Teams await LeBron’s decision

CLEVELAND — LeBron James flew back to Los Angeles from a family vacation in the Caribbean. He could be there longer than usual.

Hours before NBA free agency opened with the three-time champion as its most coveted prize, James returned Saturday to Southern California, where he has two homes and a film production company. The Lakers are hoping they can persuade him to sign with them and return them to glory.

Los Angeles is among the teams in the mix to land James after his agent told the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday that he will not exercise his $35.6 million contract option for next season. James became an unrestricted free agent Saturday night (9 PT), and agent Rich Paul was expected to contact several teams with the Lakers and Cavs atop his list.

By declining his option, James positioned himself to be able to choose where he’ll play next, and Cleveland, just up the road from his home near Akron, remains a strong possibility. But there are at least two other teams (Lakers and 76ers) — and maybe an outsider or two (Rockets and Spurs) — with legitimate shots at landing James, who made it clear following this year’s NBA Finals that he’s still driven to win championships.

While every team dreams of being ruled by King James, only a few have a legit chance of signing him.

The Lakers may have a leg up, though.

With some savvy moves, the Lakers are poised to potentially add another superstar in Kawhi Leonard to a team featuring up-and-coming talents like Kyle Kuzma, Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball, who is reportedly dealing with a knee injury.

James loves the Hollywood lights, and the appeal of playing for one of the league’s most storied teams is another allure.

Jae C. Hong The Associated Press Free of the Cavaliers, LeBron James now can flex his free agent muscle, and what he decides — signing with the Lakers, maybe? — could reshape the NBA landscape.