Insider makes sneaky Nuggets case for LeBron James

The Denver Nuggets continue to emerge as a potential destination for LeBron James, and one NBA insider believes the franchise has a compelling case to land the four-time NBA champion.

In a recent column for The Athletic, Sam Amick outlined several reasons why Denver should be viewed as a legitimate contender in the LeBron James sweepstakes. Amick also reported that, according to league sources, the Nuggets have already reached out to James’ representatives as free agency unfolds.

“For starters, league sources close to James have made it very clear that the chance to truly contend — yes, for a title — is his top priority,” Amick wrote. “The Nuggets, who still employ one of the baddest big men in the history of the game in Nikola Jokić and an elite guard in Jamal Murray (who earned his first All-Star berth last season), check that box.”

Denver joins the Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat among the teams connected to James after he informed the Los Angeles Lakers that he would not be returning. Earlier this week, ESPN reported that James instructed his agent, Rich Paul, to speak with interested teams before presenting him with his options. Paul later said on *The Pat McAfee Show* that approximately 10 to 12 teams had already reached out about the future Hall of Famer.

Amick also pointed to James’ longstanding relationship with Nuggets team president and governor Josh Kroenke as another factor working in Denver’s favor.

“James is close friends with Nuggets team president/governor Josh Kroenke,” Amick wrote. “The two reportedly vacationed together in the summer of 2016 after James led Cleveland to the title, and Kroenke even gifted James a retro Nuggets jersey in 2018 as part of a summertime attempt to land him in free agency (that’s when James signed with the Lakers).”

Beyond basketball, Amick noted that Denver could appeal to one of James’ newest hobbies.

“Last but not least, James’ recent choice to become a golf addict is a fringe factor as well (and that might be selling it short),” Amick wrote. “For what it’s worth, Golf.com ranked Colorado the 10th-best state in America for golfing back in 2015, while highlighting all sorts of courses in the Denver area.”

With Nikola Jokić still leading one of the Western Conference’s top contenders, the opportunity to compete for another championship could make the Nuggets one of the most intriguing options available to James as he enters the final years of his career.