Now that the Los Angeles Lakers' season is over, Stephen A. Smith and the rest of the world will try to figure out what LeBron James will do next.
The league's all-time leading scorer started off the season in disappointing fashion, but then closed it out, leaving Smith and other longtime critics in awe.
Then, when James took over in the first round of the playoffs, it took his reputation to another level. Now, the argument is whether the Lakers are a good fit for his goal of winning another championship before he retires.
They are contenders for sure, but have chosen to build the roster to complement Luka Doncic rather than the 41-year-old, soon-to-retire James. That is why the ESPN analyst ranked them fourth on his Top-5 list of teams the Akron native should visit next season.
After placing the obvious Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers above the Lakers, the 58-year-old, with a cheeky smile on his face, decided to place his New York Knicks at No. 1.
LeBron James on Wall Street… we're talking easy a half a billion extra in his pocket if he showed up in a New York Knicks uniform… If he is associated with the reason that the Knicks have won a title for the first time since 1973, the man will make an extra billion for that alone. That is basketball and business.
Stephen A. Smith saidNeither of Stephen A. Smith's colleagues on ESPN argued with his logic. There is a reason why athletes want to associate with New York. The only problem is whether LeBron James believes he can win a title first before looking at the financial part.
Despite Stephen A. Smith and Timothee Chalamet's attemptsin the past, many believe the Los Angeles Lakers are in pole position to secure LeBron James' services if he wants to continue playing.
We probably haven't seen a player that has honored the game to the extent that he's honored the game. He's given so much to his teammates, to this organization. The thing we want to do more than anything else is to honor him back… First order of business is allowing him to spend the time he needs to decide what his next step is.
Rob Pelinka told reportersThis is GM Rob Pelinka making it clear that they will give the league's oldest player the time and space to decide on his future. To some, this might feel as if the franchise is taking it easy.
Their decision may be based on the fact that the four-time champion has built a life in Los Angeles, and his son plays for the Lakers. If he leaves, his son's future could be in jeopardy, and his businesses could suffer while he is away.
However, LeBron James has revealed that he intends to win another title. The best Pelinka and the Lakers can do is to build a team that their veteran believes is good enough to do that.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have officially opened the doors for LeBron James to return to their buildings. But Gary Payton does not believe that will happen.
I really think he's going to stay (in the) west… There's a good shot if he leaves, he's going to Golden State. I'm telling you he's coming to Golden State if he leaves.
Gary Payton said on NightcapThe Hall of Famer cited how his former championship-winning teammate has everything built in Los Angeles. Moreover, the warmer weather is better for his aging body.
However, Payton believes the 'King' could fancy the chance to join the Warriors and play alongside Stephen Curry if he decides to leave the Lakers.
At the same time, the former point guard is not sure that will happen, as despite her grievances, Lakers' Governor Jeanie Buss knows just how valuable the four-time league MVP is to her organization.
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