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Latest news on coaching hires, Lakers moves and free agents

Although the NBA postseason isn't over yet, there is still a flood of rumors surrounding some of the most pressing questions of the upcoming offseason. Undoubtedly, the most intriguing position is the Lakers head coach position. While LeBron James' future in LA is still uncertain, the possibility that LeBron could find a new head coach is sure to grab fans' attention.

However, that's not the only rumor circulating on Twitter. As the offseason approaches, news of impending/potential free agents like LeBron James as well as Paul George, Pascal Siakim and Tyrese Maxey has fans also searching the internet for clues as to where these players might sign.

As the NBA playoffs rage on, here are the latest rumors surrounding the league.

NBA news: Here are six candidates for the Phoenix Suns head coaching position. Mike Budenholzer tops the list

NBA coaching news and rumors

Charles Lee lands in Charlotte

Boston Celtics assistant head coach Charles Lee was once considered a candidate for the Lakers' head coaching position. However, on Thursday, May 9, Lee accepted the head coaching job for the Charlotte Hornets. Before working with the Celtics, Lee served as an assistant coach to Mike Budenholzer with the Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks, even helping the Bucks win the championship in 2021. He has long been considered a future head coach, but reports suggest the Lakers' delayed search for a head coach may have played a role in why Lee chose the Hornets job over the Lakers. However, this rumor has not been confirmed.

According to Shams Charania, other candidates such as Mike Budenholzer, Tyronn Lue and JJ Redick (who was also considered for the Hornets job) are still in the running for the Lakers' head coaching job.

Currently, the Lakers, Phoenix Suns and Washington Wizards are the only teams without a head coach.

Vogel leaves Suns. Who will replace him?

With Frank Vogel out for the Suns, Phoenix has a head coach position for the second time in as many years. While no rumors have surfaced about the Suns' top prospects, USA Today took a look at six potential hires for the team.

The names listed are Mike Budenholzer, Terry Stotts, Ty Lue, Scott Brooks, David Adelman and JJ Redick. However, there are several other names that could still earn the Suns head coaching job.

Rumors about the Lakers

Free agency options for LeBron James

LeBron James has until June 29 to opt-in or opt-out of his player option for the Lakers next season. Until then, there are many options for James to consider his future.

First, he could exercise his player option, which would give him a guaranteed $51.4 million next season while also giving him the flexibility to sign another contract extension when he becomes eligible on August 18, essentially giving him one A three-year contract worth nearly $160 million would total millions. While this would be the most lucrative option for James, the only caveat is that he would not be able to include a no-trade clause in his extension.

LeBron could also opt out and then re-sign with Los Angeles. During All-Star Weekend, James stated that he wanted to retire a Laker. Although this option wouldn't be great financially for James, it would give him the security to decide his own future as he could include a no-trade clause in his new contract.

Ultimately, James could of course opt out and sign elsewhere, although that seems unlikely at this point. Most teams lack the wiggle room to sign a player like LeBron to a three-year deal, which is what James appears to be seeking. Furthermore, if James had hoped to stay on a team that could compete for an NBA title, the list of viable teams would shrink even further.

Will the Lakers draft Bronny?

LeBron James has made it clear that his goal is to play alongside his son in the NBA. However, he also made it clear that he won't pressure Bronny into doing anything he doesn't want to do. In a report by Adrian Wojnarowski, he states that LeBron's agent Rich Paul does not believe James sees playing with his son as a top priority.

“The idea of ​​them playing together is not a priority for LeBron James, at least it is no longer at the forefront,” Wojnarowski said.

Despite entering the transfer portal in early April and submitting his name to the 2024 NBA Draft pool, Bronny was still able to remove his name from the pool and play one more year of college.

In late April, The Athletic reported that the Lakers would be willing to consider signing Bronny James in the upcoming draft. However, the Lakers are not entitled to their 2024 first-round pick. That pick could go to the New Orleans Pelicans (via the Anthony Davis trade) or the Pelicans could opt for their first-round pick in 2025. However, the Lakers have a second-round pick that is honestly a much better draft spot than Bronny James, as many experts believe Bronny might go undrafted.

Currently, the Lakers are the favorite to sign Bronny in the 2024 NBA Draft with odds of +190 according to DraftKings. The 76ers, Thunder, Cavaliers and Knicks all have the second-best odds at +1000.

More NBA free agent rumors

Paul George could get a 76

ESPN's Brian Windhorst reports that Paul George is at the top of the 76ers' roster heading into the 2024 offseason. He even goes so far as to suggest that the 76ers could make a max offer right from the start. Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey reportedly said earlier this week that his goal was to find someone who could play wing and perform well in the playoffs.

Paul George played 74 games this year, the most since 2019. However, injury concerns could prevent the Sixers from pulling the trigger on George. After all, star center Joel Embiid has injury concerns of his own, and having the two biggest off-field contracts with injuries while simultaneously signing Tyrese Maxey to a massive contract extension could have dire consequences in the long run.

Klay Thompson and the Orlando Magic have mutual interest

Warriors guard Klay Thompson is coming off one of the worst seasons of his career and will begin his age-34 season next year. However, Shams Charania reports that there is mutual interest between the Orlando Magic and Thompson.

The fit makes sense given the Magic's immense cap space and their need for shooting. Orlando shot just 30.9% from three in its seven-game loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Thompson certainly could have helped in that regard. Still, the Warriors will certainly be in the running for Thompson. If Golden State makes a similar offer to Orlando, it's hard to imagine a world in which Thompson leaves the Bay Area behind.

NBA news: Former NBA player Glen “Big Baby” Davis sentenced to 40 months in prison for insurance fraud

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