LeBron James 2016 Free Agent: Where is he going to go?

When I began to wonder about if LeBron James was going to leave Cleveland this year, I originally thought he was staying... out of loyalty and love for the city and what-not. Then, I went back and read his letter he wrote to Sports Illustrated:

"My goal is to win as many titles as possible, no questions. But what's most important for me is bringing ONE trophy back to Northeast Ohio."

So.... Now LeBron has brought one trophy back to Northeast Ohio. Mission accomplished!! ✓

Unless the King changed his mind or was lying, his only goal now is to win as many titles as possible. LeBron James will have no problem leaving Cleveland right here and right now if it means winning more titles somewhere else.


Where might he go then? Perhaps our two best clues are:

1. "My goal is to win as many titles as possible, no questions."
2.  And we know LeBron absolutely cherishes his bond with "The Brotherhood" of Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, and Dwyane Wade. He has said he would take a pay cut to play with them. Although getting all four on the same team next off season is unrealistic, getting two together is a good start...

Miami Heat

Going back to Miami would be simple and easy. He already refers to Miami as his "second home." He is comfortable there. It has warm weather. His BFF Dwyane Wade is there. He trusts Pat Riley. And this Heat team is better than the one he left two years ago. Since he's been gone, they have acquired Hassan Whiteside, Luol Deng, Joe Johnson, Goran Dragic and Justise Winslow. The year he left Miami, they missed the playoffs. This year, however, they got the 3rd seed and won a playoff series. Perhaps LeBron believes Miami is now his best chance to "win as many titles as possible."

Los Angeles Lakers

Just the name "Lakers" makes big time free agents want to play there. Now that Kobe Bryant is (finally) out of the picture, they are even more attractive than they have been since LeBron started become a free agent. They have plenty of money to spend. It is another warm weather place and has a very desirable market. The Lakers have quite the history of signing big name free agents. And we know LeBron is not afraid to do something huge and unexpected (see: "The Decision"). The Lakers could lure LeBron in by also having other big free agents come too and/or bringing in players via trade like (cough cough) Chris Paul or Carmelo Anthony. I definitely don't put it past LeBron or the Lakers to make a huge splash in free agency.

Los Angeles Clippers

Just like the Lakers, the Clippers offer warm temperatures and the desirable L.A. market. Chris Paul is already there. DeAndre Jordan would complement LeBron beautifully. DeAndre is defensive specialist, a great rim protector and rebounder, and he is quite talented at throwing down ally-oops. Think Tristan Thompson but a lot better. And bonus: Doc Rivers would be the best coach LeBron ever played for... and Doc is no stranger to superstars joining forces and winning championships (see Boston Celtics 2008-2012)

New York Knicks

This one is a long shot, but I am not ruling it out. Talent wise, the Knicks are not as good as the Clippers and Heat already are or as good as the Lakers could potentially be. However, there is still a lure here. Playing in Madison Square Garden. Playing for the great Phil Jackson. New York market is great. Playing with BFF Carmelo Anthony. And, were LeBron James to bring a championship to New York, it would be almost as good as bringing a championship to Cleveland. New York hasn't won a basketball title since 1973, and the fans are very hungry for one.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Honestly, staying in Cleveland is the most likely destination. Kyrie Irving (24 years old) is starting to get really good. Tristan Thompson (also 24) is getting better and better too. Staying home with the team he built makes sense. He's only been back for two seasons now. I think he'll want to stay at least one more season or two to see how much potential this Cavs team has.