Could LeBron James Play for Michael Jordan and Be King of the Queen City?

New York Times columnist William Rhoden recently penned an article which discussed the reasons LeBron James should choose to join Michael Jordan in Charlotte when the free agency signing period commences, and although the idea may sound far-fetched, Rhoden may be on to something.

It's no secret that James has idolized Jordan, and he even went as far to suggest his number should be retired league-wide, so what better way to pay the ultimate homage to your hero than by joining him in NBA battle?

Jordan became the first former NBA player to own majority stock in a team in the league's history, and his reception in Charlotte, since he assumed the supreme mantle of leadership, has motivated the city.

Former owner Bob Johnson's indifference to the city and its potential fan base forced an impasse, which was made worse by Johnson's absenteeism and his reluctance to improve the franchise.

Johnson viewed his club strictly as a business venture, and all of his decisions were made with the gain or loss of capital as the primary motivating factor, but Jordan offers a different opportunity.

Jordan is loved and respected throughout the world as, quite possibly, the greatest basketball player to ever walk the earth. But in North Carolina, Jordan is regarded as a god.

His baby blue blood runs deep, and even though Brooklyn, New York is where the legend was birthed, Jordan's ascension to basketball royalty was reared and groomed in North Carolina.

Jordan helped college coaching legend Dean Smith win his first championship at North Carolina University in 1982, and went on to have a legendary NBA career which was highlighted by six NBA championships.

Jordan has come full circle as the new owner of the Bobcats, and he has promised to build the franchise into a team that will be competitive on an annual basis, and what better way to begin that era than by chasing LeBron?

Few observers would say that Charlotte has a legitimate shot at persuading James to join the Bobcats' ranks, but the Queen City does have a few advantages which are often over-looked.

Charlotte reigns as the nation's consumer banking capital, with Bank of America and Wells Fargo claiming Charlotte as their headquarters, and both are very close to the city's professional teams.

The Carolina Panthers play in a stadium that bears the name of Bank of America and Wells Fargo is involved in some manner with the Panthers, Bobcats, and the city's minor league hockey team, the Charlotte Checkers.

All of this is great, but it's really secondary, because James is the type of talent who would draw attention wherever he goes, and the endorsements and money would be sure to follow.

Imagine the storylines that would be created if Jordan, who represents the past greatness of the NBA, and James, who represents its future, decided to team up for a historic NBA title run?

And I did say title run because the addition of James would immediately thrust the Charlotte Bobcats into contention, and considering the players who would surround James, they would have to be the favorites.

The Bobcats ended the regular season as the league's top defensive team, and a lineup that includes James, Gerald Wallace, and Stephen Jackson would terrorize any opposition.

Charlotte would be deep, versatile, defensive-minded, and extremely athletic, and if James should decide to consider the Bobcats, they would likely be coached by one of the NBA's best teachers.

Larry Brown has began his annual dance of indecision about his coaching future, but the arrival of James would likely sway Brown to remain put, and the future of the Bobcats would be solidified.

I'm not sure what the chances of a move like this happening would be, but if Jordan is truly serious in his intentions to make Charlotte a perennial contender, going after LeBron James would be a great way to prove it.

Who knows? It may not be as unlikely as some would think, because getting a chance to establish a championship legacy, while playing for what some consider to be the game's greatest player, holds appeal of its own.