I haven't written on this blog for an age, but recent events demand it.
Most of the hits on my blog have been to my several letters to LeBron. Well buckle up for another!
LeBron James is polarizing in Cleveland. People loved him, then they hated him, now they're falling all over themselves with the hope that he'll come back. I never hated. The proof is on my blog (old though it may be).
So how does this work for LeBron? Let's believe the reports that LeBron is deciding between just two places. Regardless of how many teams his agent met with, this thing is down to Miami and Cleveland---for good reasons. Miami is coming off 4 consecutive trips to the finals, returning is an estimable option. Cleveland is nearly home for LeBron---'nuff said.
Or is it?
Which team is actually better at this point? Which team has more assets? Which team offers the best chance to win next year? How about 5 years from now?
All valid questions, so let's break it down...
None of that matters...much.
You see, LeBron by himself makes any team a playoff team. He could sign with Philadelphia and they'd be a lock to make it to the second round of the playoffs. It wouldn't be just an outside chance. It would be a lock. This is the East we're talking about. Complimentary players are nice, and any team with LeBron will automatically attract decent players who want to win. Miami's been doing it for four years.
So why would LeBron return to Cleveland? Bottom line? He would do it be closer to home. That's it. I don't think his odds of winning a title are all that diminished in Cleveland, and they're probably a bit higher in three to four years.
He got to play with his buddies. He learned some great lessons about what it takes to win. He won two championships. He's the best player in the league. But all things end. The Miami Heat could be really good for another couple of years, no question. But age is going to catch up with all of them eventually.
So this is really LeBron's last chance to return to Cleveland strictly on his terms. He holds all the cards, and will have a huge say in what happens on all levels. I'd love to see that happen. I'd be dancing in the street!
Come home, LeBron!
