Hoops

Paul George informs Pacers he will leave in 2018

In today's game and in trying to match up with the Warriors, you can never have too many quality two-way wings, Isaac!

Don't worry, I had to look up and check. I remembered him coming back strongly but obviously the Pacers dropped away since the time that Hibbert was viewed as a great option and Lance was at his best.

I'm mostly surprised at the ideas of LeBron playing with PG or Butler as I would've viewed them as having some similarities at least. Not complete overlap, but some at least.

Ok Isaac.

I guess it's not him but the Pacers not being as good around him as they were before his accident.

PG hasn't been the same since the accident.

PG hasn't been the same since the accident.

No way LeBron goes west. Only east.

PG hasn't been the same since the accident.

LeBron has home in LA and would probably want to play and win a championship there. Has salvaged his reputation somewhat after the "decision" by bringing championship to hometown, so going to storied franchise like Lakers and trying to win there would be challenging, but imo would damage his legacy even more. Even if George joins him, winning in west is way, way more difficult. At least his finals record wouldn't be dented if he doesn't even make it there.
If anywhere, would like to see him at Knicks which was a big chance originally years back. If he could bring championship there he really would be the chosen one.
But back to PG, good on him for informing pacers, but now his value has plummeted, who wants to rent him for a year and why would Lakers trade for him if they can sign him without giving up assets.

The cap clearing has begun for the Lakers to grab PG and LeBron!

If Jackson moves Zing I'm gonnne. 23 years a Knick fan and over it with Jackson at the wheel.

^^^^ Porzingis have too many squares and circles in his home or something?

More fun today: talk of Butler to the Cavs or Celtics, Knicks not ruling out trading Porzingis, LAC offering DAJ to Phoenix, etc.

I don't care for his attitude frankly. I would be BOOING this spoiled individual very loudly if he had the nerve to bring this ungrateful rot to my team.

I think if you add a few things together, the LeBron to LA thing has legs:

1 - Despite going back to Cleveland, I still don't think he particularly likes the owner, Gilbert. In the recent "barbershop" clip his company released, there was a discussion about how his wife and mother didn't want to go back to the Cavs because of Gilbert but ultimately he made the decision to because of the "bigger picture". By that, I think he felt like he wanted to mend the fences with the city of Cleveland and it's fans moreso than anything. I think by coming back and winning a championship, he's done that. Today's tweet siding with the sacked GM Griffin is another hint of where he stands in relation to his opinion of Cavs ownership.

2 - Maybe he likes or wants to live on the West Coast? He does own a home in LA already. Don't forget, these decisions aren't just basketball decisions. Maybe his wife and kids wouldn't mind the warmer climate of Southern California?

3 - The chance to rejuvenate a storied franchise like the Lakers. It would be a cool story to see them relevant again and to have one of the greats on their team. The Knicks are the other option in this regard (and they offer the big market too), but their ownership/management is a mess, whereas the Lakers are turning over a new page with new basketball management (Magic/Pelinka).

4 - Business opportunities. He's spoken of wanting to be a "billion dollar" business and also spoken about future ownership aspirations. I think whilst not being the determining factor, it is a handy factor in favour of LA.

5 - LeBron is quite friendly with Paul George and it would not surprise if there has been some "back channel" discussions between these parties to join forces in LA when both are free agents. Perhaps PG's declarations may get this ball rolling nice and early. Might also allow LA to prepare their cap situation. They also have some young assets (including this year's #2 pick) which could either help be part of a new core or be traded for some vets.

6 - Woj said there was interest in LeBron joining LA. He is someone who does seem to have legit inside knowledge. I remember during LeBron's last year in Miami there were similar whispers about his people letting Cleveland know he was interested in coming back. I'd say something similar is happening now with LA.

Now, a year is a long time, which is the risk the Lakers run if they just wait for things to happen. What if the Cavs acquire PG (or Jimmy Butler, as rumoured today) and win the title? Would that change LeBron's mind? Interesting times ahead...

He can move there when he changes career. I don't think a player at that elite tier has to worry about personal brand and opportunities. I expect he'll be seeing out his career with the Cavs.

Edit: Wait, just read about the Cavs dumping their GM and assistant abruptly...

Just like carmelo, Westbrook, love in previous years lebron to lakers is b.s.

He was part of getting the new super max into the cba

He didn't do that to not cash in on it

The only way he cashes in is by staying in Cleveland ( same goes for cp3 and the clippers)

Lebron business ventures do just as well with him in Cleveland

Its just the ususl b.s lakers hype that has no substance

LeBron has not made it a secret that he wants a second career in Hollywood. He even mentions it in yesterday's Road Trippin' podcast (which is great).

Correct Issac in that LBJ wouldn't be short of a quid if he stayed in Ohio. Logistically though, it makes more sense to be in LA or even San Francisco near silicon valley. Apparently that's a huge reason that Iguodala stayed at GSW with it's proximity to the tech capital of the world. Plus, who wouldn't want to live in Southern California!

I can see it happening Isaac. Apart from the fact the Lakers would throw a buttload of cash at him, there are all the other moneymaking options LA has to offer. The Lakers are also assembling a reasonably talented young group. I can see the massive ego stroke for the superstar in his declining years coming in and "rescuing" the storied and once supreme Lakers franchise and returning them to glory.
There's a freakin movie right there

Looks like the spin lebron has already started on is his wide wants to be set out of LA permanently. Use the wife as the scape goat. But it would be the most Clipper thing to do, signing an ageing lebron, as i just read and had a chuckle over.

I imagine he has enough presence to do that from Cleveland?

Los Angeles would provide a lot more external business opportunities for a guy like LeBron coming towards the end of his career.

Why would LeBron go to LA?

I still maintain a new City Stadium was the way to go but given all the associated benefits and plans that go with this ..... and Adelaide's reputation being on the line over this vote ..... I'm thrilled to hear 80% voted yes. Let the redevelopment begin.

While we're talking football ..... nah, not talking football. I'm just another Port supporter waiting for cricket season.