Where Will LeBron End Up?

[Lipoli390]

Most have been predicting that LeBron won't return to the Cavs next season. I think the Cavs likely first-round exit from the playoffs should remove any lingering doubt about that. The prevailing wisdom has LeBron going to the Lakers. I wouldn't be surprised at all if he does. It would be the conventional, obvious choice for LeBron -- finishing his career with one of the most iconic NBA franchises in a glitzy city where he already has a home. That would be what I'd expect from the LeBron who went to Miami.

But I'm wondering if today's LeBron is someone different -- more mature, with a bigger, deeper view of himself and his place in history. If so, then I see him doing something different and going somewhere relatively unexpected. Actually, I think LeBron likes to surprise people. I haven't thought much about where he might end up, but I thought I'd start this thread and see what others think. In the meantime, I'll go out on a limb and predict he ends up with the Spurs. I think he might love to finish his career playing for Pop. Perhaps a sign-and-trade deal -- LeBron for Leonard. Another possibility would be the Clippers -- it's LA, but it's that City's NBA stepchild. LeBron might relish the idea of leading the Clippers to a championship.

Thoughts?

[Wolvesfan21]

I'll say Paul George and LeBron go to the Clippers. They cleared cap room by dishing Blake.

If he wants to make an easier Finals trip he should go to the Sixers. But Embiid is sort of a wildcard with his injury concerns. But add LeBron to the Sixers team who is only getting better and they'd be tough to beat. They sort of already have two ball handlers already though.

Clippers is my bet, even if it's not the most obvious.

[thedoper]

He should sign the MLE with us.

[khans2k5 [enjin:6608728]]

I think he stays in Cleveland for another year. Why would you ever go to the West to have to deal with the Warriors and Rockets just to make the finals? Toronto doesn't scare him. Boston might if they can stay healthy. Philly is still young and will be rotating role players and hoping they play consistently which is rare in the NBA. Maybe the Brooklyn pick plus some role players or maybe even Love could get then a disgruntled star like Wall. Maybe they snag CJ from the Blazer if they decide to rebuild on the fly. Who knows? A lot could happen and the West is too stacked for me to think he'll end up there.

[Lipoli390]

I think he stays in Cleveland for another year. Why would you ever go to the West to have to deal with the Warriors and Rockets just to make the finals? Toronto doesn't scare him. Boston might if they can stay healthy. Philly is still young and will be rotating role players and hoping they play consistently which is rare in the NBA. Maybe the Brooklyn pick plus some role players or maybe even Love could get then a disgruntled star like Wall. Maybe they snag CJ from the Blazer if they decide to rebuild on the fly. Who knows? A lot could happen and the West is too stacked for me to think he'll end up there.

Sound analysis, Kahns. Have to believe that a big part of the legacy LeBron wants to leave behind is surpassing Michael Jordan's 6 championships (or at least tieing) and staying in the East enhances his chances of winning championships. But then it doesn't make sense for him to stay in Cleveland unless the Cavs pull off an unlikely deal for a CJ or John Wall. And even then, I'm not sure they'd have a squad that could beat the Rockets or Warriors in the finals. If he's determined to stay in the East, the Sixers would probably make the most sense for him since they could realistically have cap space to sign him without gutting their current roster. They're already really good (3rd in the east without him) and LeBron is close to (and a mentor to) Simmons.

I know it's unlikely, but if LeBron wants to give himself the best chance of winning championship, which ultimately requires beating the Warriors or Rockets), the Wolves might be his best bet. LeBron could agree to a sign-and-trade for Wiggins. It's not as if the Cavs can drive a hard bargain since LeBron can leave as a FA. LeBron would then be teamed with KAT, Jimmy Butler, Jeff Teague and whoever the Wolves sign with their MLE plus Tyus, etc. That team, if well coached, could challenge the Rockets and Warriors. It's highly unlikely because this is MN. But what a way for LeBron to enhance his legacy -- shocking the world by coming to the ultimate losing franchise in the frigid north while also giving him perhaps he best chance to win anothe 3 or 4 championships.

[Coolbreeze44]

Lakers along with George.

[khans2k5 [enjin:6608728]]

If he wants to win a title he's staying in the East. If he goes West he's going to one of the LA's for the market. Another thing to remember with Cleveland is they added a lot of new guys this year so expecting it to gel in half a season isn't very reasonable. They could re-tool pretty easily and come back strong next year. Clear out JR and Tristan and get some guys who play hard and they could be right back at the top of the East.

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

I'll say Paul George and LeBron go to the Clippers. They cleared cap room by dishing Blake.

If he wants to make an easier Finals trip he should go to the Sixers. But Embiid is sort of a wildcard with his injury concerns. But add LeBron to the Sixers team who is only getting better and they'd be tough to beat. They sort of already have two ball handlers already though.

Clippers is my bet, even if it's not the most obvious.

I don't think the Sixers are a good fit. He and Simmons are redundant in a lot of ways. And Simmons really needs the ball in his hands when he's on the floor. I'm not saying he wouldn't make them better, but may be instead of 1+1= 2 it equals 1.5 or something like that. I just don't think his skills add as much value there because of Simmons.

[Coolbreeze44]

If he wants to win a title he's staying in the East. If he goes West he's going to one of the LA's for the market. Another thing to remember with Cleveland is they added a lot of new guys this year so expecting it to gel in half a season isn't very reasonable. They could re-tool pretty easily and come back strong next year. Clear out JR and Tristan and get some guys who play hard and they could be right back at the top of the East.

I don't think they will be able to compete with Boston and Philly going forward. And let's not forget Lebron is due to start declining pretty soon. His wife wants to be in LA and if Lebron goes to the Lakers another max guy is going to follow him.