“I’m taking my talents to south beach.” Those words by LeBron James rocked the NBA in the summer of 2010. James joined forces with Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat. On July 11, 2014, LeBron wrote a first-person essay published in Sports Illustrated stating he was returning to Cleveland to win a championship for the city. He did that. Now, it’s time for the third chapter of James’ weighty pronouncements or “Decisions” as they’re known in LeBron’s kingdom. And, it’s seemingly the last one.
Where will he go? Rumors have been swirling and the Vegas odds have flipped-flopped almost daily. Greg Popovich has already said he’ll force his way into a meeting with LeBron this summer. Maybe he’ll join forces with his friend Chris Paul in Houston. There have been rumors of Russell Westbrook coming to Cleveland with him and even rumors he’ll look to New Orleans.
The latest rumor though, has some legs to stand on. “Bronny” James, LeBron’s son, committed this week to play for Sierra Canyon School in Los Angeles. The Lakers will have the cap room to bring in two superstars and they have a draft pick and young players in Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram they could potentially move. It was also rumored LeBron’s wife, Savannah, transferred her gym membership to a facility in California.
Logically, the Lakers’ move makes the most sense, as it requires the least amount of cap movement. Julius Randall’s contract is expiring and he‘ll likely want a much larger agreement The Lakers could move on from Randall and sign LeBron James and Paul George. They’ve been hinting at teaming up already this summer. If the Lakers sign Paul George and James, they could go all-in on a couple of championship runs.
The Lakers should also move Ball and draft-pick, then bring in Chris Paul to play with long-time friend James. Many people say the Rockets would’ve beat the Warriors if Chris Paul had played in game six or seven. LeBron told Chris Broussard he wants to play off the ball of whichever team he plays for in the future. This would allow the Lakers to keep Ingram and potentially sign a center who can switch on the Warriors on defense. All five starters could guard the pick and roll.
LeBron has cemented his legacy. He has nothing else to prove. It’s time for him to chase a ring. The NBA needs him to dismantle the Warriors. It’s easy for superstars to get along when they’re winning. When the losses come, tempers come and the Warriors will break up. LeBron only has a few more years left, and he could finish his years winning championships.
