That leaves the Los Angeles Lakes, the clear favorite to date as far as winning the LeBron James sweepstakes. Free agent Paul George, who opted out of his contract with Oklahoma City, seems bound for LA, and should Clipper big man DeAndre Jordan move cross town, that threesome just might work. Leonard has lobbied to run with the Lakers, but that move would be dependent on the Spurs actually trading him.
Finally, the option still remains for James to sign with the Cavs, who can pay him more money than anyone else. But for James, who has money he hasn’t even counted yet, it’s not about the financial stability– he accomplished that a long, long time ago. It’s about maintaining that winning and championship legacy. It’s very possible that his thoughts revolve around how can the Cavs get better so he can go back for an incredible ninth consecutive time to the NBA Finals? This roster, in its current state, is clearly not good enough to win a championship. And when Boston gets a healthy Irving and Gordon Hayward back into its lineup next year, it isn’t exactly a guarantee that the Cavs are even the best team in the East anymore.
And so, how will this drama unfold? Personally, I’d like to see James end his career as a Cavalier. He can only add to his legacy in the years he has remaining as a player. He is already a first-ballot Hall of Fame selection, he has his championships (how many do you need to cement your worth), he has his MVP honors, his all-star game MVP awards, his all-defensive team selections, and it is only a matter of time when his jersey is hoisted to the rafters of Quicken Loans Arena.
James joining somebody else and possibly forming another “super” squad, in my opinion, does not enhance his legacy. But be sure, no matter what his decision will be, James will do what he feels is right for both he and his family. He really doesn’t care what anybody else thinks-the great ones in sports rarely do. James did deliver on everything related to basketball, and his bringing a championship to his hometown Cavaliers was the biggest of promises fulfilled.
And in the end, that one shining moment may have to be good enough for Cleveland Cavalier fans to hang their hat on. No doubt it will be a long and cold winter, and a major rebuilding job should the franchise’s best player decide to once again, take his talents elsewhere.
It’s been a great ride. The only question is, where are we going? That destination should be revealed anytime soon.
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