**Update. I neglected to mention one factor working against Golden State: playing in the Western Conference. You notice that all of the Lebron contenders except Peaceniks are in the Least: Lake Mistake, Biscayne Bay, Broad Street, Ice? LeBron said after his "Lakers" were eliminated by OKC that they "out-talented us". La-La Lake-Lake finished fourth this season just past. Peaceniks finished TENTH, yeah, just like the "Heat" in the Least, with a WORSE RECORD, 37-45, than the "Heat". Didn't make the playoffs from the play-in, just like Miami. This off-season Peaceniks have done bupkus. The "Heat" got Giannis Antetokounmpo! That's MORE than nothing. Phila. was nowhere on LeBron's radar until Beans traded Jaylen Brown to them for "optionality".
There is no way in haill that 41-year old LeBron James can lift Peaceniks, with co-stars Steph Curry (38) and Draymond Green (36) into contention with OKC and San Antonio. Frigging NO WAY. So while it is probably true that LeBron is not ring-chasing, he also does not want to slip from irrelevance into retirement.
End of ** update.
#Updated Update:
Steve Kerr to a fan today: "We need LeBron." Kerr: "Oh we got him." Kerr is a good-humored, humorous guy and as you can hear the fan and those with him started laughing. Kerr being funny? Idk.
And then...
Fullcourtpass@FullcourtpassThere is a sense LeBron James could make his decision after NBA summer league is over, per
@JakeLFischer
The final day is this Sunday (7/19)
*Update. That was well-reasoned wasn't it? Thank you. But Shams said, after I posted this shit, that it's down to Lake Mistake, Biscayne Bay, and...Broad Street. Golden Pond is NOT among the three finalists. Apologize for any inconvenience.
LeBron James' agent has stated that James' next team will be chosen on where he can find the most happiness to end his career.
1) LBJ is a basketball billionaire. He does not care who has the most money to offer him.
2) LBJ has won three rings. Winning a fourth is not his top priority.
3) Happiness/Joy = less pressure + lifestyle
Criteria one rules out Miami.
Criteria two rules out Cleveland.
Criteria three rules out Miami (ALWAYS pressure in "Heat Culture")...
Jimmy Butler left Miami to get "joy" back
JBIII: "anywhere but Miami"
...and Cleveland (they have to win a title).
So the consensus top contender, Cleveland, is ruled out. The up-until-recently second top contender, Miami, is ruled out. On Rich Paul's stated criteria, which team is going to get LeBron?
"Heat" wound too tight; Golden State Joy
Golden State Joy
Where did JB III go to get his "joy back"?
Golden State Joy
Golden State.
(Miami is 11% on Kalshi.)
