Official 2016 Free Agency Thread

Most likely if LeBron comes to LA it will be to the Clippers. I just don't see LeBron joining an organization rich in history like the Lakers where he would constantly be compared to the former greats such as Magic and Kobe.

LeBron strikes me as wanting to forge his own legacy and showing his dominance by delivering titles to franchises without any championships, which the Clippers fit perfectly. I see LeBron signing another 1+1 contract and leaving Cleveland next summer no matter what happens in the playoffs to team up with his buddies who will also be free agents in 2017 (assuming Wade also signs a 1+1 deal and Paul opts out).

BTW, I couldn't log in with my other username I signed up under long ago and resetting the password didn't seem to work, so I am back under my original username from CL.

 

hmmm, two counter points:

1. as i said earlier in the playoffs, i don't think their bench is very good. iggy was the clear standout, obviously. the rest are replaceable. i suggested they keep livingston because he fits really well and ezeli because with bogut's health and age, you need a capable backup. but barbosa, speights, rush, mcadoo, clark? you can do better with vet mins.

2. any major injury to a top player dooms a team in the finals. you have to just plan on those guys being healthy. i'd rather have those four at the top than three of those and iggy/barnes. hell, they couldn't handle bogut's absence.

 

I'd love Iggy. Perfect starting caliber SF for us while Ingram develops; he has about 2 good years left, IMO.

 

Lebron isn't leaving Cleveland. I want us to target Durant but I'm feeling doubtful of our chances. Our brand has taken a hit in recent years. Free agents have complained we sell the business side of things more than actual basketball. Lamarcus Aldridge said this, Matt Barnes says free agents are reluctant to come here because of our front office incompetency. But Luke Walton was a step in the right direction, finally. Unless Mitch waves his magic wand with a trade that'll attract Durant I see us at best being a fringe playoff team. We have so much developing talent going into next year. Realistically speaking our rebuild will take time.

 

Are LeBron and Durant even close? I know LeBron has been quoted as wanting to play with his buddies to end his career, but as far as I remember that list did not include Durant.

I just find it highly likely that LeBron stays with the Cavs for one more season to try and repeat and to be present for the ring ceremony, especially since he cannot team up with his friends this offseason (unless I'm wrong and he is close to Durant).

As for Durant, he wants to win a title as soon as possible, and as much as it pains me to say it, the Lakers are nowhere close and are likely not a serious consideration for him. I hope Mitch doesn't waste much time and effort courting Durant when it's clear he wants to join a contender or stay in OKC under a 1+1 so he can make more money next year and give the Westbrook/Durant tandem one last shot at winning a title.

 

If KD goes to GS, you better start hating on him as much as you do on Bronnie

 

He's mostly likable though, and with GS losing, it's actually more acceptable to go there now.

That's a lot of firepower in one place though.

 

1. teams can't reach out right now
2. dirk has repeatedly stated that he has no plans to leave dallas. he turned down a big offer from houston a couple years back, i believe.

 

If the thought makes you a little nauseous now ...think what the reality of the situation would be for us as fans and our existing talented young players ..... when now L.A. is ground zero for LeBron the savior and greatest of all times now going to bring a championship back to Los Angeles. Put us all and the city and state of CA on his back. Kill me now.

 

Anyone that is anti-LeBron now would be freaking out with joy if he signed here.