taikibansei wrote:facothomas22 wrote:dcstanley wrote:Zero chance he wastes a year sitting at home. All signs indicate that he's willing to play this season out, I'm not really sure why people think the situation is toxic enough for him to be sent home. This whole thing is standard Lebron fare.
I think this is more of a extreme solution if both sides can't agree to ether play out the season or agree to a buyout, so not likely but yet far from impossible. The relationship between Lebron/Lakers is at a all time low with no signs of it getting any better. I think this resolves by Lebron agreeing to play out the season and then leaving afterwards. However there are some building block that could led to Lebron being sent home for the season should thing get really ugly.
While you both might be correct, this season feels different to me: 1) Lebron is no longer the main focus of an organization's strategies moving forward, 2) Lebron is no longer the best player on said organization's roster, and 3) Lebron apparently may not like the actual best player...at least according to somebody called Gambadoro as quoted in websites like this:
https://basketnews.com/news-227230-lebron-james-and-austin-reaves-reportedly-frustrated-with-luka-doncic.html#google_vignetteOutside of possibly Wade during the first season of the Heatles, #1 and #2 have not been true throughout Lebron's career, so #3 (if true) has also never been an issue before. Lebron's been a great player--imo the GOAT--and is justifiably proud. As somebody pretty darn old myself (far older than Lebron), people sometimes don't handle it well when a younger, better person suddenly arrives on the scene to replace them. Again in my experience, this can sometimes lead to some extreme responses.
Still, this is a Lakers' issue, and I wish them good luck handling it. Just as long as Lebron doesn't end up on the Knicks (unless we get him cheap after a buyout), I'm good!
I don't know how you can be older than Bron and have him as your GOAT, but there is a different board for that talk lol.
IMO Luka has a completely different style of play than LeBron is used to. Basically Luka is the Jokic of Hardens. Very ball dominant and not quick to share.
MJ (My goat, though I can hear arguments for KAJ, Wilt, Russell etc) had a tough time dealing with players who were built like him but not performing like him, doing it how he would. This was an issue when he was an owner, and on the Wizards. Of course MJ also had the issue of still being "the guy" when they brought in the younger versions ie Stackhouse.
Of course, the most likely thing is no LeBron trade, but he very well could look at the roster, realize no one plays defense, not a very deep team, and the guy he hand picked to coach is not going to get it done and compensate for the lack of POA defenders.
So much as I love Ayton and view in a vacuum Ayton > DFS Lakers need guys, particularly at the wings, who can be switchable versatile defenders.
They need to add guys like Jrue, Grayson, Caruso, etc.
So where would LeBron be able to go and be a fit?
Just going down the EC: Cavs - obvious ties, but would have to be dealt for something like Garland plus. You have to make sure you don't lose Spida, Mobley, Hunter, ideally not Allen either. Hard to make the math and basketball work.
Celtics don't trade with LA. Only thing they could really do to win NOW is move Tatum for LeBron. Lakers really have nothing to offer back, so thats DOA twice.
Knicks - Everyones favorite parter to up the bid! Either you are going to pair Luka, Ayton with KAT or you are going to take away 2 of the 3 defensive anchors on the Knicks. Either way is ain't going to work.
Pacers - penny pinchers are not getting Bron
Bucks - got a ton of dead money now, really no way to make that work financially nor basketball
Pistons -- have all the parts/pieces, but Cade and LeBron is a weird fit. Probably MY favorite, just because the Pistons are fun, gritty, and their coach takes no prisoners, but unlikely.
Magic - Made their splash already, probably not moving Wagner so keep it moving. Hard to make it to 52M without making it hurt.
Bulls: Not enough there.
Heat: Riley so no
Hawks: Have to part with KP (can't use in the trade) JJ, Trae one of them to make money work. So this has no hope.
Hornets: Actually would be interesting with LeBron, but they have too many holes in the roster even if you assume Bridges is on good behavior and at his best, Ball is healthy, etc. Also can't see them dealing with the Lakers again.
Sixers: LeBron for PG swap would be pretty cool, but what would Philly really part with to get that deal over the line?
Raptors: Lots to work with on the roster, there are certainly pieces that would fit in on LA. Overall I can't see LeBron going to TOR
Lastly Wiz: A few good pieces on the roster, but even adding LeBron for free would not guarantee 6th seed, so no good.
East is the best path to the finals, but there are not many good options really so...
The last idea could be something like LeBron for Hartensein, Dort, FRP. LeBron can play with those kids, be a 2nd playmaker, and try to see if he can beat MJ by getting 73+ wins and a ring. He likes to stack the deck so why not?
