LeBron James (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
A pair of NBA teams have emerged as favorites to sign LeBron James in free agency should he decide to leave the Los Angeles Lakers.

The veteran superstar can opt out of his deal with the 18-time NBA champions this year, and his agent, Rich Paul, may have let it slip that the four-time MVP doesn’t have plans to remain with the team.

Paul referred to James as a “free agent” during an alternative TNT broadcast of Sunday’s Western Conference Finals between the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves.

According to BetOnline, the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers are the top favorites in terms of destinations for LeBron at +400 and +500, respectively.

The New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls, Philadelphia 76ers, and Miami Heat are also thought to be in the mix.

The Warriors have been longtime admirers of LBJ – then again, who isn’t? ESPN reported they tried to trade for the forward ahead of the deadline and were “eager” to make an offer. However, neither James nor the Lakers were open to discussing a move.

The Warriors Would Revive Their Dynasty If They Could Acquire LeBron James

LeBron James joining the Warriors would immediately make them title contenders.

The former Cavs and Heat star went up against the Dubs in four consecutive NBA Finals during his second spell in Cleveland and came up short three times.

Joining the likes of Steph Curry and Draymond Green would extend his championship window and give him a chance to retire with more rings.

A return to the Cavaliers shouldn’t be ruled out, either. James’ appearance at a recent playoff game in Cleveland prompted speculation over a possible third stint with the Eastern Conference team.

There are no hard feelings between LeBron and the organization, as his decision to join the Lakers was hardly similar to his shocking move to Miami.