Could Miami crumble after 13-14 season?

[timobusa]

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.

They have a lot of pieces to help Lebron this time though. It's arguably better than Lebrons previous supporting cast in Cleveland.

Kyrie Irving/Jarret Jack
Dion Waiters/CJ Miles
Alonzo Gee/Earl Clark
Tristan Thompson/Anthony Bennett
Andrew Bynum/Anderson Varejao/Tyler Zeller

If you throw in Lebron to that mix that would be a pretty good team.

[D.o.s.]

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.

Here's another story:

http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/62707/the-lakers-wont-win-free-agency


Kobe's never said anything like "I'm going to take less money." In fact, he's said the exact opposite.

If Carmelo does anything other than Opt out and resign another, longer deal with the Knicks I'll be very surprised.

I think the only way one of the Heat's Big 3 leaves is if they get bounced in the first round, which I don't see happening.

[billysan]

As much as it would make sense for Lebron to go to LA from a marketing standpoint, I just dont see it because of Kobe. Kobe has not done well being a 'supporting cast' or 'team guy' with Shaq or Dwight Howard. Why would he play second fiddle to Lebron in front of Hollywood?

I think Cleveland has a nice roster and Lebron will examine it closely as a leverage on Aronson to get the kind of team with supporting cast he wants from the Heat. Or just go to Cleveland. The Cav's could likely be bad enough for another decent draft pick this year, especially if Bynum is a no show like he was for the Sixers.

I dont rule out the Knicks or even the Nets to be a possible Lebron destination either. Both are major markets with decent starting frameworks in their rosters. If the Knicks have Melo and Chandler to play along side Lebron, you have to at least consider them. If the Nets have Deron Williams and Lopez then they are automatically on his radar. Also factor in the major media market and you must consider them. Both have deep pockets as well.

[Moranis]

As much as it would make sense for Lebron to go to LA from a marketing standpoint, I just dont see it because of Kobe. Kobe has not done well being a 'supporting cast' or 'team guy' with Shaq or Dwight Howard. Why would he play second fiddle to Lebron in front of Hollywood?

I think Cleveland has a nice roster and Lebron will examine it closely as a leverage on Aronson to get the kind of team with supporting cast he wants from the Heat. Or just go to Cleveland. The Cav's could likely be bad enough for another decent draft pick this year, especially if Bynum is a no show like he was for the Sixers.

I dont rule out the Knicks or even the Nets to be a possible Lebron destination either. Both are major markets with decent starting frameworks in their rosters. If the Knicks have Melo and Chandler to play along side Lebron, you have to at least consider them. If the Nets have Deron Williams and Lopez then they are automatically on his radar. Also factor in the major media market and you must consider them. Both have deep pockets as well.

Yeah but they don't have cap space and they have no assets that Miami would want that they could part with and still be attractive for Lebron to go there.

It is Miami or Cleveland.  Nothing else makes sense except maybe Dallas, but I can't see him going there.  Even LA doesn't make sense.  Lebron is the most marketable player in the sport.  He makes more money in advertisements than anyone else.  Going to LA or NY or Chicago may increase his sales slightly, but not enough for it to make a real difference, couple in the state tax in all of those places and he probably actually makes less money (all of his income would be taxed, not just his bball salary).