The wait continues for LeBron James’ decision on which team he will join next. Over a week ago, the four-time MVP told the Los Angeles Lakers that he would not return, prompting speculations about where he could take his talents next.
Two of James’ former teams, the Miami Heat and the Cleveland Cavaliers, are reportedly on the 22-time All-Star’s list of options.
An unnamed NBA executive said that, between the two, the choice for James is a no-brainer for one key reason.
James Harden Fit Cited as Key Reason Cavaliers Aren’t an Option for LeBron James
James will be playing his 24th season in the NBA, but he remains a coveted superstar for his impact. Without Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, limited to two games, he led the Lakers to a first-round series win (4-2) against the Houston Rockets.
At 41 years old, James still averaged 23.2 points, 8.3 assists, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.3 steals against the Rockets.
The Lakers were swept in the next round against the Oklahoma City Thunder, but the four-time NBA Finals MVP remained impressive. He posted 23.3 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 5.8 apg, and 1.3 spg.
After another outstanding playoff performance, multiple teams, including the Heat and the Cavaliers, have reportedly shown interest in signing the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.
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On Tuesday, Stephen A. Smith, on his “Straight Shooter” show, shared some intel on where NBA executives predict James will take his talents next.
“Do you go back to Miami? You got a lot of executives out there speculating that’s the best landing spot for him because Cleveland’s style of play ain’t gonna cut it.”
“I was speaking with one executive, and he was like, ‘Stephen A., when has James Harden ever really given up the basketball? Every place he’s been, the ball has been in his hands. … He ain’t moving so much without the ball. How does that work, Stephen A.? How does that work if you go back to Cleveland?’ That’s why they rule Cleveland out and think Miami is the best possible scenario,” Smith said.
The Heat, after sending Tyler Herro to the Milwaukee Bucks in the Giannis Antetokounmpo deal, lacks playmaking and ball-handling. Norman Powell’s departure in free agency also compounded those concerns, making James a natural fit.
Davion Mitchell can play point guard, but the Lakers’ former franchise player is still easily one of the best at running an offense and setting up teammates.
The Akron, Ohio, native’s fit with the Cavaliers doesn’t seem as natural as it is in Miami. With Donovan Mitchell in the lineup and James Harden expected to return, the Cavaliers could have three ball-dominant players on the roster.
Harden giving up play-calling duties to James might not happen.
Defense could also be an issue for a team that has that trio. In the Cavs’ embarrassing loss to the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference playoffs, Mitchell and Harden were repeatedly exposed defensively.
James is no longer the defender he once was at this stage in his career.
The anonymous NBA analyst has a valid point. Putting James in the same lineup with Harden and Mitchell could be disastrous, particularly in the playoffs.
