Latest on LeBron James: Cavs viewed as leaders; Warriors keep pushing

LeBron James still hasn’t announced his decision. But the picture surrounding his free agency is seemingly coming into focus.

Here’s where things stood as of early Tuesday.

Cavs viewed as favorites

Despite Golden State’s continued pursuit, multiple league executives told Hoops Wire that they still view the Cavaliers as the team to beat.

Also, according to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, there remains skepticism around the NBA that the Timberwolves or Nuggets will ultimately land James — leaving Cleveland firmly in the spotlight as the process enters its final stages.

Warriors aren’t giving up

Golden State continues to make its pitch.

ESPN’s Anthony Slater reported that Stephen Curry and Draymond Green have remained actively involved in recruiting James, noting that the two stars are among the few people around the league who can communicate directly with him.

“Not many people in this process can reach LeBron James directly,” Slater said on SportsCenter. “But the Warriors players can.”

That said, Slater added the Warriors’ front office has remained “fairly pessimistic” about its chances of landing the four-time MVP.

He also dismissed speculation that Golden State hired assistant Frank Vogel to help recruit James, saying the former Lakers coach was brought aboard because of his defensive expertise and extensive head coaching experience.

Decision appears to be nearing

In case you missed it, ESPN’s Shams Charania said Monday that James has gathered nearly all the information he needs and is moving closer to making a choice.

“It’s decision time for LeBron James because all of the information, for the most part, is in,” Charania said on NBA Today.

Charania reiterated that the Cavs, Heat, Warriors, 76ers and Timberwolves are viewed as the leading contenders, while adding that James’ decision won’t be driven by money.

Instead, Charania said James is focused on joining a team capable of competing for a championship in an environment where he’ll be happy and feels he can make an impact.

Chris Haynes of NBA on Prime echoed that sentiment after speaking with James’ agent, Rich Paul.

According to Haynes, Paul said James now has all the information he needs, leaving the final decision entirely in the hands of the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.

So, yes, there’s lots of speculation still out there, with an end to this madness expected soon.

The only thing left is to hear from LeBron himself.

Update: Marc Stein of The Stein Line reported early Tuesday that the Cavs are the “scenario to beat” in the LeBron sweepstakes, while also noting Golden State continues its pursuit. The Heat and 76ers also remain in the mix, he wrote, with leaguewide anticipation growing that James could make his decision soon. 

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