NBA Free Agency Rumors: Why LeBron James Will Struggle To Leave Cleveland
LeBron James, the King of Cleveland. Some argue James is the single best thing to happen to the dismal sports city of Cleveland in decades. Not only does he pack the arena, but he provides an economic boost for the entire city. He's practically done it all, from winning MVP's to resurrecting his hometown, but there's one thing he still doesn't have: a ring.
A ring is what puts LeBron in his current predicament. Ending his seventh season with the team, James and the Cavs disappointingly made an early exit in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals. Cleveland gasped. The State of Ohio knew what was on the line, they knew that in order to have a good shot at resigning their King James they had to win a title. They didn't.
So, today, James endures his last day officially as a Cleveland Cavalier, for now. Will he return to Cleveland? Or will he pursue other opportunities ripe for championships like Miami or Chicago?
If James is truly all about winning and wants to cement himself in NBA greatness, he will make the tough decision of leaving home to start somewhere new.
Chicago offers a young and dynamic supporting cast of Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, and Loul Deng. The Bulls also hope to lure in Chris Bosh to team up with James, essentially bringing the organization back to dominance like the days of Jordan and Pippen.
Miami, on the other hand, offers the opportunity of putting James on what could potentially be one of the greatest NBA teams of all time. If Dwyane Wade can convince his friend James to sign with the Heat, it is widely expected Bosh will follow suit. Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade, and LeBron James, a "super team". The new bigger and better "Big Three". One would think that core group would be guaranteed several rings should they decide to ball together in South Beach.
Both of those possibilities look tempting if you were James, right? But think of this. James was born and raised in Akron, Ohio. His roots are with the city of Cleveland. He has been the man of the house since he was a little boy, taking care of his mother all of his life. He is married to his high school sweetheart. Basically, LeBron James is a very loyal man.
Can he deal with the thought of being the single athlete that destroyed his hometown, both sports-wise and economically? Can he stomach the fact that he will never be able to return to his home without an overwhelming, burdening sense of guilt for abandoning the city that made him who he is today?
On the other hand, he must also ask himself if it is worth it to sacrifice titles to stay in his hometown, because chances are Cleveland won't be able offer what teams like Miami and Chicago will.
The bottom line is it will come down to home or championships for James. What will it be?
