What if Lebron doesn't opt out

[Moranis]

Let's say that the Celtics finish the Cavs off.  General thought is that would make Lebron more likely to leave in free agency, but what if he wants to give the Cavs one more shot and he actually doesn't opt out.  It isn't totally crazy, given his relationship with the city, fans, organization, etc.  You also have to consider he would make a lot more money by playing out that last year under the CBA since on the open market his salary next year would be less then he could make with the Cavs by not opting out (and thus his starting point on the next contract would be a lot higher). 

[Fafnir]

He'll opt out to avoid the uncertainty of the new CBA.

If he played out the full contract he couldn't sign with anyone until that CBA is worked out. Given the line Stern is taking I think the years and money overall is likely to be down. He'll opt out.

[Roy Hobbs]

It's a possibility, but I don't see it happening.

First, if Lebron wants to move on, this is the year to do it, as there are a lot of teams attractive to him that have cap space.  Teams like the Knicks, etc., might not have that space in a year.

Second, I've got to believe that Lebron wants long-term security.  Nobody knows how the next CBA will affect player salaries, so I've got to think that Lebron will take the best contract he can now.

[wdleehi]

Even if he wants to stay in Cleveland, it make more financial sense to opt out.

[Moranis]

Even if he wants to stay in Cleveland, it make more financial sense to opt out.

depends on the next CBA.  His contract next year is over 17.5 million, I know on the open market he can only make like 16.8, not sure what he could make if he stayed in Cleveland though (I know he gets an extra year and I thought it was higher raises, but I always thought the first year was about the same).

[Prof. Clutch]

I have a hard time believing Lebron won't opt out if not just to see what kind of market is out there for him.  If he doesn't see anything he likes he can always choose to stay with the Cavs after he opts out.

[gpap]

My prediction is the Celts finish Cleveland off tonight and Lebron goes to the Knicks next year.

[openairmovie]

What I dont get is the guy has always talked about being the richest in the league blah blah blah....but  regardless of if he stays in Cleveland cuz they can pay him more  or he goes to a team like the Knicks and THEY will pay him a ton....what amount of money is going to be left to get him decent supporting cast members. If he stays in Cleveland they will be up against the hard cap year in and year out.  If he goes to another team they wont be able to sign anyone new for a long time.  If he was really into winning a championship he'd take less, allow for two superstars to sign the same place and dominate...but its obvious he isnt all about a championship rather all about himself

[ManUp]

He goes several more seasons without a ring.

I doubt his ability to win a ring without a legit 2nd star.

I'm also really beginning to wonder whether or not he has enough of that cut throat mentality.