LeBron James Discussion: Not Returning To The Lakers

Following.

Forgotten fact: Bron was traded to Miami. S&T after he announced he was taking talents to South Beach. Cleveland found it beneficial. Hopefully history repeats itself.

 

This tells me he's already made up his mind and this "news" is being leaked so when he signs with us right away and doesn't even take meetings from other teams, we don't get fined for tampering.

 

There's really no advantage for us. He'll get paid just about the same starting salary if he opts in as he would if he opts out.

The advantage would be 100% with LeBron who would keep his Bird Rights and get 7.5% raises instead of 4.5% and an extra year out of it.

The disadvantage with LeBron would be losing at least one or two valuable pieces from his current team in the move.

 

Agreed 100%.

Also the report doesn't state that nobody is allowed to pitch. He's just saying he doesn't need the dog and pony show. Just come in, understated, and make your pitch. If someone has something that blows away what the Lakers are about to offer, then he'll consider it. Otherwise, this thing is looking better for us by the second.

 

Who is that guy?

 

Gotcha. Yeah I honestly think this thing is moving quickly in our direction. Vegas knows, the beat writers know, ancillary industries (entertainment) know, it's getting close.

These rumors starting that he's coming alone make me think we've got one foot in the door already. He's still going to want a partner, but I believe those are being floated to encourage someone to join, probably George. If George knows LeBron is committed, I cannot see any way he say no. Play at home with LeBron and the kids you get along with? Or play in Oklahoma with Westbrook? Even if you're Westbrook's friend and you like the organization, I think it's a no-brainer.

 

The only benefit for us would be if they took Deng. There's not a lot of incentive for them to do that. I've argued extensively with abeer that Cleveland wouldn't do that because they'd be paying luxury taxes on a team doomed to be non-competitive. I don't see the benefit for Cleveland if they do that move and I don't really see a reason for us to do it unless they take Deng. If it happens, I'll be ecstatic, but I'm certainly not expecting that.

 

That’s 3 people mentioning sign and trade now. I don’t like that, why would we give up valuable future picks if we don’t have to so LeBron gets a few more mil. Heisler had this on Saturday

 

I have a really hard time imagining the Lakers giving up a kid to move Deng to the Cavs and a pretty hard time imagining they'd do that just to net a pick or something from us. I mean who would we give up just to move Deng? And why would we make that decision? Is getting a late 1st and some 2nds worth the luxury tax? I don't see it.

As far as I know we can stretch him whenever we need to. We could also find someone willing to take Deng for some picks. Atlanta is still a ripe spot for that.