Could LeBron leave Cleveland again?

[Andrew]

With their recent struggles, the speculation has begun.

LeBron James faced enough scrutiny for leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers earlier in his career that he'd never consider doing it again, right?

Apparently, ESPN's Stephen A. Smith doesn't believe that is the case.

During a recent interview with ESPN Radio's Jorge and Izzy, Smith stated that James could ultimately bolt Cleveland once again if he feels as though he's being taken for granted by the Cavaliers organization.

“What everybody who’s close to him continuously reminds me of is: ‘don’t you dare take LeBron for granted or think he’s trapped into staying in Cleveland just because he came back. Don’t put it past him that he’ll get so annoyed that he’ll leave again if he feels like he’s being taken for granted, ran into the ground and, essentially, misused.”

Smith then doubled down on those comments during Friday's episode of ESPN First Take as he reiterated the fact that LeBron never stated that he'd finish his career in Cleveland after returning to the Cavaliers.

[Patr1ck]

Maybe they just need a new coach. I hear David Blatt is excellent and available.

[big-shot-ROB]

I'm just going to ignore everything A. Smith says from here on now.

[NovU]

It'd be a wise move for LBJ to return to the Heat. Forget Bosh and Wade. New trio will feature Dragic/Whiteside/LBJ. Better than Irving/Love/LBJ.

[Andrew]

After his return to Cleveland a couple of years ago, anything seems possible. Except going to Chicago.

[ThePointForward]

It's gonna be interesting, Miami will have lot of cap space. I'm pretty sure Pat Riley will try to offer LeBron new contract in Miami. Maybe try to talk him into forming up new big lineup with KD?

Though Wade will want to cash out this time around and who knows how much Whiteside will want.

[Andrew]

With a big new cap, it might just be possible.

[Corymach7]

LeBron is staying in Cleveland, while Anthony Davis is spending his entire career in New Orleans.

Rumor has it, those two are staying with their current club until retirement, while Durant is going to Milwaukee from OKC.

[[Q]]

Is he gonna coach?

[Andrew]

Rumor has it, those two are staying with their current club until retirement, while Durant is going to Milwaukee from OKC.

[NovU]

Is there possibility for the Thunder to acquire LBJ while re-signing KD?

Now that would be cool. We would have 2 team league with Spurs right behind them as a reserve contender.

[Andrew]

Not unless there's an astronomical jump in the salary cap, LeBron is willing to take a huge paycut, or there's a sign-and-trade.

[mp3]

Rumor has it, those two are staying with their current club until retirement, while Durant is going to Milwaukee from OKC.

[ Image ]

[Andrew]

Delicious. But let's not forget, if those players do move on, it'll be the sauce of much friction within the fanbases of the Cavaliers and Thunder.

[zz21]

I might have said this before, but I enjoyed watching the Cavs much more when they where losing and Kyrie was doing amazing things. Watching the LeBron Cavs is just stressful because he doesn't know what he's doing. Dribble the clock down to five yourself, settle for a 30+ foot fadeaway, repeat.


Just give the ball to Kyrie and play defense.

[zz21]

Now if fun LeBron ever wants to come back I will welcome him with open arms.

Basketball is a game for children. Have some assemblance of fun please.

[Andrew]

Report: LeBron James and Kyrie Irving have a real disconnect

Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James stated after Monday's loss to the shorthanded Memphis Grizzlies that this roster isn't ready to make a deep run in the playoffs at this time.

While James has maintained that he has no issues with his teammates, namely Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love, Chris Mannix of The Vertical reported on Tuesday that there is a real disconnect between LeBron and Irving.

"Irving remains a dynamic scorer, but the disconnect between Irving and James is real, several scouts and coaches told The Vertical, with the on-court chemistry between the two, said one scout who saw Cleveland play recently, “basically nonexistent.” Team sources insist the relationship is solid, that James is simply teaching, trying to raise Irving's basketball IQ. No one understands Irving's importance more than James, team sources told The Vertical, which is why no one is working harder than James to get the two All-Stars on the same page."

[mp3]

Glanced over the Cavs/Grizzlies game... sure did look like they have some in house problems going on and if he is know to not get on with Kevin Love then it's not great to hear more possible drama

[iamSamke]

I would love to see LeBron in Heat again! Wade, Bosh, Dragon, Whiteside, Justise and King! Dream team!
But I doubt that will happen. If he does that, he would be the most hated person ever.

[Andrew]

If he doesn't feel like the team is moving forward and doing the right thing, that's probably a risk he's willing to take. Perhaps the bigger factor will be whether he wants to uproot his family again. That seemed to be one of the big reasons he was open to returning to Cleveland in the first place.

[mp3]

Funny thing is this team is the team he had a hand in creating so he made his own bed so to speak.

[Andrew]

And probably the most talented team he's been a part of in Cleveland (he was one better ones in Miami, obviously).

[mp3]

If only they had Kendrick Perkins though, that's what's really holding them back

[NovU]

Well. I warned this when LBJ declared he's going back home that it's not for winning but for sentimental reasons.

The Heat were in perfect position to bolster the already championship caliber roster with both Wade and Bosh willing to take a paycut. But some of you LBJ dick riders defended LBJ and argued me to death that overrated Irving's better for LBJ going forward. Well, joke's on you now CLE fans.

What it could have been if LBJ played to his contract in Miami, is astounding.

[benji]

Yeah, those poor Cavs fans having to settle for the third best record in the league and the franchise's third trip to the NBA Finals. LeBron would have been much better off sticking with guys who missed 20 and 38 games last season. And still no bench or extra help.

And hoping Whiteside actually got signed and then discovered before the teams season was too far gone.