Where does LeBron need to go to make 2018-2019 NBA season interesting?

[flyerhawk]

We're overrating Philly as a destination a bit. This was a historically weak year for the Eastern Conference. If he goes there I think more than a few guys are getting traded. It makes the most sense if he wants to stay in the EC, but there are more competitive situations for him out West. He openly complained about a lack of playmakers. I wouldn't count Houston out of the conversation.

I don't think Simmons, Embiid and LeBron at your core beats the Warriors right now. Maybe a few years down the line.

Why was the East historically weak last year as compared to the last 5 years?

Other than the Rockets(if Morey can literally engage in magic to get him), which teams in the West would give Lebron a better chance of winning than the Sixers or Celtics?

 

[flyerhawk]

Interesting thing I read (or heard, can't remember):

NBA HOF players go through three stages in their career nowadays:

Stage 1: Establish yourself as a great player - try to score as much as you can, pad your stats, aim for ROY, NBA All-Star games etc. Basically get noticed as a young guy

Stage 2: Win Championships. Get that bling

Stage 3: Focus on what comes AFTER the NBA; on the business end of things.

Where do people think lebron is in his career. And what team would be the best option for that without taking a pay cut?

He clearly thinks he is in Stage 2.

 

[OutlawImmortal]

Why was the East historically weak last year as compared to the last 5 years?

Other than the Rockets(if Morey can literally engage in magic to get him), which teams in the West would give Lebron a better chance of winning than the Sixers or Celtics?

The best team other than Cleveland in the East this year was a team missing their 2 best players. That team beat the 76ers handily in 5 games. He would have a better shot of winning with the Celtics but we all know Kyrie is not going to play with him, he demanded a trade just to get away from him. I think Ainge would be willing to ditch Kyrie for LeBron because he's a pragmatist but I consider Boston a long shot for that reason.

Going to the Spurs is instantly a better situation though. Playing next to the 2nd best all-around player in the NBA in Kawhi and under one of the greatest coaches in NBA history.

 

[Hornsstampede2.0]

PG - Dejounte Murray 2018 NBA all defense team
SG - Danny Green 2017 NBA all defense team
SF - Kawhi Leonard 2015, 2016 NBA Defensive player of the year
PF - Lebron James 2009, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 NBA all defense
C - Lamarcus Aldridge

Aldridge is a decent defender, but he is by default the worst defensive player in this super defense line, despite winning defensive player of the year in college. It is like getting a B+ when everyone else gets A+ grade.

The Spurs led the league in defense last year even Kawhi and Lebron.
This could be the greatest defensive team ever assembled in the 3-point shot era.

 

[Shaqdaddy11]

He clearly thinks he is in Stage 2.

Coming up to age 34? Highly unlikely

 

[tlance]

He's not leaving the East. That's one guarantee.

Miami should be one of the favorites.

Why would he go to Miami?

Miami may not have enough to get by Boston with LBJ and defintely aren't beating GS.

 

[tlance]

Why was the East historically weak last year as compared to the last 5 years?

Other than the Rockets(if Morey can literally engage in magic to get him), which teams in the West would give Lebron a better chance of winning than the Sixers or Celtics?

None.

 

[flyerhawk]

The best team other than Cleveland in the East this year was a team missing their 2 best players. That team beat the 76ers handily in 5 games. He would have a better shot of winning with the Celtics but we all know Kyrie is not going to play with him, he demanded a trade just to get away from him. I think Ainge would be willing to ditch Kyrie for LeBron because he's a pragmatist but I consider Boston a long shot for that reason.

Going to the Spurs is instantly a better situation though. Playing next to the 2nd best all-around player in the NBA in Kawhi and under one of the greatest coaches in NBA history.

The Sixers were an extremely young team going into that series. Weird that you would argue that the Celtics beat them "handily" but to each their own I guess. I thought it was a pretty tight series with both teams getting one blowout and the Celtics basically doing just enough to win the other 3 games.

San Antonio could be pretty scary if they are able to keep Kawhi and get Lebron. But they are going to need to do some work to get Lebron under the cap.

 

[flyerhawk]

None.

I guess the Spurs could be if they can figure out a way to get Lebron in under the cap. Basically they would need to come up with a deal to get someone to take Mills and Gasol's contract plus some more

Not sure how they can do that without gutting the team.

 

[flyerhawk]

Coming up to age 34? Highly unlikely

And he was still probably the best player in basketball in his age 33 season. And he never gets injured.

 

[OutlawImmortal]

The Sixers were an extremely young team going into that series. Weird that you would argue that the Celtics beat them "handily" but to each their own I guess. I thought it was a pretty tight series with both teams getting one blowout and the Celtics basically doing just enough to win the other 3 games.

San Antonio could be pretty scary if they are able to keep Kawhi and get Lebron. But they are going to need to do some work to get Lebron under the cap.

Rozier and Smart are the same age as Embiid, Tatum is 20, Brown is 21. Morris has next to no playoff experience. You have Horford and Baynes as your true vets. It's not like the Celtics had a ton of experience with Kyrie and Hayward out either. I don't consider losing 4 out of 5 to be close, but as you said, to each their own.

 

[Shaqdaddy11]

And he was still probably the best player in basketball in his age 33 season. And he never gets injured.

So at what age should a player start looking at stage 3?

 

[Mecca]

Interesting thing I read (or heard, can't remember):

NBA HOF players go through three stages in their career nowadays:

Stage 1: Establish yourself as a great player - try to score as much as you can, pad your stats, aim for ROY, NBA All-Star games etc. Basically get noticed as a young guy

Stage 2: Win Championships. Get that bling

Stage 3: Focus on what comes AFTER the NBA; on the business end of things.

Where do people think lebron is in his career. And what team would be the best option for that without taking a pay cut?

#2

Coming up to age 34? Highly unlikely

I'm going to assume you didn't bother to watch his post game press conference.

It doesn't matter what stage we think he's in.

He has made his thoughts on the subject pretty clear...




"I still have so much to give to the game," James said. "Like I said, when you have a goal and you're able to accomplish that goal, it actually, for me personally, it made me even hungrier to continue to try to win championships, and I still want to be in championship mode."

 

[Mecca]

So at what age should a player start looking at stage 3?

What age should elderly people stop driving?

Depends on the individual.

He hasn't had any injuries.

His stats are the best of his career.

Joe Johnson should be thinking about his life after basketball.

Maybe D Wade.

Lebron is a completely different animal.

 

[Mecca]

I guess the Spurs could be if they can figure out a way to get Lebron in under the cap. Basically they would need to come up with a deal to get someone to take Mills and Gasol's contract plus some more

Not sure how they can do that without gutting the team.

1. Spurs

2. Celtics

3. Rockets

4. 76ers

5. Lakers

I have the Lakers low because I am not certain they will get both guys.

If they don't get George, LeBron isn't coming unless he brings Cp3.

If LeBron doesn't come, George will probably stay in OKC or he could end up choosing the Rockets.

All the other Teams simply have to focus on getting the one guy and of those teams, Celtics and Spurs have the best Coaching.

But, Celtics and 76ers have the best trade assets.

 

[DJ]

He's going to the Lakers.

Thank you.

 

[Mecca]

Thank you.

NBA Free Agency: LeBron James Remains In 'Championship Mode,' Suggests Signing With Young Team Such As Lakers Is Unlikely

 

[msgkings322]

And he was still probably the best player in basketball in his age 33 season. And he never gets injured.

Except for his punching hand

 

[flyerhawk]

Rozier and Smart are the same age as Embiid, Tatum is 20, Brown is 21. Morris has next to no playoff experience. You have Horford and Baynes as your true vets. It's not like the Celtics had a ton of experience with Kyrie and Hayward out either. I don't consider losing 4 out of 5 to be close, but as you said, to each their own.

You're right. The Sixers probably won't be any better next year and they were basically just as experienced in the playoffs as the Celtics.

Sure, 4 of the Sixers starting 5 players had ZERO playoff experience but that's irrelevant I'm sure.

 

[Mecca]

You're right. The Sixers probably won't be any better next year and they were basically just as experienced in the playoffs as the Celtics.

Sure, 4 of the Sixers starting 5 players had ZERO playoff experience but that's irrelevant I'm sure.

Dude, I think Mikal could be off the board when you pick this draft.

Think you guys would move up to get him or Porter?