As is the case every time LeBron James is set to hit the open free agent market, his looming decision has been the talk of the NBA this year. Obviously, James has no shortage of suitors for his services but this summer’s free agency decision may be different from years past.
In year 15 and having accomplished almost every accolade imaginable, James has a different mindset this offseason. James recently told Cleveland.com’s Joe Vardon that whatever decision he ultimately makes will be centered around his family with winning being the second factor.
When it comes time for James to weigh his options, he said Sunday that the most important component in determining whether he stays in northeast Ohio or leaves will be his family.
“My family. That’s all that matters,” James told cleveland.com. “I want to continue to win at the highest level, because I know I can still do it as an individual, and then my family. My family is what’s most important to me, more than anything.”
“We make joint decisions all together, all the time. Once we get to it, my agent and my team we will all tackle it the right way but my family plays a big part in it. And winning.”
With two growing sons heading for their adolescence and also a three-year-old daughter, LeBron James knows his priorities lie as a father first and basketball player second. James and his wife Savannah are both from the Cleveland area so these ties may be the deciding factor, particularly with family being especially vital this time around.
Of course, LeBron also mentioned winning which will follow him almost wherever he would decide to go. One of the perceived candidates for LeBron James was the Los Angeles Lakers but the odds of that marriage taking place look slimmer than ever.
Outside of the Lakers, James has also been linked to teams such as the Philadelphia 76ers and Houston Rockets, both of whom have bright futures. Whatever he ultimately decides is best for him and his family, James’ free agency decision is sure to rock the NBA landscape.
