I wonder would Stern prefer to see LeBron remain with Cleveland, or move on to New York.
The writing comes off somewhat subjective at times. Still, he raises a few interesting points. But I would've guessed the road to the NBA Finals is less challenging in the eastern conference than in the western conference. It isn't as if Cleveland's completely stuck (a.k.a. doomed) from a salary cap standpoint if they can maneuver out of some of those longterm contracts. Both S. O'Neal and Ilgauskas are expiring contracts, and possible trade bait before the trade deadline. The Cavaliers might want to consider trading West. But the contracts of M. Williams, Gibson and Varejao are undesirable. Those are killers... Perhaps, they can try to reacquire Boozer via a trade. That's a good start... However, Boozer and Gibson probably aren't enough to help LeBron to come out of the east in the foreseeable future.
The obvious reason this never gets discussed is no one can see James hooking on with Bryant. I really cannot understand why not.
How good a team would that be with Bryant, James, Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom? Supposedly it would look like James searching out a place to win a championship instead of lifting his team to one. Allegedly a no-no.
The Lakers are no sure thing to win the championship with the Celtics healthy and the Magic deep. But you add LeBron and it’s hard to imagine anyone beating them the next three or four years.
The big reason I believe this could occur and work is because James is an unusual superstar. Jordan never would do it, and I doubt Kobe would. But you watched James in the Olympics and he seemed to embrace the supporting role, rebounding and moving the ball. He’s always said he wants to play with those Olympic teammates, and it doesn’t seem like the Cavs payroll can accommodate that.
Yes, James could go to Miami to join Dwyane Wade, and that’s possible. I’ve heard it speculated often and it puts James on the other side of the Finals from the Lakers with the Celtics having a short window. Of course, there is Dwight Howard.
Also, James is a unique superstar because he’s a very willing passer, more so than virtually every league leading scorer.
The Lakers certainly have no salary cap room. They are in no position to pay James, which remains the No. 1 priority for all free agents. James just has to explain to the Cavs he’s leaving. If they don’t accommodate him, he’s going to New York or Miami and they get nothing. But if they do in a sign and trade to save the franchise, they get a young, potential All-Star center in Andrew Bynum. Maybe Lamar Odom as well or Ron Artest. Draft picks, some pieces like Jordan Farmar. The Cavs can compete in the East with a star center and some pieces added to what they have. It’s better than nothing as cap room doesn’t mean anything in Cleveland. No one’s going there.
Look, I believe James has no idea yet what he wants to do next summer. But I also believe the Lakers’ scenario makes the most sense for him if he wants a chance to be considered among the greatest winners of all-time. I believe that’s what he’s about now, and he accomplishes that only with the Lakers.
http://www.nba.com/bulls/news/smith_091 ... l?rss=true
There you go brah. Dont ever say there is no Faker love for you bean boys. 
