The word is out that LeBron James is exploring his options by backing out of his contract with the Miami Heat, but where will he go from here?
Will he go anywhere at all? While the Internets are going nuts and speculating about who King James will pair himself up with, the sports world is properly placing his move in context. After backing away from $20.5 million for the next season and $22.1 million in 2015-16, Akron’s own two-time NBA champion has some hefty options to juggle.
With James’ goal only to win championships, his free agency gives him an opportunity to see what team can offer the best chance at winning. As the San Antonio Spurs enjoy the success of being #1, we muse 10 reasons why “the Chosen One” will not leave the mired East Coast to join Kobe, Kevin Durant, or Damian Lillard in the West.
Competition Is A Non-Factor In East
Facing your contemporaries in the West because you’re in the same division as them means more headaches on the road to the NBA Finals. ‘Bron isn’t going to sacrifice being the top dog in the East to potentially be top five elsewhere.
LeBron Is Celebrated As A Force
The NBA is riddled with characters and superstars. At the threshold of Mount Olympus is LeBron James, who is celebrated as an unadulterated force in the East, and wouldn’t want to relinquish that status by heading to the West Coast.
There’s Less Scrutiny In The East
Derrick Rose is still on the mend. Carmelo Anthony is exploring his options. The East is rife with talent, but few have been able to knock off the King. Akron’s own superstar would revel in the fact of knowing that he wouldn’t be scrutinized fro any of the decisions he chooses in his career after already winning two championships.
Family Values Live In The East
LeBron’s wife, Savannah, posted their
hometown of Akron on Instagram. This led to a flood of predictions stating that King James would return to the throne in Cleveland. While there’s no confirmed word about that, it is safe to bet that the James family enjoys life on the East Coast over playing anywhere else.Brands Respect James’ Continuity
Stability is but a mistress in the NBA, as players and coaches never stay too long (unless you’re Greg Popavich). In the case of LeBron James and his free agency, the four-time MVP is a continuous force in the league, and brands would love for him to keep his blue collar appeal by staying in the East.
The East Allows LeBron To Cement Legacy
With the monkey of not getting a championship off his back, LeBron James now has history in his sight. Doing things that no other player has ever done before is his main objective, and by staying in the East, he’ll be able to establish his legacy for all to see.
Wants East To Outperform The West
In the post-Michael Jordan era, Kobe Bean Bryant has been the closest thing to #23 with five championships for the Los Angeles Lakers. LeBron is a student of basketball history and you can guarantee that he wants one distinction that only Jordan had, which multiple championships for a team on the East. If ‘Bron can do that with his current squad or one from his past, then you have to add him to NBA’s Mount Rushmore of Great Players.
Wants To Prove Dominance In The East
Having LeBron pack his bags and take his talents anywhere just wouldn’t be as fitting as him being in the East. The quadruple-threat on-and-off the court wants the whole world to witness why he is the “Chosen One,” and that impact will be huge if he decides to go back to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Bringing Home Chip To Cleveland
Yes, his story
won’t be complete and legendary without removing the stain of defeat from the state of Ohio. Plus, with his well-documented promise to bring a chip to Cleveland, millions will be waiting with abated breath if ‘Bron will finally fulfill his hometown’s wishes with a championship trophy and banner.Doesn’t Want The League To More Lopsided
The superstar era of the NBA has fans and pundits all musing who would be the next big team up to go for it all. As Photoshop pros create images with LeBron standing next to Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant or Dirk Nowitzki and Mark Cuban, the truth is that the man behind “The Decision 2” won’t want to tip the NBA scales further than they’ve already been pushed with the Miami Heat.
With LeBron James opting out of his contract will he stay or go? Speak on it in the comments section below.