3 who may seal LeBron deal

Paul, Leonard and George could sway James’ decision

LeBron James needs help. From Cleveland to Los Angeles and every potential landing spot in between, everyone agrees on that much. Yet as free agency nears on July 1 and with the draft revealing nothing about where the Cavaliers star might play next season, the question of who will join forces with the game’s greatest player remains more relevant than all the rest.

Yes, the market matters when it comes to finding a good fit for his family. He’ll consider the history of each franchise and how it might reconcile with his personal story. But if James can’t find a co-star or two, and we’re talking about an All-Star-caliber type supporting cast member, then it’s hard to see him leaving The Land for a second time.

Better yet for the Cavs? Do a deal to bring one of these talents his way in time to keep him from taking his talents elsewhere, a la 2010.

The Lakers are widely seen as the greatest threat to lure James away, with other suitors such as the Rockets and 76ers appearing to be long shots. But the notion of him heading to Los Angeles without another co-star in tow, of leaving the Eastern Conference after eight consecutive Finals appearances to play in a Western Conference where Golden State and Houston have proved their prowess, is widely viewed as lunacy.

With that in mind, we take a look at the stars who might sway his decision.

CHRIS PAUL

It’s natural to wonder if James might partner with best friend and fellow free agent Paul. While the Rockets appear resigned to the fact James won’t be coming their way, they remain fully confident Paul is going nowhere.

When Paul pushed his way from the Clippers via trade last June, there was a mutual understanding about how his next deal would look. It remains to be seen if it comes in a five-year, $205 million max contract — one that would have him making $46.7 million in the final year while nearing 38 — but there remains a strong sense within Rockets circles he’s staying put.

As for the report from Fox Sports’ Chris Broussard that there are tensions between the two sides because Paul wants the full max and isn’t sure if he’ll get it, two people with knowledge of the situation disputed the idea there is any friction. The people spoke to USA TODAY on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation.

If it’s any indication, Paul is part of the Rockets contingent expected to be on hand for the TNT awards in Los Angeles on Monday to help his co-star, James Harden, celebrate the MVP award widely expected to be coming his way. What’s more, Paul recently bought a new house in the Houston area.

KAWHI LEONARD

When Leonard’s desire to be traded from San Antonio to the Lakers was leaked via several media outlets, it was natural to wonder if he would become the star who compels James to come to L.A. But the Spurs wasted no time in sending this message all around the NBA: The only Western Conference team he might be playing for is theirs.

Fellow Western teams have been told, in essence, to get lost — none more so than the Lakers, according to ESPN. As it stands, the Spurs are determined to either fix the situation or trade Leonard to an Eastern team. The threat of losing Leonard in free agency next summer makes the prospect of offering meaningful assets a complicated, calculated risk for teams.

The Cavs have reportedly pursued a deal for Kemba Walker to bolster their pitch to James, but might they be able to swing a deal for Leonard instead? According to a person with knowledge of the situation, the Cavs inquired about him but there is no traction on a possible deal. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation. But the Cavs would be hard-pressed to compete with the kind of packages that teams such as Boston and Philadelphia could put forth.

Not to mention the Spurs aren’t showing much urgency to make a move. Coach Gregg Popovich met with Leonard in San Diego on Tuesday in an attempt to mend fences, and longtime general manager R.C. Buford made it clear Thursday that San Antonio is still trying to make this relationship work.

Leonard missed most of the season with a right quadriceps injury and is eligible for a five-year, $219 million extension on July 1.

PAUL GEORGE

Remember when George was so hellbent on joining the Lakers? Well, that was before he found his way out of Indiana and into an Oklahoma City situation that might suit him well after all.

Even with the Thunder coming two losses from missing the playoffs and then falling to Utah in six games during their first-round matchup, there is all sorts of optimism in Oklahoma City that George will re-sign.

Conversely, there’s pessimism in James’ camp that George would leave Oklahoma City. George has raved about the Thunder since the beginning, making it clear to USA TODAY in September that the organization had earned his confidence from the start.

It’s not hard to understand what might compel George to stay. The chemistry with Russell Westbrook is bound to improve if they have a second year together, and it doesn’t hurt that their offcourt relationship continues to appear very strong. Ditto for George’s dynamic with coach Billy Donovan.

Veteran guard Andre Roberson, whose season-ending patellar tendon injury in late January derailed the Thunder’s defense, remains on track to be ready for training camp in October. According to “The New York Times,” Carmelo Anthony will still be a part of the program as well. But if George does indeed stay, that would be widely considered a big blow to the Lakers’ chances of landing James.