Lebron's most likely destination in 2018-2019

[trojanfan12]

I tend to agree. I think that if he were to leave he has to do it in a way where people don't think he's simply leaving for a better option.

In fairness to him, I think the only reason he would leave Cleveland is because of Gilbert.

Outside of leaving to go to a team with better ownership, how would he be leaving for a better situation?

 

[flyerhawk]

Outside of leaving to go to a team with better ownership, how would he be leaving for a better situation?

I'm talking mostly about the optics here. I think it would look bad if he were to go to the Lakers along with Paul George at the same time.

 

[DirtDirtDirt]

have you guys heard the Warriors are clearing space to sign Paul George next season?


NBA Free Agency Rumors: Warriors preparing to make a run for Paul George?

 

[Shaqdaddy11]

It's a dumpster fire because of Gilbert.

The reason is irrelevant. They're a fucking mess

 

[Shaqdaddy11]

I'm talking mostly about the optics here. I think it would look bad if he were to go to the Lakers along with Paul George at the same time.

Why? He did it in Miami with Bosh and half the posters on these boards are still cradling his nutsack

 

[trojanfan12]

I'm talking mostly about the optics here. I think it would look bad if he were to go to the Lakers along with Paul George at the same time.

I don't think I agree with that. Part of the criticism he has received is that he forms superteams in the weaker conference.

In this case, he and PG would be going to a non playoff team with a roster full of young, developing players and doing so in a much tougher conference. In fact, he'd not only be moving to the tougher conference, but directly into the same division as a team being compared to the best of all time.

Also, it would only be PG coming with him. It's unlikely to be a Cavs situation where he goes to a team and they completely remake the roster for him.

 

[flyerhawk]

I don't think I agree with that. Part of the criticism he has received is that he forms superteams in the weaker conference.

In this case, he and PG would be going to a non playoff team with a roster full of young, developing players and doing so in a much tougher conference. In fact, he'd not only be moving to the tougher conference, but directly into the same division as a team being compared to the best of all time.

Also, it would only be PG coming with him. It's unlikely to be a Cavs situation where he goes to a team and they completely remake the roster for him.

Fair points. It is certainly possible that he will go to the Lakers.

 

[trojanfan12]

Fair points. It is certainly possible that he will go to the Lakers.

Yeah, I think it's possible, but it's not the "done deal" that some try to make it out to be. The Lakers kids are going to have to show some real development and they are going to have to clear enough cap space to add another top FA in addition to Lebron.

If only 1 of those things happen...Lebron ain't coming to LA (at least not to the Lakers).

The Lakers FO is definitely in better shape and they finally appear to have a real direction, which helps. But at the end of the day, it's the product on the court that going to determine who they can actually get next summer.

 

[flyerhawk]

Yeah, I think it's possible, but it's not the "done deal" that some try to make it out to be. The Lakers kids are going to have to show some real development and they are going to have to clear enough cap space to add another top FA in addition to Lebron.

If only 1 of those things happen...Lebron ain't coming to LA (at least not to the Lakers).

The Lakers FO is definitely in better shape and they finally appear to have a real direction, which helps. But at the end of the day, it's the product on the court that going to determine who they can actually get next summer.

I completely agree with all of this.

I honestly think that if Lebron leaves he will only leave for a team that he thinks he could legitimately take to the finals. That's hurts any western conference team. But if the Lakers really elevate and wind up with 45 game this year, I could see him going there. That's why I said the same is true with Minnesota and Philly.

I don't really buy the theory that he's going to LA because he has a home and business there.

 

[trojanfan12]

I completely agree with all of this.

I honestly think that if Lebron leaves he will only leave for a team that he thinks he could legitimately take to the finals. That's hurts any western conference team. But if the Lakers really elevate and wind up with 45 game this year, I could see him going there. That's why I said the same is true with Minnesota and Philly.

I don't really buy the theory that he's going to LA because he has a home and business there.

The Lakers aren't winning 45 games this season. They don't have that kind of experience. If they can get into the 35 win range and are playing well at the end of the season, that should be enough as far as the development of the kids.

Add Lebron and PG or someone comparable and you have a team with a shot at the Warriors. Maybe not in the first season together, but very likely by the 2nd season.

Given what the Warriors have, I'm not sure Lebron is as focused on the finals anymore. Not that he doesn't want to get there or doesn't want anymore rings. But he knows what the Warriors have and that there really isn't any team that he can go to that can compete with them right away.

However, there are teams (not just the Lakers) who could compete with them in a season or 2 if he joined them and was a little patient.

 

[tlance]

LA would probably be better off long term with Westbrook and PG13 anyway.

They probably wouldn't win a championship with those 2. They'd be good though.

Honestly not even sure that Westbrook will be better than LeBron 4 years from now. Not a given. His game is 100% about athleticism. Westbrook might regress at a younger age.

 

[tlance]

Outside of leaving to go to a team with better ownership, how would he be leaving for a better situation?

Just like when he signed in Cleveland. There were better options then, there will he better teammate options next summer. The Cleveland others are very overrated. They are good, not great.

Most "better" options will hinge on the signing of a second star, so it is hard to figure out exactly what those are, but there will be better basketball opportunities outside of just San Antonio.

LeBron's challenge will be painting it on a light that people think he isn't simply leaving for a better basketball opportunity. If the racist email thing is true, he will have no problem doing that.

 

[tlance]

have you guys heard the Warriors are clearing space to sign Paul George next season?


NBA Free Agency Rumors: Warriors preparing to make a run for Paul George?

It is mathematically possible without giving up one of the core 4, but I can't see the Thunder accepting a package of Livingston and a couple other contracts to help the Warriors. Something tells me OKC fans would be irate if they did that. Whether or not George was leaving.

 

[WiggyRuss]

Its either going to be the Cavs or Lakers.

No one else should even be considered.

 

[Shaqdaddy11]

Its either going to be the Cavs or Lakers.

No one else should even be considered.

shut the fuck up

 

[Black Adam]

Its either going to be the Cavs or Lakers.

No one else should even be considered.

Cavs can keep him. I certainly won't have a problem with that...

#whoneedsLeClown?

 

[trojanfan12]

Just like when he signed in Cleveland. There were better options then, there will he better teammate options next summer. The Cleveland others are very overrated. They are good, not great.

Most "better" options will hinge on the signing of a second star, so it is hard to figure out exactly what those are, but there will be better basketball opportunities outside of just San Antonio.

LeBron's challenge will be painting it on a light that people think he isn't simply leaving for a better basketball opportunity. If the racist email thing is true, he will have no problem doing that.

Unless I misunderstood what I heard, there won't be a lot of teams with cap space next summer, at least not with the space for more than 1 max FA.

I'm sure teams will make some moves knowing that Lebron will be available, it'll be interesting to see who is able to do it.

Yeah, if that racist e-mail thing is true, he definitely has his out. No questions asked.

 

[WiggyRuss]

Unless I misunderstood what I heard, there won't be a lot of teams with cap space next summer, at least not with the space for more than 1 max FA.

I'm sure teams will make some moves knowing that Lebron will be available, it'll be interesting to see who is able to do it.

Yeah, if that racist e-mail thing is true, he definitely has his out. No questions asked.

what is this racist email thing?

I saw DJ said something about it- i listen to Cleveland radio every morning on my way into work. REad online. I just googled it and saw nothing. Do you havea link or something?

the only racist thing i remember against LeBron is his home being defaced with a racial slur in Los Angeles.

 

[WiggyRuss]

Its just hard for me to believe- that - if next summer LeBron goes to LA- he will turn 34 that December.

Will a 34 year old LeBron tie himself to a 20 year old Ball and a 20 year old Ingram? That just doesnt seem to be his MO- he would prob insist at least one of those guys is traded for veteran help- if not both- and I dont see the Lakers really wanting to do that unless the opportunity was perfect.

If the Cavs just resigned LeBron for 1-2 more years- and then he left at the age of 35, 36....I would definitely take a combined between 11-12 years of LeBron on the Cavs. To be honest that might be in some ways preferable than giving LeBron a super max into his 40s

I would have a lot more confidence in the future though if Griffin was here. I thought he was a great GM.


its hard for me to believe that a 34 year old LeBron would hitch his wagon and his last couple really productive years to two 20 year olds.


now- if Paul George signs and the Thunder say--- take Westbrook for Ball, Nance and Clarkson? well that is a different story.

 

[WiggyRuss]

curious

Lakers fans,

If LeBron coming meant trading Ingram and or Ball to put immediate veteran help around him. would you want to do it?

Or would you want to continue slow and steady with the youth movement?