I'm personally not sold on the Brotherhood or Banana-Boat scenario other than uniting Chris Paul with LeBron James. Brian Windhorst, who is pretty much a LeBron expert,
doesn't even think that is a high priority for him anymore or at least as high as finding a team to beat the Warriors for championships. LeBron to LA is becoming an increasing possibility based on expectations around the league and in the media. While LBJ is undecided right now, the expected choice for him next year will be between the Clippers and Lakers.
More than anything, we have to put ourselves in a position to compete and I don't think saddling ourselves with long-term contracts for short-term gains will be appealing. Yes, competing by next season (more like this season, really) is a priority, but so is doing so for a sustained periods of success. I'll point again to the Dodgers, who were built not just for short-term success but for it to sustain success for the long-term.
Obviously, MLB and the NBA are different, but we do have resources to mirror some of what the Dodgers are doing. For one, Ballmer's wealth albeit limited by the salary cap. Second, the Clippers now have a developmental team in the G-League to cultivate talent by allowing players to play regularly while hopefully developing skills before being called up to the big league.
Another underrated but important piece is to have good developmental staff in place as well. Again, the Dodgers are at the forefront of this not only in baseball but sports, in general. Obviously, we'll need good G-League coaches who can teach. We can't just settle for competent medical and conditioning personnel, we'll need progressive-looking people who are on the cutting edge of science and technology in their respective fields. We have to have elite skill-development trainers. Just look at what Golden State has been doing for their players. Hopefully, West can give us some insight into that. Also, take notice at
what Chip "The Shot Whisperer" Engelland did for Kawhi Leonard in San Antonio.
While there is more to be done in these peripheral areas, putting together a team that's able to compete now while being poised for the future will be vital for this organization to not only succeed but also attract prime talent like LeBron James. I'd just as soon pass on both Dwayne Wade and Carmelo Anthony. Melo may be a last resort, but even he has had second thoughts about leaving New York, especially in light of him wanting to be close to his family during his split from his wife.