Three-time NBA champion Lebron James is once again set to make a decision about where he will play basketball next year. The NBA came to a complete stop when the superstar James made the controversial decision to take his “talents to South Beach” and play for the Miami Heat.
The weight that Lebron pulled was on full display in Miami after Lebron ended up bringing the team two NBA championships. Now as this crucial decision approaches, fans and teams alike are clueless as to where James will end up playing next year.
James is in the midst of his 15th season and even at the age of 33 he’s shown no signs of slowing down. Currently, the superstar is averaging 26.5 points per game, eight rebounds per game and a stunning 8.9 assists a game. It’s no secret that James would make an impact on any team. Many have often speculated that he could join any NBA team and make them a playoff contender. It’s obvious to see why every team is practically salivating at the opportunity to sign James to their rosters.
"These guys, when they become free agents, the world stops until these guys decide," said one NBA coach. "Nothing will happen on any other teams most likely until he decides."
But James is running out of time as he looks to cement his NBA legacy with more championships. While a man like James can bring you to the playoffs, winning NBA championships requires more than just one man’s efforts.
You need a team behind you, a team that is talented enough, mature enough, and hungry enough to win. After all, Lebron would’ve never won any of his championships without help from players like Kyrie Irving in 2016 or Ray Allen in 2013. Both players hit critical shots in NBA finals, taking the pressure off of James.
So as James enters free agency, the question becomes, what team can relieve some of the pressure off of James and bring him back to the finals? According to rumors, James’s three leading options are the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Los Angeles Lakers and surprisingly enough, the Philadelphia 76ers.
It’s obvious as to why James would stay in Cleveland. James was born in Akron, Ohio and has basically become a god to the people in Cleveland after he delivered a championship to them in 2016. Also, his supporting cast has radically changed since the trade deadline but since then, there has been a new spark in the team.
While James has left Cleveland before, leaving his hometown team might tarnish his legacy there once again. But depending on how the postseason goes, he might decide his best chance at another ring is right at home.
The Lakers and 76ers are both alike in the sense that they give Lebron a young, talented supporting cast. James has praised Lakers point guard Lonzo Ball on a few occasions and the Lakers are looking to add superstar Paul George, so this could be added incentive for James to join.
The 76ers are practically the underdogs out of the three, but slowly it seems they might have a real chance at getting James. James would acquire an extremely young but talented cast of players like Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons.
James talked about Embiid throughout the entire All-Star weekend and after Embiid put up 19 points, eight rebounds and two blocks in the game, it was no secret why James loves the 24-year-old center.
James might still be the superman of the NBA but it’s obvious he can’t keep it up forever. His decision this summer is sure to impact his legacy and is sure to impact the NBA team he decides to sign with.
imccall@ramapo.edu