LeBron James to The Warriors: Ring Chaser or Smart?
LeBron James is 41 years old and many believe this upcoming season will be his last one in his historic and legendary career. With the NBA Finals just finishing and it officially being the offseason, well, let the rumors continue… even more than already…let the LeBron talk start roaring.
I’ve expressed my opinion on LeBron returning to Cleveland in previous articles. Of course, I have bias as a Cavs fan and writer to want him back in The Land. Even so, the storyline of him winning a ring in Cleveland for that last ride has to be thought of as a good one.
Now, I also get the “Fun Ride” concept with the rumors of LeBron joining Steph Curry and the epic Golden State Warriors for the last go-round. I found this via AI about this addition:
The Warriors face some hurdles in acquiring him, as they would likely have to get creative with their salary cap and potentially navigate a non-taxpayer mid-level exception. To ease the transition, rumblings around the league suggest the Warriors could structure a pitch allowing LeBron to maintain his deep business and family roots in Southern California, perhaps even “commuting” from Los Angeles for a portion of the week.
Interesting.
However, I’m pretty sure James cares about legacy and that’s why I don’t understand why he would want anything besides Cleveland to finish it off.
If he wins a championship with Golden State, all people are going to think of him as a “ring-chaser” and even if he’s the main reason the team wins it, that is the thought. Remember, this was true when he went to Miami and formed their big three and won those titles back in the day. This also reminds me of when star Kevin Durant signed with the Warriors and beat the Cavs in the 2017 Finals. The legacy for that Finals run for him is 100% “ring-chaser” and not so much a great player with a better legacy.
The other factor with LeBron is that he is still somehow amazing even at the age of 41 in the NBA. Thus, this is not a “Charity Run” with him sucking on a great team just to finish off the season, similar to how a lot of players are at the end, getting the ring or last place regardless.
Additionally, adding to what I said about the potential of James joining the Cavs is that it’s more of what we’ll call a “Legacy Run” compared to having to win a championship 100% to be anything special still. While the Cavs would be one of the favorites, the expectation isn’t final. Even if the team loses, it’s still a season of appreciating The King each and every game. Just imagining the home games is incredible.
The only hindrance to LeBron coming to Cleveland is that he would have to take a major pay cut. Now, I am not rich, but I understand the idea of playing with the pride of making what you are worth, really, in any job, not just basketball.
Via AI: LeBron James has an estimated net worth of roughly $1.3 billion. He made history as the first active NBA player to achieve billionaire status.
This has me thinking like, hey, King James would a pay cut really make a difference in your life in the future compared to this whole legacy concept?
Lastly, I hope LeBron decides sooner rather than later. I’m not mentally prepared to go through another 2010 offseason with “The Decision” to finally know what he’s doing for the season.
Whatever you choose, LeBron, I’ll love you for life.
***Not sure if anyone needs to know this, but that cover photo of LeBron is fake.
