LeBron Sweepstakes

[Lipoli390]

Lip on the other side, Philly has a lot of mouths to feed already. I'm sure Lebron still wants to be a go-to player during his last year(s). We have a shot for sure.

I agree, Cool. Compared to the Sixers, the Wolves seem like a better landing spot where LeBron would not be overly burdened but still highly relevant to the team’s success. He would slot in immediately as our undisputed starting PF, but he would have Rudy and Jaden carrying the load defensively up front with Edwards, LaMelo and Ayo shouldering the ball-handling responsibilities while also combining with Jaden to carry the load offensively. Meanwhile, LeBron can provide leadership and high-IQ connectivity on the floor as well as leadership and mentorship in the locker room. I’m trying not to be a homer about this. I honestly believe the Wolves make the most sense for LeBron. This is a place where he could have a legitimate chance at another title, be highly relevant but not essential to winning a title, and have fun and a sense of fulfillment playing a fun brand of basketball while leading and mentoring talented young players who would treat him with unmitigated respect. And if he were to win here, he’d making history in a way he can’t winning a title with any of the other teams all of whom have already won a title.

[Phenom]

Scoop B says the Wolves are busy right now.

Could be related to finishing the LaMelo trade, could be related to LeBron, maybe both.

[Lipoli390]

Scoop B says the Wolves are busy right now.

Could be related to finishing the LaMelo trade, could be related to LeBron, maybe both.

Hmm. The intrigue and excitement never end with Tim Connelly and company. . Have to admit it’s a lot of fun even though it can be stressful. By the way, does anyone know Scoop B’s track record? I have no sense of him one way or the other.

[TheGrey08]

A lot of good points on MIN/PHI, but I do think CLE very much in it because of everything Rich Paul said about Lebron's happiness and how a lot of things factor into it. The draw of playing at home to end his career could be stronger than the allure & challenge of the MIN/PHI situations to him. Does he want to take a 4th team to a title more than that is the big question I have.

[Lipoli390]

A lot of good points on MIN/PHI, but I do think CLE very much in it because of everything Rich Paul said about Lebron's happiness and how a lot of things factor into it. The draw of playing at home to end his career could be stronger than the allure & challenge of the MIN/PHI situations to him. Does he want to take a 4th team to a title more than that is the big question I have.

I think that’s right, Grey. Safe to say based on all we’ve heard from Rich Paul and others that LeBron is prioritizing both winning and happiness, which are of course not mutually exclusive and in many ways go hand in hand. And LeBron has to be thinking about his legacy. So I can envision LeBron going back to Cleveland for sake of happiness and as the lowest risk way of cementing his legacy as the guy whose heart led him back home. And I still see the Cavs as a viable contender to come out of the East. Therefore, I won’t be surprised if he ends up back in Cleveland even though I continue to believe it will be the Sixers or Wolves and most likely the Sixers. What will surprise me is if LeBron goes back to Miami. Been there, done that. No sentimental value for his legacy - perhaps the opposite. Less likely than Philly to win the East and LeBron would have to bear a lot of the burden there. Seems to be that going back to Miami would be a terrible decision for LeBron, but if he does it will reinforce some of my negative sentiments about him.

[TheGrey08]

I think that’s right, Grey. Safe to say based on all we’ve heard from Rich Paul and others that LeBron is prioritizing both winning and happiness, which are of course not mutually exclusive and in many ways go hand in hand. And LeBron has to be thinking about his legacy. So I can envision LeBron going back to Cleveland for sake of happiness and as the lowest risk way of cementing his legacy as the guy whose heart led him back home. And I still see the Cavs as a viable contender to come out of the East. Therefore, I won’t be surprised if he ends up back in Cleveland even though I continue to believe it will be the Sixers or Wolves and most likely the Sixers. What will surprise me is if LeBron goes back to Miami. Been there, done that. No sentimental value for his legacy - perhaps the opposite. Less likely than Philly to win the East and LeBron would have to bear a lot of the burden there. Seems to be that going back to Miami would be a terrible decision for LeBron, but if he does it will reinforce some of my negative sentiments about him.

I'll be disappointed if he goes to lame MIA and a little disappointed if he chooses PHI over MIN. MIN/CLE/GS make the most sense for different reasons and that's probably my order of preference. I'm ready to see where this plays out as well as the big trade the Wolves are slow playing.

[Lipoli390]

https://dunkingwithwolves.com/recent-le ... mberwolves

This is interesting. It’s coming from Windy who says his source is reliable. Windy said a source told him LeBron has already decided and it’s not Cleveland. If the report is accurate, then I’d say the city is Philadelphia, Minneapolis or Miami. If it’s Miami, LeBron is an idiot. If it’s Philadelphia, LeBron made the choice entirely with his head as the team with the best chance among those he’s considering of getting to the NBA finals. Philadelphia would be a smart choice but a pedestrian one - the typical LeBron easiest path. If it’s Minnesota, LeBron made his choice with his head and his gut - a bold “let’s go for it” path.

[TheGrey08]

https://dunkingwithwolves.com/recent-le ... mberwolves

This is interesting. It’s coming from Windy who says his source is reliable. Windy said a source told him LeBron has already decided and it’s not Cleveland. If the report is accurate, then I’d say the city is Philadelphia, Minneapolis or Miami. If it’s Miami, LeBron is an idiot. If it’s Philadelphia, LeBron made the choice entirely with his head as the team with the best chance among those he’s considering of getting to the NBA finals. Philadelphia would be a smart choice but a pedestrian one - the typical LeBron easiest path. If it’s Minnesota, LeBron made his choice with his head and his gut - a bold “let’s go for it” path.

Be careful with aggregation BS right now. People have been shorting the quote and misrepresenting what Windy fully said. He continued to talk about how it's too scattered, rumors that are going around in CLE that he's going home and in other cities that he's going to their city. The takeaway is that rumors are all over the place.

Here's the clip:
https://x.com/ESPNCleveland/status/2075 ... 77197?s=20

[TheGrey08]

Will Ragatz
Chris Finch on the Wolves' pitch to LeBron James:

"It would be the fit, for sure. We have a hole (at PF) that he would easily fit into. The players alongside of him have done a lot of winning, are guys that could use his leadership as well. His knowledge, his insight, his championship expertise.

"I think it would be a fun group to play with. I know he's looking for happiness right now. I think the happiness quotient in Minnesota is extremely high."

Finally a public Wolves pitch lol

edit: looks like it's from the first 17-18 min of this and it started right as the trade new came through.
https://bleacherreport.com/videos/d3f10 ... mer-league

edit2: They also said they talked to Rich Paul yesterday who confirmed "no team around the league has been told they are out".

[Lipoli390]

Will Ragatz
Chris Finch on the Wolves' pitch to LeBron James:

"It would be the fit, for sure. We have a hole (at PF) that he would easily fit into. The players alongside of him have done a lot of winning, are guys that could use his leadership as well. His knowledge, his insight, his championship expertise.

"I think it would be a fun group to play with. I know he's looking for happiness right now. I think the happiness quotient in Minnesota is extremely high."

Finally a public Wolves pitch lol

edit: looks like it's from the first 17-18 min of this and it started right as the trade new came through.
https://bleacherreport.com/videos/d3f10 ... mer-league

edit2: They also said they talked to Rich Paul yesterday who confirmed "no team around the league has been told they are out".

This is a great pitch by Finch. Very honest and authentic. A no BS pitch from the head coach himself. Kudos to Finch on this.