LeBron James is a free agent, and it’s unclear what the future holds for the four-time NBA champion with both Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers being interested in signing him. Many speculate that LeBron will take more time to make his decision than some of his fellow All-Stars who are set to play on February 17th, but he could use this opportunity to prepare for life without basketball by going through practice games.
LeBron James should use the NBA All-Star Game to prepare for his exit from the Lakers. The game is a great time for him to get some practice in and also show his fans what he can do with a new team. Read more in detail here: where was lebron james born.
LeBron James is playing at an incredible level right now, but if he continues with the Los Angeles Lakers, he may never win another title.
Sure, James and the Lakers just won a championship in 2020, but the team’s current roster is a disaster, and he can’t depend on his fellow Big Three players, Russell Westbrook and Anthony Davis. So, if James wants to earn his fifth ring, he may have to leave Hollywood and find a new squad that may help him win a championship before he becomes too old to make a significant contribution.
Which club is the greatest fit for him? James should think about returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers for a third time, and the 2022 NBA All-Star Weekend may be a great place to start preparing for that.
The Lakers and Cavaliers are on different ends of the spectrum.
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Before the season started, it looked that the Lakers would challenge for the title, while the Cavaliers would once again be one of the league’s weakest teams.
The precise reverse, however, has occurred.
The Lakers are the ninth seed in the Western Conference heading into NBA All-Star Weekend. They are 21 games behind first place and have a record of 27-31.
Los Angeles boasts one of the oldest rosters in NBA history, and none of its components seem to be working together. Anthony Davis can’t stay healthy for more than two minutes, and Russell Westbrook looks like a shadow of himself.
LeBron James is enjoying a fantastic season (28.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game), but his efforts are being wasted by the Lakers.
The Cavaliers, on the other side, have one of the league’s most exciting young cores. Cleveland is 35-23 and just 2.5 games behind of first place in the Eastern Conference, led by Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, and Evan Mobley, all of whom are under the age of 24.
The Cavs’ team is younger and more talented than the Lakers’. They’ve already established themselves as a contender without James, and they’d be clear favorites to win it all with him.
And LeBron should make the most of this weekend to prepare for his return to The Land.
LeBron James should utilize NBA All-Star Weekend to get ready for his departure from the Lakers.
On Jan. 23, 2022, LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers watches the Miami Heat. | Getty Images/Michael Reaves
During the 2014 NBA All-Star Game, LeBron James and Kyrie Irving showed how deadly they might be while still with the Miami Heat. With 31 points and 14 assists, Irving was named All-Star MVP, while James scored 22 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists.
James joined Irving in Cleveland a few months later.
James will have two Cavaliers players on his squad in this year’s All-Star Game: Garland and Allen. He’ll get a sense of what it’s like to play with a point guard like Garland and learn how to deliver the finest lobs to Allen.
He’ll accomplish all of this, ironically, in Cleveland, since All-Star Weekend is being held there this year.
Is it, however, feasible? When James becomes a free agency in 2023, will he be able to sign with the Cavaliers?
There are a few things to think about, but sure, he can.
If LeBron James wants to return to the Cavaliers, he’ll have an easy time doing it.
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The Cavs should be able to afford James on a financial level. In 2023, Caris LeVert and Kevin Love will be free agents, therefore Cleveland will almost certainly have a max deal space vacant.
However, three variables may prevent LeBron from returning.
Of course, there’s always the possibility that the Lakers will straighten things out and rebuild a contender. That seemed improbable, given Russell Westbrook’s contract and Anthony Davis’ injury history.
If James’ kid, Bronny, joins the league when he gets eligible in 2024, he may end up on a whole different club.
The main issue is whether or not the Cavaliers would want him back. That may seem strange, but Cleveland spent the following few years rebuilding both times James departed. With young players like Garland, Allen, and Mobley, the Cavs have more stability today, but who knows what may happen if James returns. Would they really want to go through another losing phase if he retires or leaves?
Overall, James’ prospects (or lack thereof) of winning another championship in Los Angeles are becoming more evident. He should certainly start planting seeds with Garland and Allen at the NBA’s All-Star Game festivities this weekend if he wants to win that fifth ring.
Basketball Reference provided the statistics.
RELATED: James Harden’s failed Nets stint harmed many teams, but also elevated the Cleveland Cavaliers to Eastern Conference contenders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the All-Star captains 2022?
A: The All-Star captains 2022 is the name of 3 individual players, not a team.
Is Kevin Durant playing in the All-Star Game 2022?
A: Kevin Durant has been selected to play in the All-Star Game 2022.
When was the last NBA All-Star game in Cleveland?
A: The last NBA All-Star game in Cleveland was on February 18, 1996.
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