The focus of the NBA world will be on LeBron James on Friday as it's finally reached the deadline where he must decide to opt in or out of his contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The 33-year-old has a $35.6 million player option but he can choose to decline it and become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

James is widely expected to opt out and test the open market and there are multiple teams waiting to pounce if he becomes available.

In need of the King

The Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets and Philadelphia 76ers are expected to make the most serious attempts to lure the four-time MVP.

There are many who feel that the King should look to create the league's next super team to challenge the juggernaut that is the Golden State Warriors.

He has now lost back-to-back finals against the men from the Bay Area since they acquired Kevin Durant, which included a humiliating sweep earlier this month.

LeBron's best chance of overcoming the Dubs would be to team up with another superstar and he's reportedly received a call from one of the league's best players to make it happen.

According to Yahoo Sports, wantaway San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard has reached out to LBJ, informing the veteran that he wants to play alongside him.

Per Jordan Schultz of Yahoo: "Leonard pitched James on his incredible defensive ability and how it would alleviate the pressure on James, the source said."

The two-time All-Star requested a trade away from the Spurs earlier this month and is seeking a move to the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Purple and Gold opened discussions with the Texas-based franchise over a deal on Thursday as the 26-year-old's days in San Antonio appear to be numbered.

Formidable duo

LA officials believe that acquiring Leonard before free agency would improve their chances of landing James.

It's unclear if Kawhi is looking to recruit LeBron to potentially join him in Tinseltown or if he's willing to go to Cleveland.

Regardless of where they might play together, there's no doubt that the two-time Defensive Player of the Year would be a great fit alongside the Akron native.

Leonard is a good enough shooter to play off the ball and benefit from James' playmaking ability and can also ease the pressure on him by handling the ball and creating his own offence.

Although it would seem that the Spurs are open to trading their best player, they're in no rush to offload him.

But with the former Finals MVP appearing extremely reluctant to stay, their hopes of repairing their relationship and keeping hold of him are getting slimmer by the day.

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