By Justin Hudson 

When NBA free agency begins this month, some of the biggest names in the league might find themselves on new teams.

The basketball world has been in a frenzy since May trying to figure out where two-time MVP LeBron James will end up. The Ohio native has spent his entire seven-year career with the hometown Cleveland Cavaliers, but now might look to branch out and play in a bigger market. His suitors include the New York Knicks, who have coveted James for years, the New Jersey Nets, the Chicago Bulls, the Miami Heat, and L.A’s “other” NBA team, the Los Angeles Clippers.

James is not the only big star who will test the free agency waters this year. Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade, Phoenix Suns forward Amare Stoudemire, Toronto Raptors forward Chris Bosh, Atlanta Hawks guard Joe Johnson, Dallas forward Dirk Nowitzki, and Celtics guard Paul Pierce are all on the market and open to sign with other teams.

Don’t plan on the world champion Lakers to chase a big free agent. The Lakers core of Kobe Bryant, Paul Gasol, and Ron Artest is signed through the 2013-2014 season. However, the Lakers will be active this offseason, and will primarily focus on improving their backcourt as they attempt to win three consecutive titles.

Longtime starting point guard Derek Fisher is an unrestricted free agent and has expressed his desire to end his career a Laker. Athletic guard Shannon Brown opted out the final year of his contract and could seek a bigger deal either with the Lakers or another team. Point guard Jordan Farmar, an L.A. native who attended college at UCLA, will probably leave the team to seek more playing time and a possible starting job.
Other free agents include little-used shooting specialist Adam Morrison, who will not likely be back with the team, and post players DJ Mbenga and Josh Powell, who could return.

The Lakers, who are already well over the salary cap for next year, will go after a point guard if Brown and Farmar leave. Options include Steve Blake, Luke Ridnour, and UCLA alum Earl Watson. The Lakers have also showed interest in signing Golden State shooting guard Raja Bell, who is a defensive specialist.

Though the team on the floor might change, the Lakers’ coaching staff will remain intact. Though rumors swirled that head coach Phil Jackson might retire due to health reasons, the 11-time championship coach has decided to return. Also returning is assistant coach Brian Shaw, who was in negotiations to become the head man with the Cleveland Cavaliers but decided to back out and stay in Los Angeles.