If Lebron wants to win his 5th before retiring, his best move is going somewhere in the East like Cleveland or New York. Or even Detroit if they somehow could. The West is gonna stay loaded with the Spurs, Thunder, Wolves and even Nuggets/Clippers/Warriors (assuming health and offseason moves) won't be pushovers.
If LeBron was to join a new team, I'd love to see him join a mid tier playoff squad rather than a top seed.
Be the difference maker. Be the guy who lifts them from 45-52 wins to 55+ wins. Who makes them a contender. He is still good enough to do that. Or at least he was this season.
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It is hard to see a good fit though.
It is a pity about Atlanta and Toronto. Their star players both play the same position as LeBron in Jalen Johnson & Scottie Barnes (plus Ingram, Barrett on the wings). Orlando have F Wagner and Banchero at forward. Philly are to unreliable due to Embiid's health. I wouldn't go there.
LeBron wouldn't go to MIL to join Giannis. It would be like he was following him. Giannis the guy who did not leave to chase rings. The guy LeBron followed. Nope. Don't see it.
Miami are too far back. LeBron isn't enough to lift them to a contender. I do wonder if he could reconsider if Miami landed Giannis in the trade market though.
I wouldn't like to see LeBron in Indiana. They have a great flow to their team with their style of play. LeBron would disrupt that.
Just .... not many good options in the mid tier (or even low tier) of the East for LBJ. Top tier teams like Cavs, NY, DET are good fits.
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The West has 3 top tier teams in OKC, SAS, DEN. DEN having a bad postseason could give LBJ enough cover to join them. Maybe play SF next to A Gordon and give them a PF while A Gordon rests.
The mid-tier is interesting. LBJ and Durant together in Houston would be fun. LBJ next to Ant-man would be awesome but I doubt he wants to live in Minnesota.
Portland is a non-starter at this point. Too young. They could be interesting for LBJ if they land Giannis though. Although they would like land Giannis and keep Avdija (and Clingan) so maybe not enough room for LBJ.
I can't see LBJ joining the Clippers. He would be great for them. Him and Kawhi would be a great tandem. But I can't see him leaving the Lakers for the Clippers.
The Warriors look a solid option. Play PF next to Draymond at C in a small ball group. Jimmy. Steph. Podz. Fun group for an old guy to play with. Perhaps too much of an injury proneness concer. Maybe.
The Mavs could be a sneaky good choice. Reunite with Kyrie. Be a mentor to Cooper Flagg. Flagg, Kyrie, LBJ. That is a nice Big 3. D Lively and D Gafford as bigs. PJ Washington as a backup forward. Max Christie as a stopper. Add a quality young guard in the draft.
