LABron James Discussion: The Final Year?

For the sake of argument......Lebron is already a billionaire..so if he really wanted to play for the minimum. Cleveland would have the better team, with him on it.

 

Is It Time To Move On From LeBron James?

 

I want Lebron and Rui back for their playoff prowess, but they limit us severely in terms of building a balanced roster.

If we can get one good wing and one good center via trades, (dumping some of our trash in the process) I think I'm OK with running it back.

 

BTW if Lebron really cares about winning and his Lakers legacy, he should sign for $20M-ish and I'm sure he'll experience a dramatic 180 in his public perception among some fans and the media.

I understand that he also cares about player empowerment (more so than money at this point, imo), and I respect that he feels he'll leave a poor precedent if he signs for less than his market value, but at the age of 42, I don't think anyone would care. No one will ever be in the same situation as him, and it will not affect the mark he left on the game as the pioneer and enforcer of player empowerment.

 

If I were LeBron..Id be seriously thinking about heading back to Cleveland.

 

I don't think that'll happen. It's clear he prioritizes family and maintaining continuity. I'm sure he wants to stay in LA. He might consider the Warriors.

 

I think next season is his last regardless. He can live in LA after retiring. An opportunity to win a chip in Cleveland with his son;that's a hell of a curtain call.

 

His chances of winning a chip in Ohio aren't any greater than winning it here. And they have no cap space. There aren't any real benefits.

 

I'm putting myself in LeBron's shoes, and talking if money wasn't the issue. If he wanted to take the vet minimum at Cleveland, Golden State or here. Cleveland is a better choice. That team could very well be in the Eastern Conference Finals this season. What makes the Lakers a better choice?

 

Who cares if they're in the ECF or the Finals if they get whipped by OKC or Spurs?

Luka & Reaves > Mitchell & Harden

They have Allen, Mobley, Wade & Struss as supporting cast.

We have Smart, Rui, Kennard & Ayton plus we have an opportunity to add players to that. Unfortunately the Cavs are locked in only being able to give vet mins.

We'll be the better team next year than them.