Could Miami crumble after 13-14 season?

[gpap]

It'll be interesting to see if free agency and the opt out clause will be the undoing of the "big 3" in Miami.

In 2010, all 3 guys were willing to take less to play together.

Would they be willing to do the same next summer?

Not to mention some of their supporting players like Ray and Battier will be free agents as well (or possibly retiring.)

Personally, I think it's 50/50 between Miami and Cleveland for Lebron.

As for Chris Bosh, who's to say he'll be with the Heat for the rest of his career? Does he possibly go to the Lakers or Knicks?

Should be interesting to see what the landscape of the NBA looks like one year from now as 'Melo can opt out of NY as well.

[green147]

I think it's interesting that nobody really talks about how Lebron will not be able to keep being the most athletic player on the court in a few years. Yes, he's a freak of nature but we've seen the toll his style of basketball has taken on players like McGrady and Vince Carter. We are already seeing it every year with Dwayne Wade. Kobe had to settle into a jump shooter role as the years went on. It's something to keep an eye on as the Heat go on. 

[timobusa]

If they don't win it all next year, Lebron is taking his talents to Ohio

[D.o.s.]

If they don't win it all next year, Lebron is taking his talents to Ohio

Wishful thinking. That ship sailed and the port has burned down.

[peachbucket]

I think it's interesting that nobody really talks about how Lebron will not be able to keep being the most athletic player on the court in a few years. Yes, he's a freak of nature but we've seen the toll his style of basketball has taken on players like McGrady and Vince Carter. We are already seeing it every year with Dwayne Wade. Kobe had to settle into a jump shooter role as the years went on. It's something to keep an eye on as the Heat go on.

Lol...if your waiting for Lebron to start declining you might be waiting a very long time.  None of those guys were mentioned were built like Lebron.  He has also never had a major injury.  If he stays healthy he may be able to play till he is 50!

[fitzhickey]

I think it's interesting that nobody really talks about how Lebron will not be able to keep being the most athletic player on the court in a few years. Yes, he's a freak of nature but we've seen the toll his style of basketball has taken on players like McGrady and Vince Carter. We are already seeing it every year with Dwayne Wade. Kobe had to settle into a jump shooter role as the years went on. It's something to keep an eye on as the Heat go on.

Lol...if your waiting for Lebron to start declining you might be waiting a very long time.  None of those guys were mentioned were built like Lebron.  He has also never had a major injury.  If he stays healthy he may be able to play till he is 50!

TP, I don't see Lebron declining any time soon

[Moranis]

Lebron will either opt in, opt out and re-sign in Miami, or opt out and go back to Cleveland.  He will not do anything else in 2014.

[Eddie20]

Lebron will either opt in, opt out and re-sign in Miami, or opt out and go back to Cleveland.  He will not do anything else in 2014.

The LAL are also very much in the mix.

[RyNye]

Lebron will either opt in, opt out and re-sign in Miami, or opt out and go back to Cleveland.  He will not do anything else in 2014.

The LAL are also very much in the mix.

Based on what? I always hear people say things like this, but where does this come from? Has anybody ever heard Lebron said anything that even vaguely hints that he would consider going to the Lakers? Especially considering the fact that the Lakers are going to be terrible.

[slamtheking]

Nobody will voluntarily leave that Heat team.  Nobody.  As ill as this makes me to say it, they have a real chance to go down in NBA history as the next 'dynasty' after Jordan's Bulls with the real possibility of winning several more titles in the next few years. 

If anything, that team has a genuine draw for role players to go there and chase a ring (like Ray for example).  The only way players leave that team is if they retire, get traded or the team doesn't pick up their options.

[Eddie20]

Lebron will either opt in, opt out and re-sign in Miami, or opt out and go back to Cleveland.  He will not do anything else in 2014.

The LAL are also very much in the mix.

Based on what? I always hear people say things like this, but where does this come from? Has anybody ever heard Lebron said anything that even vaguely hints that he would consider going to the Lakers? Especially considering the fact that the Lakers are going to be terrible.

Did anybody ever hear LeBron say anything that even vaguely hinted that he would consider going to the Heat?

Here is the story...

http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/9484776/los-angeles-lakers-eye-carmelo-anthony-lebron-james-2014

Watch the video and pay attention on how he answered/dodged the question. He could've ended all rumors by saying that he would stay in Miami, but he didn't.

Why exactly will LA be terrible? They have one contract on the books for next season (Nash) and depending on what they re-sign Kobe and/or Gasol for (team friendly deals?) then they could have enough to sign James and another good player. Not a max player, but one that would more than the full MLE.  Consider that team with what Miami will have around him, Wade (soon to be 33 and on creaky knees) and Bosh. Not to mention that Arison isn't really fond of the luxury tax and there are rumors he would trade Bosh in order to have a lesser tax bill.

[the_Bird]

Lebron will either opt in, opt out and re-sign in Miami, or opt out and go back to Cleveland.  He will not do anything else in 2014.

The LAL are also very much in the mix.

Based on what? I always hear people say things like this, but where does this come from? Has anybody ever heard Lebron said anything that even vaguely hints that he would consider going to the Lakers? Especially considering the fact that the Lakers are going to be terrible.

The Lakers are ALWAYS in the mix.  And the Lakers won't be any more terrible than Miami was before LeBron & Co. got there.

[fairweatherfan]

It would be an even bigger kick in the teeth to Cleveland if LeBron started there, won no rings, went to Miami, won 2-3, then came back to Cleveland and again didn't win anything.  For a guy who's obsessed with his image, I don't see it happening.

[gpap]

Though I don't see it happening, I wouldn't necessarily rule the Lakers out.

Remember, the Lakers just got snubbed by Dwight Howard and I am sure the franchise is seething at the bit to try and become relevant again.

Only God knows what kind of stops Kupcheck and the Buss family could/would make to land another big-time player.
And of course, there's Kobe who will likely help in the recruitment process.

As much as Lebron is conscious of his image, would he automatically dismiss the idea of a "Lebron/Kobe" ticket in LA? Sounds awfully tempting (even though Kobe is declining.)

And imagine if LA could lure another big time player like Melo or Bosh? How on earth does Lebron at least not consider that, playing for the second most storied franchise in the NBA? (behind the Celts, of course.)

Having said that, I would also be kinda shocked if Lebron left Miami. Like another fan mentioned, right now Miami has WAAAAY to much going for it's team for this roster to be dismantled in a year's time.

I also wouldn't be surprised if Lebron, Wade and Bosh carry on and decide to be the next dynasty of the NBA.

Just fun to think the contractual stuff and how it could maybe change the landscape of the NBA.

[Moranis]

Lebron will either opt in, opt out and re-sign in Miami, or opt out and go back to Cleveland.  He will not do anything else in 2014.

The LAL are also very much in the mix.

Based on what? I always hear people say things like this, but where does this come from? Has anybody ever heard Lebron said anything that even vaguely hints that he would consider going to the Lakers? Especially considering the fact that the Lakers are going to be terrible.

Did anybody ever hear LeBron say anything that even vaguely hinted that he would consider going to the Heat?

Here is the story...

http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/9484776/los-angeles-lakers-eye-carmelo-anthony-lebron-james-2014

Watch the video and pay attention on how he answered/dodged the question. He could've ended all rumors by saying that he would stay in Miami, but he didn't.

Why exactly will LA be terrible? They have one contract on the books for next season (Nash) and depending on what they re-sign Kobe and/or Gasol for (team friendly deals?) then they could have enough to sign James and another good player. Not a max player, but one that would more than the full MLE.  Consider that team with what Miami will have around him, Wade (soon to be 33 and on creaky knees) and Bosh. Not to mention that Arison isn't really fond of the luxury tax and there are rumors he would trade Bosh in order to have a lesser tax bill.

Lebron will not go to the Lakers, especially if Kobe is still there.  It just won't happen. 

He is staying with his friends in Miami or he is going back home.  Nothing else makes sense at all and would totally destroy his image, which he has done a good job of rebuilding.