With speculation swirling about the Lakers star’s happiness, here are the teams that make the most sense for a blockbuster signing this summer.
With speculation swirling regarding the Lakers star’s contentment, these are the teams that would make the best fit for a big signing this summer.
LeBron James and Stephen Curry are likely to pair up later this year.
Unlike the Golden State Warriors, USA Basketball’s Olympics will most likely take place in Paris, rather than San Francisco. According to ESPN, the Warriors considered moving for James around the NBA trade deadline this month.
James has stoked rumors regarding his future with the Los Angeles Lakers. While James’s agent, the powerful and all-knowing Rich Paul, stated that his client would not be relocated at the deadline (which he definitely wasn’t),
This has prompted many people, including me, to question whether James may consider switching teams this summer. Despite their recent success, the Lakers still have a long way to go in the Western Conference. And James is running out of time to earn the rings.
With that in mind, what are James’ best options this summer? I took the liberty of ranking potential landing sites in case James needs some assistance picking.
Could James depart the Lakers this offseason? Brad Penner/USA TODAY Sports.
Honorable mention: San Antonio Spurs.
This works only as a complete shift away from championship contention and toward mentorship mode. It’s fascinating, though! James would finally have the opportunity to play under Gregg Popovich, a coach he has long respected.
Miami Heat.
Miami has a bit of a legacy on this list because it was a prior James franchise, and he made a point of publicly congratulating Erik Spoelstra on the enormous extension Spo signed this season.
Adding James would be a game-changer for the Heat, who have struggled to reach the top under Jimmy Butler. It would be exciting to see James back in the East, challenging some of his former adversaries. If he switches back conferences, there may be a better choice
Philadelphia 76ers.
…like Philadelphia! The Sixers will have a lot of salary room this summer, so they can feasibly absorb James’ contract and give out numerous first-round selections in exchange.
(Daryl Morey apparently checked in on James’ availability at the deadline and was swiftly turned down.) James may help Joel Embiid break through the glass ceiling that has prevented him from reaching the conference finals.
An Embiid-James-Tyrese Maxey core would be rather exciting. It would also provide James with the opportunity to play for another historic organization, adding fuel to the already heated Boston-Philadelphia rivalry
Golden State Warriors.
To be honest, I don’t want James and Curry to be teammates since watching them compete has been so entertaining. Unlike when James and Wade paired up. James and Curry have a long history of playing each other in the playoffs. I hope this is maintained.
However, the attraction to play together is tremendous. It only works if both clubs suffer quick and humiliating playoff losses this season.
And it would help if a juggernaut appeared in the West. If there was a team worthy of James and Curry teaming up to defeat late in their careers, that’s a story I could buy into.
