LeBron James Discussion: Not Returning To The Lakers

I thought that was because of B Shaw. Him and PG being fishing buddies still.

 

I would personally gift wrap Zu and Hart to whoever wants them to get rid of Deng if it meant Lebron and PG added to Randle, Ball, Kuzma and Ingram. Let's not overrate fringe starters when it comes to getting Lebron.

 

It's not completely unrealistic when you consider that we could package picks. But Zu doesn't really even show up on my radar anymore. In the scenario you're suggesting, we will be playing our version of the "Death Lineup" of Ball/PG/Ingram/Lebron/Randle to where Zu will be our Zaza.

 

How you like us now Lebron?

 

I understand this fear and it's one of the better ways I've seen this presented (along with @Barnstable and @Cookie of course).

The key to me: I don't think LeBron gets the same way here as long as you bring Paul George along and keep Julius. Why? Because those two I am fully confident we're bringing energy every single night. What made people think LeBron would be rejuvenation was the youth of the guys the Cavs brought, but they got our least talented youngsters. LeBron signing here with these young guys and with Paul George and hopefully a discount Brook, I think we're in good shape.

If our plan would be to sign just LeBron and let some kids go for LeBron's old friends, then I'm not interested in that because I don't want just LeBron's waning years with a declining chance at a ring. I think there's still value in that, but not the value I want. These young guys are good enough to compete on their own. They just need someone to help show them the way. If LeBron can do that while we keep our young core together and compete sooner, then let's do that. I'm not here for the Banana Boat crew.

 

Skip is such a waste of life, but I always thought the narrative that the young guys the Cavs got were "LeBron's help" was ridiculous. Rodney Hood, Jordan Clarkson, Larry Nance Jr., and George Hill weren't winning anything anywhere else, why would they be the big improvement that LeBron needs?

The Cavs trading for all those young guys while not giving up the Brooklyn pick was a massive indication that the Cavs don't believe they are keeping LeBron. Those young guys are there to build around their next draft pick and rebuild.

 

Well what else is he going to say?

"Well looks like the Cavs got the hint and know I'm leaving. I'm going to mail in the rest of my season here so I don't get hurt before my last big FA."

 

I agree on the first point actually. He does need us more than we need him, because he's desperate for another ring before his career is over and we're giving him the best shot.

What I disagree with is absolutely everything on the bottom end of your post. LeBron has maintained his abilities better than anyone I've seen since Kareem. He's competed at the highest levels for a longer period of time than anyone in decades. He can show our kids ways to win that they literally have no idea about. They need that. I love Paul George. The man hasn't been to the Finals in his entire career.

Bring LeBron in and let him lead these kids to the promise land so that by the time he retires, our kids are ready, willing, and able to get there without him on a regular basis.

 

Walk the talk? Seriously?

The guy has more Finals appearances than anyone in the League. He coasted to a 24/10/7/1/1 line. His coasting is better than 99% of the League. He walks more than any FA we could ask for. This isn't a good argument against signing LeBron.

 

I still want Bron. With the emergence of Randle & Ingram, plus Lonzo's improved shooting ... not to mention Kuzma and Hart, who will continue to develop. Yeah. That's a contender. So, Bron lost last night, so what? He had a good game, and now he knows what we have on our team. Yeah baby.