It must really be a slow news week in the NBA for ESPN to already be talking about this shit. Firstly, LeBron can't even opt out until 2014. Secondly, he hasn't said a single thing about wanting to join the Lakers. All of this has stemmed from Kobe saying he probably only wants to play two more years, and the Lakers possibly having some cap space in 2014. Technically LeBron is on the books until 2016, but he has an opt out. This is just pure speculation bullshit. I'd expect this kind of crap on bleacher report or on a message board, but the front page of ESPN? Bush league. Very bush league.
The Lakers will get one or the other. We all know it. ESPN knows it. And the sun will go down tomorrow, like it always does.
I'd say Durant was the likely candidate to fill the Kobe void given that OKC isn't exactly the center of the basketball universe. Durant, however, doesn't strike me as a dick. So that leaves LeBron.
As NB posted, LeBron can't opt-out until 2014, but that makes next summer the time for Miami to either try and get something of value for him, or take the chance on letting him walk after the following season. So, it's too early for these stories now, but after the season, I won't be surprised if Miami starts to panic a bit.
well if he starts winning rings consecutively he will probably stay. the South Beach life is also pretty fucking unbeatable too. I think he is more of an east coast guy, i think durant is more likely to bolt, I'd almost welcome it to watch OKC get fucked over.
If OKC lets Harden go because of the cap tax, I could see Durant wanting to play for a team that isn't afraid to go over the cap. Pau Gasol will be a nice contract to trade after this season.
A) LBJ isn't on a max contract right now. Unless he's majorly injured in the next couple of years, he'd be a fool not to opt out, even if to get a legit max contract from MIA. B) I have no problem if he opts out and decides to go anywhere he wants to, including LA. What I would have a problem with is if he (again) says "I'm leaving unless you bring in players who are my friends who complement (and compliment? ) me" and they do, killing the team, and he bolts anyway. C) I don't see Durant going to LAL just b/c he wants to be a movie star. I could see him going to whoever pitches him the best chance to win multiple championships.
Oh come on now. Cleveland didn't bring in LeBron's hand-picked players. He owed that team and city nothing after languishing there for 7 years with inept teammates, a volatile owner, and bad coaching. The only thing that "killed" Cleveland was their franchise player left after waiting 7 years for more than just scrubs to play with. Look at his first NBA Finals team in Cleveland. Without LeBron, that team win what, 25 games?
The other thing to consider about LeBron and Cleveland is that he was playing in (essentially) his hometown. The guy was a god, and the expectations were through the roof. It's really not surprising that he left for Miami where he could share the spotlight and responsibility with Wade and Bosh. I don't think he'll go to LA though. I get the impression that he's pretty happy in Miami, and LA is a shit hole. I've lived in LA for a bit, and I wouldn't want to go back. Sure, there's a lot to do there, but it's dirty and the people are awful.
The Lakers' practice facility is in El Segundo, though. Buy a sweet beach place in Manhattan or Hermoso, or even Redondo, and you're still within 15-20 minutes of the PF. I doubt LeBron is going to be living in Watts.
