To say that the people of Cleveland love LeBron James is an understatement. The fact that he has likely played his last game as a Cavalier is a big deal.
Despite the fact that LeBron James grew up in Cleveland and was drafted by the Cavaliers, he’s not likely to stay in Cleveland for next season. He will be a highly prized free agent, and I’m sure it’s just as frustrating to LeBron that he couldn’t bring home a championship as it is to all the Cleveland fans who adore him.
In last night’s Game 6, the Boston Celtics kept the pressure on LeBron, and although they didn’t shut him down nearly as bad as they did in Game 5, his late rally wasn’t nearly enough for the Cavs to even the series and force a Game 7.
Now the questions will abound as to where LeBron’s next stop will be. Some are predicting Cleveland, while others believe the Knicks or Nets will acquire his services. Others are holding out hope that he might join D-Wade down in Miami or play for his idol Michael Jordan, the owner of the Charlotte Bobcats.
This will be an interesting off-season, for sure. I think the Big Apple is calling, and LeBron would kick himself if he didn’t give it a chance. Even though I think he’s a strong family man, I don’t see King James staying around Cleveland, where the lights aren’t going to get any brighter than they are now.
I have to say while I wouldn’t be shocked to see LeBron leave Cleveland, I still think he will remain a Cav, and if not, I can see him more so headed to Chicago over NY, NJ, or Miami.
Reasoning:
Pro-Cleveland
1) Cleveland can still offer him $30 million more in a deal than other teams to stay where he is beloved and not under the scrutiny of the larger market.
2) Cleveland in firing the coach could bring a greater scheme and motivator in and the front office could add pieces to help LeBron – that being contingent with LeBron resigning.
Anti-NY/NJ/Miami
1) The Knicks just don’t have that other superstar in hand to pair with LeBron.
2) The Nets while having a young nucleus, haven’t shown the toughness to be LeBron’s supporting cast in my opinion.
3) LeBron would be the second highest paid in Miami, and while that would be a great show, there are the “who’s number 1” and chemistry issues to consider.
Pro-Anti Chicago
1) Chicago can offer him potentially a big name coach and the nucleus. Rose and Noah have shown their toughness to be his Pippen/Grant. The pieces are there.
2) Chicago also offers the shadow of MJ – I’m not sure if LeBron is out to be the best of all time, but he certainly won’t be if he’s not even the best player to play for his franchise (at least in the mind’s of the fans).
All in all though I think this was a good article – and hey we don’t know what LeBron is thinking – maybe the bright lights of NYC are what he’s all about now.