Speculation and rumor as to where LeBron James will sign as a free agent this offseason has been one of the hottest topics of discussion in the sports world recently, beginning within minutes of the Cleveland Cavaliers unceremonious exit from the NBA playoffs at the hands of the Boston Celtics in the second round. Seemingly everyone with even the slightest sliver of sports knowledge has voiced an opinion about James (myself included) and it feels like almost every day a new team has taken the lead in vying for the superstar's services. James leads the most star-studded free agent class we have ever seen in any sport as he is joined by All-Stars Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh and Joe Johnson (the 4 of which met last week to discuss their offseason plans which in essence was a discussion of the future of the NBA). Since the middle of last season my feeling has been that LeBron's choice of team has been pretty cut and dry and despite all the rumors regarding New Jersey, Chicago, LA (the Clippers of course) or Cleveland to name a few, my opinion has not wavered. There is almost no doubt in my mind, LeBron James will be wearing No. 6 for the New York Knicks next year. Period.
The more interesting question is who else the Knicks can bring in to become the No. 2 compliment that was so lacking in Cleveland over the past few years, but that's for a later blog. I truly feel LeBron has always known he would sign with the Knicks and I will briefly enumerate the reasons I feel that way.
1. It's New York City
I think the is probably the most important factor that will influence LeBron's decision. The opportunities for endorsements and exposure that are afforded by New York are unparalleled. It's the same reason Eli Manning point blank refused to play for the San Diego Chargers, he could make much more money and be much more famous off the field in NYC. LeBron has the biggest ego you can find in the sports world and can anyone really think of a better place to foster that ego? I could go on far too long talking about the appeals of New York but we must move on.
2. LeBron will have the same contract no matter where he plays
Because the NBA limits the size of contracts that teams can offer their players no team besides the Cavaliers can offer LeBron anything more that a 5-year $98.7 million deal (there are complex rules in place that allow Cleveland to pay LeBron 6 years at $131.5 million but this may also be irrelevant because Cleveland can sign him and then trade him to get something back). Whether there is a sign-and-trade or not LeBron isn't worried about how much he gets paid. He's much more concerned about how much he can make off the court and goes back to my previous point of playing in New York.
3. LeBron James wants to secure his legacy
LeBron has been compared to Michael Jordan every since he was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated when he was a 17-year-old Junior at Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary's. The Chicago Bulls have emerged as the sexy pick for NBA analysts but I feel that's the least likely scenario. I don't think it's possible for James to surpass Jordan as the greatest player in NBA history but it is feasible that he can be on par with him. That won't happen if he plays in Chicago however, even if he somehow wins more titles and MVP's than MJ. LeBron needs to create his own legacy and become synonymous with a team the way Jordan is with the Bulls. Why else would James choose to change his number from 23 to 6? He wants to separate from Jordan as much as possible. While the Knicks have had some stars like Patrick Ewing and Willis Reed, LeBron would still probably be considered the best player in franchise history within a year or two (especially if he wins a title).
4. He may be boys with Jay-Z but LeBron James is a business man first and a friend second
Lots of people like to think LeBron might sign with the New Jersey Nets because of his public relationship with part-owner Jay-Z who has visions of moving the team to Brooklyn. While I would personally love to see the team move to Brooklyn, it is several years away and is no where near a sure thing as legal issues have complicated the matter. The Nets had the worst record in the NBA last year but lost out in the Draft lottery and will miss the chance to bring in John Wall who could have greatly helped their argument. I also feel LeBron needs to be the biggest personality in his franchise and I have a gut feeling that he will be threatened by the presence of Jay-Z and eccentric Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov.
5. The Knicks have enough cap space to sign 2 maximum contracts
The Knicks began planning for this offseason nearly two years ago by clearing enough room in their salary-cap to afford two maximum contracts for this offseason. What this means is that LeBron could pair up with the likes of Chris Bosh, Joe Johnson or even Dwayne Wade (although I hope Wade signs with the Nets so a rivalry can emerge). The Knicks have practically been begging LeBron to come and I feel he loves that he's brought the city to its knees. LeBron knows that he can pick whichever head coach and surrounding players he wants if the Knicks are going to try this hard to bring him in. He will have the control he desires in New York, name another New York athlete who can say that?
I'm sure I could find more reasons to augment my argument but this post is far too long as it is. LeBron has a great business acumen and will not reveal his true intentions until he is physically holding up his new No. 6 jersey. He'll want as much leverage as possible and is happy to let these rumors circulate while he sits back until the free agency period begins. I wouldn't be surprised to hear James is entertaining a monster contract from some European team just to stir the pot a little more.
You have my prediction, I won't be addressing any more "inside sources" who are sure LeBron will be a Memphis Grizzly of Philadelphia 76er next year (obviously those scenarios will never happen but you can see my point). Also enjoy this picture I found, the internet is quite a tool.
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