Did LeBron Text Kevin Durant About Teaming Up in Los Angeles?

ESPN's Stephen A. Smith claims LeBron James texted Kevin Durant about potentially teaming up with the Los Angeles Lakers. LeBron has until 11:59 p.m. EST Friday to opt out of his deal with the Cavs.

June 28, 2018

ESPN's Stephen A. Smith claims LeBron James texted Kevin Durant about potentially teaming up with the Los Angeles Lakers. LeBron has until 11:59 p.m. EST Friday to opt out of his deal for next season with the Cavs, and many have speculated King James has his heart set on Hollywood. Is it possible he's attempting to lure arguably the league's second-best player to come with him?

Smith says that is indeed the case. "I got two phone calls last night after hours with folks telling me that LeBron James reached out to Kevin Durant…via text, from what I'm told, about coming to Los Angeles," he shared.

It doesn't seem, however, that K.D. was interested in the proposition. "I don't know what Kevin Durant’s response to him was, that is not the information that I got," Smith said. "But I'll tell you what I did hear is that behind the scenes, Kevin Durant was like, 'Why would I do that? As far as I'm concerned, LeBron James is a big-time player, what have you, but the way I look at it, I should be perceived as the best in the world.'"

So it seems LeBron won't get K.D., but that doesn't mean he'll be forced to play without a fellow star if he decides to join L.A. Rumors have indicated the Lakers are pursuing both Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.