LeBron James is leaving the Los Angeles Lakers

• His stint with the Lakers, during which he won the NBA championship in 2020, is the longest in his historic career.

What's next: Golden State appears to be the most engaged suitor for James' talents, with insider Marc Stein calling the Warriors "at the front of the line."

Between the lines: James and Curry would headline roster of aging superstars that would likely have difficulty keeping pace in a Western Conference now dominated by the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs.

The intrigue: The Cavaliers, James' hometown team with whom he won a dramatic championship in 2016, are lurking.

• James recently went on a European trip with members of the 2016 team to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their title.
• And he has been in Akron recently, posting photos from local golf courses and gyms — wearing a St. Vincent St. Mary T-shirt, no less — possible evidence of an impending reunion.

The bottom line: James has always been finely attuned to his own perceived legacy, especially as it stacks up to NBA legends. He will undoubtedly hope to land on a team with deep postseason aspirations.

• But this very well may be the final season of his career. His priority at this juncture, per ESPN's Brian Windhorst, is "happiness and not money."