Since his return to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2014, the future of LeBron James has always seemed to be a mystery. He has voiced his frustrations with his current club multiple times, whether it be his dissatisfaction with roster structure or the coaching staff and, as a result, has made people wonder whether the future of his playing career will be in Cleveland.
According to Sam Amick of USA Today, Rockets’ personnel and executives around the league think Houston would be the four-time MVP’s most realistic option if he decides to leave the Cavs for the second time after this season.
While James has made it clear that he won’t deliberate his uncertain future until the Cavs’ season is complete, there is strong belief in Rockets circles that they’ll have a legitimate shot at landing the four-time MVP this summer. Rival executives also believe the Rockets will have a real chance.
The move out west seems like a risky one for James, with the rival Golden State Warriors residing in the same conference as Houston, but it could be a career move that pays off. Houston currently has the best in the NBA at 20-4, and are conveniently led by James’ longtime friend Chris Paul and MVP candidate James Harden.
James has been linked to other teams in the NBA, such as the Los Angeles Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers. However, with a successful offensive system and surprisingly stout defense, Houston seems to be the most realistic option, as they are the closest to achieving James’ ultimate goal: winning an NBA championship.
James showed his love for Cleveland when he decided to leave the Miami Heat and return home, also fulfilling his promise to the city of delivering a championship when he led the Cavaliers to the promised land in 2016. With this said, it won’t be easy to pry the superstar away from his home, even if his team does fall short to the Warriors – or maybe even an Eastern Conference foe – this postseason, but winning has always been James first priority, and if he feels like he won’t accomplish that in Cleveland, don’t be surprised if you find The King sporting red and white next year.
