Paul George is expected to agree to re-sign with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

George was connected to the Los Angeles Lakers for more than a year, but it appears as though he will commit to the Thunder without even taking a meeting with his hometown team.

The Thunder are holding a party at the house of Russell Westbrook on the eve of free agency opening.

"This is a friendship decision to stay in OKC as much as anything," one rival executive said about the friendship between George and Westbrook.

The Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs are reportedly slow-playing their negotiations on a trade involving Kawhi Leonard.

"The Lakers have not acted with great urgency," said Adrian Wojnarowski.

LeBron James may have to commit to the Lakers without an assurance that they will sign or trade for another star.

The Los Angeles Lakers have interest in signing DeMarcus Cousins on a short-term contract, according to sources.

The Lakers are now expected to not be successful in signing Paul George with momentum for him to re-sign with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Cousins is rehabbing a torn Achilles.

LeBron James is known to be a long-time admirer of Cousins.

Russell Westbrook is hosting a private party on Saturday evening in Oklahoma City at the start of free agency with Paul George attending.

Nas reportedly will perform at the party.

The invitation says, "The FOMO will be real." Invited guests were required to sign a non-disclosure agreement.

George can sign a new contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder on July 1st.

George is also strongly considering the Los Angeles Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers.

The Los Angeles Lakers have waived Thomas Bryant.

Bryant appeared in 15 games for the Lakers, averaging 1.5 points and 1.1 rebounds in 4.6 minutes per game.

LeBron James landed at the Van Nuys Airport near Los Angeles on Saturday as free agency is set to begin.

James was previously vacationing in the Caribbean. 

James owns two houses in the Los Angeles area.

James is widely expected to decide between the Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers in free agency.

LeBron James and his representatives are not planning on meeting with the Cleveland Cavaliers when free agency opens.

James' camp and the Cavaliers have been in regular dialogue since the season ended.

Rich Paul informed the Cavaliers on Friday that he would not opt-in to his $35.6 million contract for the 18-19 season.

It is unclear at this point if an in-person meeting between James and the Cavs has been scheduled down the line. 

Lonzo Ball has been diagnosed with a torn meniscus in his left knee.

Ball is expected to be ready for the start of training camp.

Ball had a PRP injection this month after suffering a contusion during the season.

Ball's future with the Lakers has been uncertain this offseason as the team pursues multiple superstar free agents and also a trade for Kawhi Leonard.

LeBron James' decision to become a free agent became public on Friday and he is expected to decide between the Los Angeles Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers and Philadelphia 76ers.

"This is a good day for the Los Angeles Lakers," said Brian Windhorst. "It's a step forward for the Lakers. I believe the Lakers have the inside track for getting LeBron."

Windhorst suggested that the meeting between James and Magic Johnson will be critical for the Lakers' chances.

"If the Lakers can close the deal in that meeting, they have a great chance of stealing LeBron James away from the Cavaliers."

Windhorst said it imperative that the Lakers convince James they can build a team around him even if they don't receive a commitment from Paul George or trade for Kawhi Leonard.

"This will be about more than just this summer's transaction. It will be a long-term decision."

James appears to believe that the Lakers have more potential than the Cavaliers.

"The Lakers have a lot more avenues to chase (the Warriors) down," said Windhorst.

Windhorst added that the 76ers will have the chance to pitch James. The most important factor will be whether Joel Embiid and James can discuss how they can play together.

"I think the Lakers are the leaders for LeBron James," Windhorst concluded.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have not been in direct communication with LeBron James about his offseason intentions, but they have had a cordial dialogue with his camp.

The Cavaliers are not sure how to approach their offseason plans.

"The word I've heard used is 'paralysis,'" said Adrian Wojnarowski about how the Cavaliers are operating right now.

James declined his player option with the Cavaliers for the 18-19 season to become a free agent.