We could use Lebron in San Antonio next year. We will need someone like him soon. I don't see the Parker, Duncan, Ginobli trio staying in tact year, especially if they don't win a championship. ............
Ratner is pretty committed to Brooklyn, that's still probably going to happen. Even if it doesn't and they move to Newark, that still seems like the most likely destination for Lebron, assuming their salary cap situation is in proper order when he's a FA.
My bet is the following in this order: 1) Miami, 2) New York and 3)Chicago. With only 2 years remaining on his contract after the end of this season, Lebron will have plenty of time to decide.
1) Miami- The most, 13 players, of these 3 teams that are short timers. Lebron and Marion and the flash and glitz of "The New L.A." could be very enticing. Add in the nightlife + a possibility, much better than Chicago, to land either D. Rose or Beasley and this could = a great long term deal for both Lebron and Miami. Downside- will Miami keep Marion or Wade in this scenario? It's doubtful they would keep both and go for Lebron. Likely, Wade would be dealt, especially if they land D. Rose and Lebron is interested in playin' there.
2) New York- Now that Isiah is done ruining the team, the Knicks have a bunch of players to trade off/not re-sign for cap space. 10 players on their roster have 2 yrs or less left on their contracts. Plus Little Napoleon (Stern) is dying for NY basketball to become relevant again. And the added bonus of playin' in the freakin' MSG. Downside- how would situation be any different from what it is now in Cleveland? The roster is almost the same in terms of talent. Plus, how many suckers are there in the NBA? These guys are way overpaid and who is going to pay them same salaries?
3) Chicago- Even more, 12 players, on short term contracts. With a possible high draft pick this year which could land native son D. Rose or Beasley (especially if Rose is his PG) it could be very attractive to Lebron. He would finally have someone who is a natural point to get him the ball and relieve some pressure on both ends of the court. Downside- he'd be back with almost same core that he had earlier in Cleveland. We all know they got close but couldn't finish.
So Stern may be drooling for him to land in NY; but I believe Miami actually has the best chance of landing him and becoming the new rival for L.A. for years to come. Note to Cleveland: enjoy the remaining time with Lebron because he WILL leave. Maybe you can get a ring before he's gone, because once he goes you will be back in obscurity. (ala the Griz)
I don't often chime in on NBA discussions - but I don't think that there is even a small chance the Lebron leaves the Cavs - the arrival of Lebron has meant that the NBA's worst team could be profitable, could make the playoffs, and could be something other than irrelevant. I don't think that the Cavs allow him to leave, plus the guy is from Ohio and is tight with his family - Cleveland is a good fit for him in that sense.
Lebron is going nowhere.....I live 10 minutes from him and he is always out in public and is very approachable, he says that he does not know why people think he is leaving....he also just built a new 36,000 sq. ft. house in Bath Ohio, IT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Keep dreaming New York, Chicago, Nets or anyone else!!!
