If there is one thing that is certain about LeBron James is that he is recognized by many to be somewhat of a mercenary. Some say he’s always looking to take the first exit possible when the ship seems to be sailing in an organization whom no longer seems like they could compete for any more titles. He left Miami after Wade and Bosh looked like shells of themselves in the 2014 NBA Finals and LeBron took advantage of the player option he had after 4 years in Miami; and left for a reunion with the Cavaliers joining rising superstar Kyrie Irving. Rob Pelinka called the moves he made over the deadline “Pre-agency” moves and if LeBron is seeking to add at one last title to his resume in order to strengthen his GOAT case; I don’t see how that would be logically possible even if D’Angelo Russell,Anthony Davis,Austin Reaves,and Rui Hachimura remain healthy for the entirety of next season along with LeBron James. Why? Because LeBron James is 38 years old and in is own words he is on the other side of the hill with anything else he accomplishes in his legendary career the rest of the way just being sprinkles to a delicious vanilla ice-cream cone.
The Knicks have been right where I expected this season. When they signed Jalen Brunson it came to my surprise but judging off how well he played in Dallas the season prior I am not shocked one bit he is performing at the level he has been all season. Julius Randle on the other hand I am totally blown away by, this is the same guy Leon Rose was considering trading 2 seasons ago going into the 2020-2021 season and all he’s done in New York is play like the star they were expecting him to be. But the Knicks are not considered a legitimate threat this season because they just don’t have a superstar. I don’t think I’ve ever seen the Knicks fan base be so patient with a lottery pick like they’ve been with RJ Barrett, truly if he had been living up to his potential the Knicks would be in the mix for the title but the more and more I watch from RJ the more I am starting to conclude he’s just not the guy. In other words he might never become the franchise player the Knicks have been waiting on him to ascend into over the past few years.
Which brings me back to LeBron, yea he’s no longer the best player in the league but he is still one of the top 10 players in the game. Assuming the Lakers are out of playoff contention weeks from now LeBron will have a highly extended off-season which could spell him actually remaining healthy for the most part next season; and he could be healthy enough to put together at least one last LeBron like playoff-run where he could capture glory one last time before playing with his son Bronny James who will enter the 2024 NBA Draft and eventually call it a career. I was always of the thinking that LeBron would be better off just remaining with the 4 titles he has won but for his GOAT case he will never keep Kobe fans at bay or convince them LeBron is superior because Kobe accomplished 2 feats he never did, which were winning at least 5 championships and also winning 3 straight titles. Something NBA legends Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan both accomplished, two of LeBron’s biggest counterparts when the GOAT debate is brought up.
As far as La La Land goes it was good while it lasted for LeBron there. When I found out he signed a 4-year $154 million dollar deal with the Lakers I couldn’t believe it since I got used to LeBron playing with 2 stars for 8 years in Miami and Cleveland transitioning to playing with a young core of Ball,Ingram,Kuzma,and Hart. He had a vision in Los Angeles and did what he felt was needed to bring a title to Los Angeles but it’s time to stop beating the dead-horse with LeBron and Davis in Los Angeles. Sure playing in New York could likely spell similar pressure and expectations for LeBron, but at least he’ll actually be embraced in The Big Apple and every game he’ll play at Madison Square Garden will likely be a sold-out arena. And after all doesn’t LeBron love the spotlight? What better way to put the focus back on himself than to pull a Kevin Durant and force his way out of the most storied franchise in the NBA while still being under contract and bolt for the New York Knicks? Another franchise which packs loads of history. I’m up for it, I’ll even become a Knicks fan once again for the first time since Allan Houston last blew out his knee after getting that massive contract. LeBron James as a Knick is something that just had to happen sometime in his career, his legacy can’t conclude without ever wearing that orange and blue.
D-NBA 