LeBron James will likely become a free agent again next summer, and rumors about his next destination will spread like wildfire until he signs a new deal. James is continuously being linked to the Los Angeles Lakers, and the Cleveland Cavaliers also look determined to keep him in The Land.
James is expected to remain mum about his plan until the offseason. But aside from the Lakers and Cavaliers, Gavriel Wilkins said that the four-time NBA Most Valuable Player should consider signing with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Why should LeBron James move to the Thunder
James is all about winning, and if he wants to continue getting a chance to compete for a title in years to come, he should consider moving to the Thunder. If he signs with the Thunder, he will form a dynamic partnership with reigning Most Valuable Player Russell Westbrook.
Forming a James-Westbrook duo will be the “worst nightmare” for opposing teams. Westbrook and James lead the league in triple-doubles this season with 16 and 10, respectively. There will be less pressure on their shoulder, which would make them fresh for a deep playoff run.
Carmelo Anthony might also lure James to Oklahoma City. And if the Thunder successfully sign James, Anthony might be able to take his game into another level, knowing that he will get the best chance to win his first title with James and Westbrook running the show.
Will LeBron James leave Cleveland?
But while joining the Thunder makes sense for James, it remains to be seen whether or not he will really leave Cleveland for the second time in his career. He looked on his way out a week ago, but the massive roster overhaul before the deadline might turn the table around for the Cavaliers.
The Cavaliers looked different during their 121-99 blowout win over the Boston Celtics on Sunday.
Cleveland got 49 points from their recruits George Hill, Jordan Clarkson, Rodney Hood and Larry Nance Jr. James had nothing but praises for his new teammates and was visibly thrilled during the game.
“It was a good start,” said James, who is averaging 26.3 points to go along with 8.9 assists and 8.1 rebounds per game this season.
“It's almost like the new guys have been here.”
Most analysts are convinced that the bold moves Cavaliers general manager Koby Altman made before the deadline helped Cleveland become more equipped to win the title this season. And if they win the championship, James will likely stay in Cleveland despite the expected strong offers from teams like the Lakers and the Thunder.
