The countdown to LeBron James’ impending free agency began the moment the clock hit zero in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
After willing the Cleveland Cavaliers to the best regular season record in the NBA, King James and his disciples took a pounding at the hands of the Boston Celtics. Now, as James looks on to possibly the most anticipated free-agent class in sports history, it all comes down to one question: Where does he have the most opportunity to win a title?
Cleveland Cavaliers
Until the Cavaliers find a replacement for coach Mike Brown, James isn’t making any moves. The decision to hire a big-time, successful head coach could be the biggest stepping-stone in James’ ultimate decision.
If the Cavs fill the position with, say, Phil Jackson, I don’t see how James can walk away from Cleveland.
But does James have enough sidekicks in Cleveland for a serious title run? The Lakers, Celtics and Magic all have multiple players that can bring it each and every night. That’s the biggest difference between Cleveland and the elite teams in the NBA.
If James can persuade fellow free-agent Chris Bosh to join him in Cleveland, it should be a no-brainer to stay where it all started.
Chicago Bulls
The Bulls are the likely front-runners if James decides to rule out Cleveland.
With young stars like Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah, Chicago would be a nice fit for James to enter the prime years of his illustrious career. Noah and Rose showed James first-hand that the two own the intensity needed for the NBA Playoffs in the opening round against Cleveland.
The Bulls are in a similar position as Cleveland in that they are without a head coach.
New York Knicks
The Knicks have almost everything James would want in a new city: Bright lights, a huge market and the ability to become unquestionably the biggest sports figure in the world. Therefore, the Knicks can’t be counted out of this equation.
The one piece New York seems to be missing, though, is a talented roster. Signing with the Knicks would mean James is fine with waiting around a few years before becoming relevant again. James would carry the Knicks to the playoffs every year, but until help arrives the Knicks wouldn’t be a serious threat.
Other candidates
New Jersey Nets: no John Wall, no King James.
Los Angeles Clippers: I don’t see James sharing the spotlight with Kobe Bryant and the Lakers.
Miami Heat: Don’t be surprised if James and Dwayne Wade have some diabolical scheme to tag-team the NBA in South Beach.