It seems inevitable LeBron James will wind up vying for not three, not four, not five, not six NBA championships as a member of the Miami Heat. But let’s delve into the crystal ball just for a second.
If LeBron were to take his talents out of South Beach, where would he fit in the best? Here are five teams — excluding the Heat — where we would love to see LeBron play for next season.
1. New York Knicks
Michael Jordan. Kobe Bryant. Now LeBron?
How intriguing would it be to see Phil Jackson take on a third superstar, this time with the Knicks.
The tea leaves suggest Carmelo Anthony is bolting out of the Big Apple, leaving a major void to fill for New York. Imagine the triangle being run by James, with new weapons in place around him in a team assembled for him by Jackson.
James could deliver the Knicks the Larry O’Brien Trophy for the first time in four decades.
2. Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers may have the best core of players to surround James.
Imagine a team of LeBron, Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan, Jamal Crawford and J.J. Redick, being coached up by Doc Rivers. I know — it’s too good.
Though it’s probably not even a possibility, Los Angeles could be the league’s best team by adding James.
3. Houston Rockets
The Rockets seemingly are in the mix for every superstar player. LeBron is actually a pretty good fit, though.
Houston’s biggest pitfall in the playoffs was their atrocious attempt to play defense. James Harden and Jeremy Lin couldn’t stop LaMarcus Aldridge, or any Portland Trailblazers player for that matter. James is the league’s best one-on-one defender.
Want a big three? James, Harden, and Dwight Howard. The issue is maneuvering the salary cap space.
4. Golden State Warriors
Now we’re playing a major game of “what if,” but imagine the possible joining of James, Steph Curry, and Klay Thompson.
The Heat’s major problem against the San Antonio Spurs was finding an offensive talent other than LeBron. Queue Curry.
Curry is a budding star in the league, while Thompson is among the league’s elite sharp-shooters. With hustle players like David Lee and Andrew Bogut, LeBron would finally know what it’s like to play with some big men.
5. Cleveland Cavaliers
You knew this was coming.
The Cavaliers, as they are currently constructed, are probably not too enticing of a fit, but I imagine the front office would be willing to find new pieces to please LeBron.
Kyrie Irving is the Cavaliers’ superstar now, and the team is loaded with mediocre wing players. They do hold the top pick in the NBA Draft, though, which could mean adding Jabari Parker or Andrew Wiggins.
Plus, you know, there’s the whole LeBron is from Ohio and stuff. Just saying.
