LeBron James Belongs in Wine and Gold

New York. Chicago. Los Angeles. New Jersey. Detroit.

LeBron James can go anywhere he wants in 2010.

However, I'm willing to guarantee that LeBron James will stay in the same city that he has been in his whole NBA career.

Good 'ol Cleveland.

It's not the flashiest city. It's not the most entertaining, the warmest, or the most recognized.

In fact, many Cleveland sports fans believe the city has been cursed.

But it's LeBron's city. When you think of Cleveland sports, who do you think of?

LeBron James.

Sure, you can make a case for Jim Brown. But that's the past. LeBron is the present and he is most certainly the future in Cleveland.

Many people are speculating about LeBron's future.

The latest news comes from, of all people, Trevor Ariza. Ariza says that LeBron told him he would be back in Cleveland after the hectic 2010 offseason.

LeBron, naturally, denied it.

And why shouldn't he? He does need to keep his options open. However, I expect LeBron to be a Cavalier. Here's why.

First, let's talk about why he won't go to the other teams.

New York. New York, New York. It's a great city, but a not-so-great basketball team.

Sure, LeBron would make it better. What team wouldn't he make better? While New York does pose a threat to Cleveland, in the end, LeBron is likely in a better situation in Cleveland, at least basketball-wise.

If he went to Chicago, he would be in Michael Jordan's shadow. Nuh-uh. Not happening.

Same goes for Los Angeles (Clippers). The city is only big enough for one superstar.  Kobe's there.

Sorry, Clippers. You will still stink.

New Jersey also poses a threat to Cleveland because of the friendship between LeBron and Jay-Z. That's great, but how is the market in New Jersey any bigger than the market in Cleveland?

If the Nets make the move to Brooklyn, it might help. Still, I don't see it happening.

The new rumblings are going on about Detroit, but only because of their hiring of Cavs' Assistant Coach John Kuester. That's not a good enough reason.

So while New York and New Jersey are viable options for LeBron, the best place for him to be is in Cleveland. For now, he has Shaq beside him along with Mo Williams, Delonte West, and JJ Hickson all set to play a role for the Cavs.

The key may be with the Cavaliers salary. With Shaq's $20 million coming off the books, and with a few other contracts leaving, the Cavs could have room for another max contract.

Chris Bosh, anyone?

I have heard rumors that the two plan to play together. Bosh would fit in perfectly with the Cavs. 

In the present, however, Cleveland has a great shot at a championship. They will continue to for as long as LeBron keeps playing for them.

In the end, I think that will be for a long time.

After all, LeBron's been in Ohio all of his life.

Why leave now?