Lebron Has Options
The NBA’s worst kept secret is that Lebron may be looking to leave Cleveland again next year. He holds all the cards in Cleveland with a 2018 player option. This means he has the option to become an unrestricted free agent after next season. The option is a $35.6 million dollar player option to remain in Cleveland in 2018-19 per Spotrac.
Some of the rumored teams Lebron may be interested in were the Lakers and the Clippers. This made sense only because he owns a home in Los Angeles. It doesn’t make sense because he would put himself in the Western Conference for the first time in his career.
In my opinion staying in the East would be better for Lebron and more specifically the New York Knicks. Here are a few reasons why.
Phil Jackson Is Out
With the recent news of Phil Jackson and the Knicks parting ways, New York now becomes a realistic option for James. It was no secret that Phil Jackson may have been the biggest hurdle for New York to ever have a chance in this becoming a reality. Back in November, Phil Jackson referred to Lebron’s business partners as a “posse” which James public acknowledged, made him “lose respect” for Jackson.
As long as Phil Jackson was the president for the Knicks, most thought it was inconceivable for Lebron to ever take his talents to the Big Apple. So, this news is good for Knicks fans and Lebron supporters.
Supporting Cast
Lebron made no secret in Cleveland that he needed more talent around him. Although, the Cavs organization did a great job of bring guys in to help, it wasn’t enough to beat the “super team”, Golden State Warriors.
If New York were able to keep all the pieces they currently have, James may have everything he needs to bring a title to New York in 2018-19. One of the main players Lebron would join forces with is close friend and “banana boat” boy, Carmelo Anthony. In addition, to Carmelo, the Knicks also have Derrick Rose and Kristaps Prozingis.
These four guys on the same team could be enough to compete with the Golden State, should the Warriors continue to be running rough shot in 2018.
Staying Beast In The East
As I mentioned earlier, in my opinion it would be smarter for Lebron to stay in the Eastern Conference as competition is slightly easier. However, with the growing talent in Boston and Toronto, Cleveland may not be the perennial powerhouse for too much longer. Joining the aforementioned guys in New York though, would ensure Lebron’s decade of dominance in the East would continue. It would also make the Atlantic division really fun to watch.
How Lebron Stays In Cleveland
There are many scenarios, where Lebron could end up in Los Angeles, but with Chris Paul signing with the Rockets I think the Clippers are out. The Lakers, in my opinion, are too young and not talented enough to lure James over. Besides why go to the Western Conference when the Warriors will have you eliminated in the conference finals regularly.
Staying in the Cleveland could still be the play in 2018, but the Cavs would have to find a way to Paul George. If this were to play out and Lebron had George and Kyrie I could see Lebron staying. It would come with risk however for Cleveland. In order to get George they would have to feel confident he wouldn’t opt out after his first year too, since he currently holds the option as well.
New York Makes Sense
As the most impartial NBA fan there is, because I don’t have a favorite team, I would love to see Lebron playing in MSG. I would love to see an NBA final between the Warriors and the Knicks with both teams just stacked. Will it happen? Who knows, but it would be fun.
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