Steve Mitchell – USA Today Sports Images
We haven’t even tipped off the 2013-14 NBA season and the Lebron James-free agency buzz has already started. Of course it’s way too early for such chatter, but this is 2013 and that’s what people do. It needs to be pointed out that James controls everything when it comes to his status as a free agent. He can choose to opt out after this season and become unrestricted. I’m of the mind that he will only do so if the Miami Heat fall short of another title.
I don’t think it’s possible for him to win a third straight championship and just walk away. That would just be insane. But if the Heat don’t pull off the three-peat, I don’t think there’s any question that he’s gone.
To this point, James hasn’t said anything about next summer besides that he doesn’t know what the future holds. He says he’d like to stay in Miami, but he’s not willing to commit to it. On top of that, he also made an interesting comment in a recent interview with Women’s Daily Wear (random). When asked if weather would factor into the decision part two, this is what the world’s best player had to say:
“I miss the slower pace back home but have grown used to my new city’s little perks like fresh fish and sweet fruit. It will definitely be someplace warm. I don’t want to go back to cold winters.”
Related: 5 Reasons the Heat Will Win the 2013-14 NBA Championship
So for Cleveland Cavaliers‘ fans hoping that James might want to return home, it doesn’t look good at this point. At the same time, I don’t think you can read too much into one comment he made in an interview. I could easily see him playing for the New York Knicks in the future. As for those that think he could head west to Los Angeles, I’m not buying that at all.
The safe bet is that Lebron will stay in Miami. However, it’s a championship or bust situation.
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