The LeBron James Thread

[Bornindamecca]

Re: The Official "Where is LeBron going?" Thread

Born posted that Wade came off the bench in Bejing, I was responding to him.

No one is debating their individual production either, it's if Miami can win a title with Wade + Bosh + LBJ.

Just to clarify, I think Miami *can* win with those three. It's just that they have a better chance if they go for roleplayers rather than a third superstar, IMO. I even think Lebron and Wade can work, but you have to build that team very specifically to make sure they can rebound and control the paint.

[King_B_Mack]

Re: The Official "Where is LeBron going?" Thread

Brian Windhorst, the Cavs beat writer, thinks LeBron will re-sign with the Cavs based on what he knows about LeBron's personality and LeBron's connections to Northeast Ohio. However, he did say he wouldn't bet his house on it.
I'll put more stock in what Windhorst thinks since he's been covering LeBron for 10 years than some national writer who may not even know LeBron personally. I just hope he's right...

While you make a good point for why to listen to him, the fact is, since LeBron ain't talking to nobody about what he's going to do, he knows pretty much the exact same as any national writers or guys here on OS....absolutely nothing. It's his opinion just like it's everyone else's. Just cause he's covered LeBron for a long time doesn't mean he's developed telepathic abilities with the guy.

[JohnDoe8865]

Re: The Official "Where is LeBron going?" Thread

For some reason I see Lebron going back to Cleveland as the LEAST likely option. I can easily see CHI, MIA, NYK ahead of them honestly. Just my opinion. It's fun to debate before everything falls into place.

[RayAllen20]

Re: The Official "Where is LeBron going?" Thread

I'm just saying if your the Heat and you get Wade, LeBron, and Bosh, you are going to need to get a big center who can guard Dwight, and a decent point guard, plus some shooters off the bench. If you can't get that then I don't see that team winning it all. If I were LeBron, I'd go to Chicago.

Also, a CAP expert from ESPN, is saying that it is impossible for Chicago to offer 2 max contracts with Deng still on the team (but Bosh or LBJ could take a pay cut), and that for Miami to possibly sign Wade, LBJ, and Bosh, some one would need to take a pay-cut.

[Brankles]

Re: The Official "Where is LeBron going?" Thread

I agree, Doe. I just really don't see any reason why LeBron would stay in Cleveland except he wants to have his hometown be relevant

Winning, endorsements, legacy, career longevity... all reasons to go somewhere else

[ex carrabba fan]

Re: The Official "Where is LeBron going?" Thread

For some reason I see Lebron going back to Cleveland as the LEAST likely option. I can easily see CHI, MIA, NYK ahead of them honestly. Just my opinion. It's fun to debate before everything falls into place.

Actually I see CLE in second place to Chicago.

Miami is a borderline circus right now, it's laughable that they have like 3 players under contract. Not to mention their coaching situation. Riles could step in, but who knows. Starting from that much scratch is a bit much to me.

I see Chicago in first, and CLE tied with NY.

CLE doesn't have flexibility but they've had great regular season success and there's the loyalty factor.

NY has Curry coming off the books after the season so they can go after a real center. Adding LBJ/JJ or LBJ/Amare would put them on par with CLE with James IMO. I'm not sure if a NY team with those additions would be good enough to get a title yet, they'll need to get a real point guard first.

[Starlin4Prez]

Re: The Official "Where is LeBron going?" Thread

I don't know why so much people are putting so much stock in this super team in Miami...it's not going to happen. No chance.

First of all you have to look at these guys as individual players. LeBron is supposed to be, "the man" and that's what he wants to be. He is a superstar. So is Wade, if he goes to Miami, he won't be "the man" anymore. That's Wade's team. That is Wade's city. LeBron doesn't want to share the spotlight, no matter how much he says it's about winning, or that he would play with Wade, he doesn't want to. This isn't the Olympics.

Second of all, where are the touches going to go?? Are you really going to be able to effectively run an offense when you have 3 guys on a team who demand the ball and want their shots every night. Yes, I know the matchup problems that would cause of having to guard 3 players of that caliber, but I just envision some conflict occuring there. Especially when all 3 of them are used to being the go-to guy. That's why the Celtics worked so well together. Because yeah Ray Allen is a great shooter, but he was never that huge superstar that demanded the ball. Which is why he fit perfectly with Pierce and Garnett. Joe Johnson is that player in this years FA and he will end up in either Miami or Chicago depending on which situation he likes better.

Thirdly, from a money standpoint it just doesn't work and doesn't make sense for the Heat. They currently have 2 players on the roster. So you're telling me that they are going to spend all this money on 3 players with max contracts and then what? Fill the roster with D-Leaguers? Because that's all they would be able to do if that was the scenario. No matter how much you want to believe that a super team like that can work, it won't. Role players are so essential to a team's success and it ALWAYS gets overlooked. I mean the Celtics are a perfect example. Yeah they had Garnett, Pierce and Allen...all future Hall-Of-Famers but they had some other nice pieces to go along with those 3. That team of Wade/LeBron/Bosh would get exploited very quickly, especially with a bunch of minimum salary bums filling the roster.

Basically what I'm trying to say, it's NOT happening.

It's Chicago or Cleveland at this point, IMO there really are no other options 'Bron is considering, but like I said before, we just have to wait and see. I guess it's always nice to dream.

[ehh]

Re: The Official "Where is LeBron going?" Thread

It's Chicago or Cleveland at this point, IMO there really are no other options 'Bron is considering.

Then why did he invite so many teams to meet with him tomorrow?

[OSUFan_88]

Re: The Official "Where is LeBron going?" Thread

Then why did he invite so many teams to meet with him tomorrow?

Because it would be stupid to limit himself to two teams?

Why else would he listen to the Clippers? He's going to listen to anyone with money.

But, IMO, no teams offer LeBron a better chance at winning now and in the future than the Bulls and Cavaliers *and I am discounting the Heat because they cannot afford 3 max deals, and with all due respect, these guys are not stupid. They want that money.*

[Starlin4Prez]

Re: The Official "Where is LeBron going?" Thread

Because it would be stupid to limit himself to two teams?

Why else would he listen to the Clippers? He's going to listen to anyone with money.

But, IMO, no teams offer LeBron a better chance at winning now and in the future than the Bulls and Cavaliers *and I am discounting the Heat because they cannot afford 3 max deals, and with all due respect, these guys are not stupid. They want that money.*

This is pretty much EXACTLy what I was just typing...

Plus I would imagine he enjoys all these teams chasing him...LeBron has never been one to avoid attention

[ex carrabba fan]

Re: The Official "Where is LeBron going?" Thread

Because it would be stupid to limit himself to two teams?

Why else would he listen to the Clippers? He's going to listen to anyone with money.

But, IMO, no teams offer LeBron a better chance at winning now and in the future than the Bulls and Cavaliers *and I am discounting the Heat because they cannot afford 3 max deals, and with all due respect, these guys are not stupid. They want that money.*

NY can offer winning now/future assuming they get LBJ/Amare or maybe even LBJ/Boozer. Granted they won't have much to defend LA, BOS or ORL, but CLE won't have that much better themselves.

They also have Curry coming off next year so that's more room for another player.

[ehh]

Re: The Official "Where is LeBron going?" Thread

Because it would be stupid to limit himself to two teams?

Why else would he listen to the Clippers? He's going to listen to anyone with money.

But, IMO, no teams offer LeBron a better chance at winning now and in the future than the Bulls and Cavaliers

How do the Cavs offer LBJ a chance at winning any time in the next four years? When Hickson becomes the best PF in the East? I put the Cavs at the bottom of the list for winning - he stays there solely based on loyalty.

[ex carrabba fan]

Re: The Official "Where is LeBron going?" Thread

How do the Cavs offer LBJ a chance at winning any time in the next four years? When Hickson becomes the best PF in the East? I put the Cavs at the bottom of the list for winning - he stays there solely based on loyalty.

I believe after next year they should have some flexibility to sign at least one decent level free agent.

This year with James back, there's no reason they couldn't compete for a ring. I just wouldn't expect them to like I have in the past two years.

[bigfnjoe96]

Re: The Official "Where is LeBron going?" Thread

Because it would be stupid to limit himself to two teams?

Why else would he listen to the Clippers? He's going to listen to anyone with money.

But, IMO, no teams offer LeBron a better chance at winning now and in the future than the Bulls and Cavaliers *and I am discounting the Heat because they cannot afford 3 max deals, and with all due respect, these guys are not stupid. They want that money.*

I love how the KNICKS always get left-out, but in reality the KNICKS have as good of a chance as anyone to win now & in the future if they get LEBRON & another MAX Player. Nice young players, expiring contract still on the books. Owner who is willing to pay the luxary tax if needed.

Sounds appealing to me

[DieHardYankee26]

Re: The Official "Where is LeBron going?" Thread

Because it would be stupid to limit himself to two teams?

Why else would he listen to the Clippers? He's going to listen to anyone with money.

But, IMO, no teams offer LeBron a better chance at winning now and in the future than the Bulls and Cavaliers *and I am discounting the Heat because they cannot afford 3 max deals, and with all due respect, these guys are not stupid. They want that money.*

I can understand the Bulls, but what about the Cavaliers gives him a good chance to win now or in the future? The reason for him to stay with the Cavs would be because it's where his home is and where his heart is, but he's been with this team the last seven years, and has no rings. If I'm not mistaken, if LeBron stays, the Cavs will be slightly over the luxury tax threshold, and therefore in no position to sign new players. And that's if they use the mid level exception. So there is no reason to think that the Cavaliers will be any better this year than they were last year, and they didn't win then, so I'm not understanding where you're getting that they give him the best chance to win.