Gottlieb: LeBron to the Lakers probably gets done, but it’s not a done deal

LeBron to the Lakers probably gets done, but it’s not a done deal

On First Thing’s First, Nick Wright revealed that a source close to LeBron told him bot to count out James staying in Cleveland. Gottlieb, like Vegas, thinks it’s down to L.A. and Cleveland, and it looks like the deal with the Lakers is likely, but it’s not done yet.

Doug thinks like any high level negotiation, there are still conditions that have to be met to get LeBron to L.A., like landing one or both Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Neither of which have happened yet. As anyone in business knows, the hardest thing to do is close a deal. And until it’s done, Cleveland has a chance.

Melo makes OKC less attractive for Paul George

Carmelo Anthony smartly declined to exercise his early termination option in his contract that would have allowed him to enter free agency. Instead, Melo will stay in Oklahoma City and make an astounding $27.9 million next season. After taking the $28 mil, Anthony posted an Instagram post from Europe in which he called out all the haters who may have a problem with it.

Doug doesn’t have any issue with Melo taking the money, but taunting fans on social media right after robbing the bank was a dumb move that lacked self-awareness. The bottom line is Melo will never change. Either way, a massively overpaid, declining Melo makes it harder to keep Paul George, which is bad news for the Thunder.

Also:

– Edelman using the “Ryan Braun” PED suspension appeal playbook

Guests:

Shams Charania – Yahoo Sports! NBA Insider joins the show to discuss the latest NBA free agency buzz; LeBron, Paul George and Kawhi news; and why the Nuggets picked Michael Porter, Jr. after he fell to them in the draft.

Michael Rappaport – Actor/Comedian, American hero joins the show to explain how he stopped a passenger from opening the emergency exit door during a flight this weekend.

Bill Oram – Lakers beat writer for The Athletic on the Lakers’ strategy in pursuing LeBron and Paul George.

Ric Bucher – Bleacher Report senior NBA Writer and Sirius XM host joins the show to talk NBA free agency and if Chris Paul and the Rockets can eventually reach a deal.