Where Does Lebron Go??

So, where will Lebron sign?? Who really knows? Only he does....of course. I thought I would look at the possibilities and why or why not he would sign in these destinations.

CLEVELAND

The reasons to sign in Cleveland? Money. As I understand it, LBJ could sign a 6 year - 125 million dollar deal while he could only get 5 yrs and 90 million elsewhere. I don't care how much money these guys make - an extra 35 million dollars always comes in handy. Plus, with the Cavs saying they are not interested in signing and trading him - it kinda of forces LBJ to make a decision about that 35 million right away. Now, that being said, if Lebron chooses to leave - the Cavs MUST sign and trade him or else their fans will revolt!! Furthermore, the Cavs aren't entirely terrible. Remember, they won 60 games last season and won the East. Can't a nucleus of LBJ, Antawn, and Mo Williams make some noise?? They could tweak the roster with Shaq and Big Z's expiring deals. So, the Cavs aren't that far away. Finally, let's remember that Lebron is an Ohio native. That has to be worth something.

Why won't LBJ resign in Cleveland?? Well, because most professional athletes love the limelight and he's no different. He wants to be under the brightest lights. That could be NY or Chicago or LA. Also, the Cavs loaded up this season and yet they still failed miserably in the playoffs. They fired their GM. They fired their coach. It appears they are waiting for a reason to rebuild. That can't be overly encouraging to LBJ.

NEW YORK

The case for NY - they are the big market. They can build whatever kind of team Lebron wants. They can attract all the FA's if he goes there. Win or lose - LBJ could play for Mike D'Antoni and put up MONSTEROUS stats (which you know he cares about). Lots of reasons for him to be in NY.

The case against NY - they suck! They have no current talent and are starting from scratch. What is the tradition of NY being a winning franchise?? That goes back to the mid 90's and they didn't even win. How much pressure would LBJ be under in this city??


NEW JERSEY

The case for NJ - they have a new billionaire owner, a new coach, in 2 years they will move to Brooklyn. Part owner Jay Z is best buddies with LBJ. They have a pretty impressive nucleus with Harris, Lopez, Favors, Terrence Williams and they have 30 million dollars available this summer. They don't have the history in the NBA (they made their noise in the ABA days) so LBJ could make his own mark with this club.

The case against NJ. Well, for starters, it's still New Jersey. They have zero tradition. They have traditionally always sucked. NJ is not the biggest market (until they move to Brooklyn) and LBJ might not get the sponsorship deals because of it. Despite a good young core, they have zero playoff experience.


MIAMI

The case for Miami - well, there is that Dwyane Wade guy. Florida is a tax free state. LBJ would essentially be playing for the legendary Pat Riley. Rumours are that Wade/LBJ/Bosh could join forces in Miami. This is essentially what Payton and Malone tried to do with the Lakers years ago - except they were past their prime. Miami could be amazing if the 3 guys joined forces. Even if it's just Wade and LBJ, that's a pretty good start to a team.

The case against Miami. Well, what's the negative? I guess you could argue that Wade and LBJ are both ball dominant players and couldn't co-exist...really? Is that it?


LA CLIPPERS

The case for the Clippers. They play in the Staples Centre. They are in the big market. They have a pretty decent young nucleus with Eric Gordon, Blake Griffin, Kaman, Aminu. They have Baron to run to show (not actually saying that's a good thing). They have the players and they have the city. Anything is possible.

The case against LA. Well, it could be argued that playing in the Staples Centre (sharing it with Kobe) is a negative. Is the town big enough for LBJ and Kobe? Another huge negative has to be that the team is owned by Donald Sterling. Do they even have a coach right now? Also, if LBJ moved out West it's a lot tougher just to make the playoffs. I honestly believe James stays in the East as the road to the finals is easier. I just don't think this town is big enough for 2 major stars and I don't think LBJ wants to move to the Western Conference.

CHICAGO

The case for the Bulls. The history. The championships. An amazing city!! A new coach. A potentially fantastic nucleus. The ability to bring in another maximum player. A potential starting lineup of Rose, James, Deng, Bosh/Amare/Boozer, and Joakim Noah. Chicago really has it all to offer.

The case against the Bulls. Does anyone want to follow in the footsteps of the King. Michael Jordan once owned this city and has a statue recognizing his accomplishments outside the arena. Does LBJ want to be compared to MJ? What if he doesn't bring 6 NBA titles to Chicago? Does that mean he's not as good a player? Does anyone want to try and live up to the expectations? That's the only drawback to Chicago - Jordan's legacy.

So, where does LBJ land?? I honestly have no idea and could see any of these teams landing him. I guess I should predict where he goes...so, I'll rank these teams from 1 to 6.

1. Miami (he joins forces with Wade in the tax free haven)
2. Chicago (best opportunity to win right away)
3. Cleveland (money, money, and money)
4. New Jersey (a chance to build his own legacy)
5. New York (no supporting cast)
6. Los Angeles (LBJ doesn't want to share the town with Kobe)