LeBron James could leave the Cavaliers this summer, and the Rockets have been frequently mentioned as a possibility.
They’re the NBA’s second-best team, and LeBron has spoken of a desire to play on teams that can compete with the NBA’s elite. Houston can already hang with the Warriors. LeBron could put the Rockets over the top.
Houston also has (and probably will keep) Chris Paul, LeBron’s friend. That’s important to LeBron.
So, could LeBron really join the Rockets?
Chris Haynes of ESPN on the TK Show:
It’s unclear who’s kiboshing LeBron to the Rockets.
It could be LeBron. James Harden and Paul need the ball a lot, and LeBron might not see the fit as ideal.
It could be the Rockets. They’re already very good and could likewise see LeBron as too large a disruption to their system.
It could be the Cavaliers. The ideal way to get LeBron to Houston would be an opt-in-and-trade, a la Paul last year, and Cleveland might not want to participate.
So, where does that leave LeBron? His list was rumored to be comprised of only the Cavs, Lakers, Rockets and 76ers. The Lakers are reportedly a longshot. The 76ers are in disarray. Maybe we can cross off the Rockets.
At this point, it wouldn’t be surprising if LeBron stays in Cleveland.