Will LeBron stay in Cleveland?

The Cleveland Cavaliers are in trouble. With the recent skid of the Cavs, the bigger picture sparks a very important question. Will Cleveland be able to keep LeBron James? Some answer yes, some answer no.LeBron James came into the league as one of the most hyped figures in NBA history. Many people felt that Lebron was given a little too much hype. I was one of those people. I thought “there is no way this 18 year old kid can be as good as everyone says he is.” I will be the first to tell you that I misjudged the talent of Lebron James. James impressed me game after game in his first year in the NBA. He captured the hearts of fans and became the leader of the Cleveland Cavaliers, in his rookie season. Still, something does not seem right about Lebron James’ short career in the NBA thus far.

Perhaps the object that is missing is a team. Don’t get me wrong, Cleveland is a decent basketball team and they even if they find a way to miss the playoffs. But the Cavs are not a good team. Many in the Cleveland organization thought that the much needed change would be to fire Paul Silas. They did that. The organization then decided Brendan Malone would be the best hire to make. They did that. Unfortunately, if Cleveland fails to make the NBA Playoffs, Lebron James could be the next “They did that” by losing him to another franchise.

Speculation has begun as to where Lebron would fit well. New York is the first city on everyone’s list at the moment. Think about it for a second, Lebron James a New York Knickerbocker. Link Lebron with Madison Square Garden. The nation’s most popular arena, and quite possibly, the nation’s most popular basketball player. It is a comparison that can easily be made. Fans in New York are arguably the most enthusiastic fans in the United States, but Knick fans have had little to cheer about recently. Their team will not make the playoffs once again this season. Adding Lebron would be the best thing that has happened to the franchise since making a run to the NBA Finals as a number eight seed. This would be the ideal place for Lebron. New York isn’t a great team and are actually worse than Cleveland. So why go there, you ask? Lebron will make the New York Knicks better, just as he has done with Cleveland. Lebron fits better in New York, as he would have a strong supporting cast. Kurt Thomas, Stephon Marbury, Jamal Crawford, and Maurice Taylor would all benefit from Lebron’s presence. Add Lebron, and that’s a solid lineup. It’s obvious that New York would have to give up players to obtain Lebron’s services. Tim Thomas, and probably Crawford, Marbury, or Houston would be traded. But hey, who knows?

Let’s take a look at other places for Lebron, starting with Los Angeles. I know what your thinking, Lebron James a Laker. Not exactly. What if Lebron James was a Los Angeles Clipper? Put Lebron James and Kobe Bryant in the same city and see what happens. You are crazy if you think that rivalry would not be renewed very quickly. The Clippers would gain a lot of interest in the team and put them back on the map. Elton Brand could also continue to have the All-Star seasons he has had in the past. Lebron might not take them to the NBA finals immediately, but more players would come in and contribute alongside James. No doubt, the Clippers are the most unlikely choice of the scenarios, but hey, it’s the NBA so anything is possible.

Now many other teams are also a possibility but seem to have very slim chances. Perhaps one of the Texas teams will look into signing King James. I think Mark Cuban would gladly look into a deal. San Antonio doesn’t really need James right now, and neither does Houston. But these teams are still a possibility because of their market value.

Other interesting scenarios include a visit to Miami. What a team that would be. Dwayne Wade and Lebron James in the backcourt, while Shaq controls the paint. Seems almost too real. Well, it probably is. Don’t look for Lebron to take the trip south to Miami.

Maybe the question of Lebron leaving Cleveland is absurd. Maybe we are all wrong about Lebron wanting to leave. If I were Lebron James, the next step in my career would be to leave the hometown and go to a better market. As stated earlier, the ideal place is New York. If Lebron decides to go to New York, the Knicks will have something they have not had in a long time. Consistency. But only time will tell.