Everyone knows of LeBron James, and everyone is accustomed to seeing him in a Cleveland Cavaliers uniform. But that could change this summer when he enters free agency and will be free to sign with the team of his choice. The question is, will James remain in his hometown of Cleveland or pursue his first NBA title with another team?
Gian Wessel/Online Sports Editor
I believe James will stay with Cleveland and win a championship for his most loyal fans. Chicago would be a great option with highly talented point guard Derrick Rose, the kind of teammate James never had in Cleveland. And New Jersey would allow him to play for a team partially owned by his close friend Jay-Z and one with a good chance to land a big-time college superstar. However, the Cavs will remain competitive as long as he stays and it would be difficult to leave one of the league’s best teams.
Dominic Corvington/Reporter
Despite having the league’s worst record at 12-70, the New Jersey Nets may be able to start anew as they look towards using James as the building block of a developing team. Some may ask why James would want to go to such a low profile franchise, but with the possibility of a number one pick in this year’s NBA Draft, the addition of a John Wall or Demarcus Cousins will help them create one of the league’s most dominant backcourts.
As for Chicago, bringing in the King would provide them with a similar status as the Nets, with the only big difference being that New Jersey will have a top lottery pick in this year’s draft. The combination of James and Derrick Rose will give the Bulls a supporting cast not seen since the Michael Jordan era. Still, it’s hard to predict exactly where his new home will be, and the May 18 NBA Draft lottery will be a key factor.
Ian Bernstein/Reporter
With the Cavs going down in the Eastern Conference semifinals, sports talk has been focused on the future of LeBron James. Much speculation has been focused on the Knicks, whom have a high budget, and a team that needs rebuilding. Unless they have another star player though, James will go through the same situation he faced in Cleveland. If the “King” really wants to win, he would sign with the Bulls and take a pay cut. With Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah, LeBron wouldn’t be the only one trying to pull the team together.
