Tonight is the night! LeBron James will announce on a live special on ESPN who will pay him to
play basketball! (If your guess is “Nike,” you win snark points, but snark doesn’t help us solve this mystery.)
So let’s quickly break down his top options:
Cleveland Cavaliers – Who doesn’t want to be THAT guy who grows up somewhere, elevates the town and stays there? He would be the American Icon, the Hometown Hero — the Demigod of Ohio. He would be THE show, the undisputed King of Cleveland. He would have an unprecedented level of control over the organization for the next 15-20 years – and beyond, should he choose to go into coaching, managing, or even owning an organization. Don’t forget, the Cavs can pay him the most money under the NBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Miami Heat – If LeBron joined the Heat, he would be a part of the most talented trio of players in generations, with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. Miami is a party town and a bigger market than Cleveland, for sure. However, he would be joining Wade’s team. He’d be a tri-Captain, instead of THE MAN. To do so, he’d have to take less money from the league and hope that endorsements and outside ventures help his bank account. On the flip side, the pressure to win for a decade straight would be immense. Anything short of an annual trophy hoist would be deemed a failure. So, to summarize: less money, less control, less spotlight, more pressure. Don’t see it happening.
New York Knicks – If ever a team needed a savior, it’s the Knicks. Burdened by bad drafts, poor coaching, terrible chemistry (or, to quote Charles Barkley: “just turrible”) and shady management, LeBron would give new hope to the #1 market. He would take the franchise from an afterthought to a legitimate contender. Plus, Amar’e Stoudamire, while an excellent player in his own right, could easily be the Pippen to James’ Jordan. For someone who has said on the record he wants to be a “global brand,” living in NYC could go a long way in helping the cause. The downside, of course, is the increased pressure to pump new life in a moribund organization. I would say there would be increased media scrutiny, but James is a national player – everything he does is examined on a higher level. The special is being filmed at former Knick star Allen Houston’s Greenwich, CT, estate. Does that mean anything? Or is it just a convenience place for ESPN to film on short notice?
Washington Wizards – Just making sure you’re paying attention!
Chicago Bulls – How do you become the greatest of all-time? You can try by leading his former team. While most people wouldn’t want to work under the shadow of Michael Jordan – the original “global brand” basketball star – James has seemed quite open to the possibility. Outfielder for the New York Yankees…Quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys…Forward on the Detroit Red Wings…playing these positions carries a mystique. Leader of the Chicago Bulls may have that pull for James. Do not forget that their roster is built to win for years to come. The supporting cast is there and the salary structure appears to be in good shape. Unlike Miami, where it would be the stars and nobodies, this team can grow together for a decade.
My Take – It makes the most sense for him to stay in Cleveland. Why would someone rip the heart out of his hometown on national TV? In all seriousness, what opportunities, exactly, would be more open to him if he played in another city? None. He has the connections and finances to call his own shots.
Where do you think he’ll end up tonight?
Awww, sorry, Mike. It seems that he did rip out the heart of Cleveland.... :( Bobby is a HUGE fan of bball, he played in middle & high school.....he want James to stay, too.....
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