Stephen A Smith: Chris Paul says Lebron wants to be in LA (+ stuff on PG)

Yea enough about Lebron, I'd like to know what morey has got planned.

 

Not totally, pressure can be built before he opt in, so rockets could have framework of the deal with CLE before he opt in? Is that possible?

 

Max Kellerman says...

 

Maybe CP3 is just making Lebron's second decision easier by stating the fait accompli.

 

The thing is, it doesn't have to be fake... just misleading.

If this is true (I doubt CP says any of this to anyone outside the Houston brass) it would coincide with the report that was made about Lebron not wanting to come to Houston because he doesn't like it here.

Although, I agree that everyone here has a right to be skeptical about what is being reported. There have been plenty of times that SAS has been just plain WRONG or late on breaking a story on a player coming to the Rockets (whether it be Dwight or CP most recently).

Regardless everyone is entitled to believe what they want. I always take every "insider's" take or opinion into account before making my own judgement, but it is what it is.... every f***in body has an opinion thanks to the internet.

 

I agree, cp is a huge asset on and off the court. It’s like having an extra coach on the floor and an extra gm in the offseason. He’s been great. Can’t wait for the Morey/CP tamdom to start working some magic.

 

if Lebron would actually pick LA even if PG wasn’t there, then his wife and kids basically told him that he either stays in Cleveland, or goes to LA where they’re already comfortable...they want no parts of Houston

the only hope is that our basketball pitch is convincing enough for Lebron to overrule what everyone else in his family/team want

 

I tend to agree with this. LeBron's 'The Decision' was a b**** ass move. LeBron to LA is a dumb ass move. To me this will put pressure on GSW to stay intact with Durant. You will then only have GSW, HOU and LAL as true competitors. Additionally a LeBron to LA only means he is still drawn to the bright lights and glamour. He may get another ring or two, but he will still be LeBron ... trying to play coach and GM. I don't think LeBron has learned much over the years. Phenomenal player but a bit dense when it comes to the rest.

 

I seriously think we’re 3rd at best behind LA and OKC in the Paul George sweepstakes

this offseason could get real disappointing

 

He needs to just leave his family then. Let his wife remarry or something. I'm tryna get that ship.

 

I didn't know that, but I recall that Kobe was angry at Dwight even before going back to LA for the last
time. Anyway, I don't think this has anything to do with Lebron. If Morey can give him the max without breaking the core of the team, there might be a remote chance of Lebron coming to Houston. On the other hand, his decision to LA might be a fait accompli statement given initially by CP3, to make things easier for him.

 

I think our chances of getting PG13 are 0%.

He can opt out and renegotiate a max deal with OKC (which I tend to believe he's going to do) or opt out and sign with the Lakers for a new max. He would have to opt-in to his contract to get traded to Houston. Problem is, he's in the last year of a contract he signed 4 years ago. He can earn a looot more than the $20 million he's making now if he were to negotiate a new contract.

At least in LeBron's case, he's already making $35 million. His new deal would still be higher -- but less-so than George's gap between his current $20 million salary and the money he would make on a new deal after opting out.

 

We check off absolutely every single box on a list of everything I think he’d be looking for besides location. I think it’s either Houston or LA and that’s it.

 

You're correct. The 5.3 M MLE might not be enough, to acquire Tyreke Evans. Eric Gordon and picks are the only assets than Morey has. That is unlikely to yield much. Eric should be retained, if the return is minimal.

 

La la la Stephen A this, Max Kellerman that.

 

i'm just gonna wait for @ch44 to chime in

 

He'll only get another ring or two if he gets PG13 and one other established star via trade. But if George resigns with OKC, I don't get the logic behind signing with the Lakers if his goal is to win more championships.

 

I know Lebron has said he still wants to contend (Lebron also probably believes he can contend anywhere) but at the same time he has won 3 championships and 1 for Cleveland. I could see him saying f*ck it and fading away into the sunset in LA.

 

I agree, it’s primarily between Houston and LA. The Cavs will only be in play if they can pull off something major which is unlikely.

this will come down to family and team happiness/desires or basketball reasons

 

Damn shame he/she doesn't post more often. Feel as tho he/she is the most legit insider we have