OT: Might the Blazers have a chance at LeBron should he opt out after the season?

The Los Angeles Clippers have examined the possibility of acquiring LeBron James this offseason, according to sources.

The Miami Heat consider the Clippers to perhaps be the most serious competition to sign James if he opts out.

"This time is going to be different," a source close to James said about James' view of free agency. "If LeBron decides to look at other options it won't just be teams with cap space. He has 30 options if he wants them."

The Clippers will not have cap space to sign James outright and would require a sign-and-trade involving the cooperation of the Heat.

League executives believe the Heat would ask for Blake Griffin in return from the Clippers. Los Angeles would need to shed additional salary.

James respects Doc Rivers perhaps more than any coach he hasn't played for and is very close to Chris Paul.

"LeBron is not thinking about free agency right now, he's totally focused on the season," said one James associate. "In the summer he knows he can get to any team he wants to."

 

No.

 

Short answer: No.

Long answer: Hell no.

 

The reason I ask is because it says he's not specifically looking for teams with huge amount of cap space. Another thing is if he wants to prove he's up to Kobe's level and Jordan's level he can't keep going to teams that already have stars just so to have the easy way out. You know what I mean?

 

I'm sure the NBA won't see through our clever ruse!

 

Signing bonuses affect the cap in the NFL. It is spread equally over the length of the contract

 

2 things. That quote is a very PC quote. It's just being nice and not singling out teams like the media wants SO bad for him to do. (Look at the title of the article for instance.)

And this year I believe we have two stars (not superstars), so it could still be seen as him "pairing up" with young up and comers to take them to a ring. It's a lose-lose for him, and he knows that.

Again, though, there is 0% chance of him coming to Portland. So we can stop that MAX right now.

 

Even better? "I'm taking my basketball talents to football."

 

That would be hilarious.

 

Number one, make it so.

 

I've actually been thinking about how we could get a third star player next summer. There aren't a lot that could be available.

Obviously LeBron is going to get to play wherever the hell he wants to play, but I don't see him leaving Miami, and I definitely don't see him coming here.

Melo could be available. A trio of LA, Dame, and Melo could be lethal. Would people bite on a Nic/CJ/Robinson trade for Melo?

Love could also be available considering he's almost got his bags packed now. That dude is going to bolt town. It's practically guaranteed at this point. I just don't see how he and LA would fit together. It would be an interesting combo though. Play LA and Love together.... but that would be like the super version of LA and Hickson. Zero defense from Love, stat padding, and poor teammate. I would say no.

Kyrie Irving is rumored to be wanting out of Cleveland, but I don't see how Dame and Kyrie would work together.

I like Luol Deng, but does he fit the "third star" category? I don't know.

 

We have a chance odds similar to winning the powerball but a chance

 

so he goes from the king to the kingmaker and jumps all around the league and wins titles every year.

 

If you're thinking of either Melo OR Love, stop. But, if you don't stop then you should be thinking Melo AND Love. I know my "hatred" for LMA is widely known and frowned upon. But seriously - if you're going after one you may as well get both because any idea of playing defense is out the window (much like it is currently).

Also, Love/Melo would be a lethal high/low combo. Love is a much better shooter and passer and Melo is a much better post-player. Of course there probably wouldn't be very good ball movement with a line-up of Dame/Wes/Melo/Love/Lopez - once Melo touches the ball it's not going anywhere but towards the rim.

 

Love isn't a "low" option though. That guy shoots more threes than Dame some games. LA plays more in the post than Love.

 

Did you miss where I had Love at the "high" and Melo at the "low"?