Stein: There's 'growing anticipation' LeBron James could leave Lakers

Earlier this season, there seemed to be a very good chance that LeBron James would leave the Los Angeles Lakers this summer. The team struggled to win half its games in December, January and February combined, and some felt there were signs that added up to James heading back to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

But the Lakers' success in March has seemingly poured some cold water on the rumors of James leaving the team. On the other hand, a recent report by NBA insider Marc Stein on his Substack has renewed the speculation that the 41-year-old will depart in a few months.

"The Lakers' LeBron James. The [Los Angeles] Clippers' Kawhi Leonard. And, of course, Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo. … There is a growing anticipation in numerous front offices, league sources say, that two or even all three of the above marquee names could land with new teams next season."

James will become a free agent at the conclusion of this season. While the Cavaliers and perhaps the Golden State Warriors seem to be in play for his services, there is the reality of the almighty dollar, and that reality may help keep him put.

Unless the Cavs make some big moves, the most they could offer James is the veteran minimum salary — or perhaps the taxpayer mid-level exception. The Lakers, on the other hand, are projected to have roughly $50 million in salary cap space. That means that even if he has to take a major pay cut to remain with them, he would still make substantially more money than he would with Cleveland or even Golden State.

Of course, the future Hall of Famer could also decide to retire this summer. However, there seems to be a feeling around the NBA that it is very unlikely James will retire that soon.

This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Stein: There's 'growing anticipation' LeBron James could leave Lakers