the depth of the frontcourt around Doncic.

Advantages: Flag, as a top rookie, has raised the team's ceiling, and James' cooperation with Kidd (formerly Lakers assistant coach) is also attractive, but Irving and Davis' health problems are still hidden dangers.

2. San Antonio Spurs

Highlights: Opportunities for the new and old inheritance

Spurs President Popovich and James have been appreciating each other for a long time. If Antetokounmpo stays in the team, the Spurs can pursue James, allowing him to form the three giants with Vinbanyama and Fox.

Trading plan: Send players such as Vassel, Sohan, and match draft picks, while retaining the special cases of the middle class to strengthen.

Development Value: Wenban Yamaco learns experience from James, and James has never partnered with such a top frame protector. The only disadvantage is that the competition in the West is still fierce.

1. New York Knicks

Highlights: The temptation of Madison's ultimate stage

The Knicks were only two games away from the Finals last season, and they were under less pressure to compete in the Eastern Conference. James once admitted that he "will play 82 games in Madison Square Garden", which may be his last chance to join New York.

Trading plan: Give Anunobi and Mitchell Robinson, while balanced their salary, while retaining core points such as Brunson and Bridges.

Champion significance: If the Knicks win the first championship in 53 years, James' historical status will add another piece of paper - from breaking the wasteland for Cleveland to saving New York basketball, it can be called the ultimate script of "city savior".