LeBron James may be facing a unique “win or leave home” scenario in tomorrow’s Game 7 with the Pacers, writes Tom Withers of The Associated Press. No matter when the Cavaliers’ season ends, speculation will immediately begin about James’ destination in free agency. Considering the heavy load he has carried for his team in the regular season and playoffs at age 33, James may be looking for a situation where he has more help.
After Friday’s loss in Indiana, James said he hasn’t given any consideration to free agency or the potential magnitude of Sunday’s contest.
“The thought that if we don’t play well that it will be my last game of the year will probably hit my mind,” James responded when asked about the possible end to a second era in Cleveland. “But I haven’t thought about that.” (Twitter link).
There’s more today out of Cleveland:
- Count Marc Stein of the New York Times among the voices who expect James to leave the Cavaliers. In his weekly newsletter, Stein speculates that Philadelphia is the most likely destination for James, stating the Sixers have “growing behind-the-scenes confidence” that they can land this summer’s top free agent. He adds that the path to the NBA Finals remains easier in the East, which is why he expects James to pass on offers from the Lakers and Rockets.
- Coach Tyronn Lue is “optimistic” that George Hill will be ready for Game 7, but his status may not be determined until game time, relays Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com. Hill was able to participate in practice today and did extra shooting work afterward. “Moved around good today, played 5-on-5 with some of the guys and felt decent so just have to see how his back reacts after that,” Lue said. “Moved around pretty good, so we will see.” Hill has missed the past three games with back spasms.
- Rodney Hood will draw on experience as he prepares for the second Game 7 of his career. In a video posted on the Cavaliers’ website, Hood reflects on going through the same thing with the Jazz last season when they topped the Clippers in a series-deciding game. “Last year’s Game 7 was on the road, so you know the type of atmosphere,” said Hood, who was acquired from Utah at the trade deadline. “It’s kind of different, but at the same time it’s win or go home. We don’t want our season to end, so we’ve got to come out ready to play. Play confident and I think we’ll be all right.”
Is it possible Melo heads to Cleveland now? I was thinking maybe Wade,Lebron, and Melo get together on the Heat this off-season. It would not shock me at all I just don’t know if Dragic and Whiteside would be part of it but with Melo’s situation in OKC I could totally see Melo and Lebron teaming up.
LeBron to the heat has zero chance. He’s a little bit miffed at Riley and vice versa. It’s either the Sixers of the Lakers. And it’s only the Sixers if they go far in the playoffs and they are one guy away and he can be that guy. Sort of like the Celtics needing Kyrie they were one guy away, one closer, star player. Sixers fold early …..it’s the Lakers.
Cavs FO doesn’t care for Melo. I think Lebron is working with Kawhi
I believe you are correct, but to go to LA. I think they can even get a third guy like George.
Lebron goes to Philly. Embiid, Simmons and fultz get hurt. Lebron forces the Office to trade them for Melo.
THAT’S WHAT LEBRON AND RUSS BOTH DESERVE
Russ don’t really deserve anything tbh except maybe a fist fight with KD
Simmons and LeBron on the same team would form the most arrogant duo ever.
Embiid says trio
LaBron to SA. He loves Pop. Kawai will be gone and they’ll get some good pieces in return. Old and new roster to build around.
LeBron is the greatest player in the game right now, and perhaps of all time. But his demands for control of personnel decisions (and you’re kidding yourself if you think he isn’t calling the shots) has put him in this situation. Now he’s disgruntled because he doesn’t have support so he’s going to go somewhere else and try to pull the same thing.
So what you’re saying is those of us that believe someone else in the Cavs organization calls the shots are kidding our selves. But James is leaving b/c he doesn’t have support.
alrighty then.
That kind of contradicted, @stug… unless you think there was a change in influence lately. This is possible, but everything will be up for renegotiation this offseason.
I will not miss Altman’s hand if Bron gets his job. But, not likely to happen.
That kind of contradicted, @stug… unless you think there was a change in influence lately. This is possible, but everything will be up for renegotiation this offseason.
I will not miss Altman’s hand if Bron gets his job. But, not likely to happen.