Why the Cavaliers Could Be the Wrong Fit for LeBron James

The final chapter of LeBron James’ basketball life story is about to be written.

Not even the editor is leaking how it’s going to finish.

But this much we know: It won’t be a fairy-tale ending.

LeBron is said to be pondering three teams as his next -- and presumably last -- employer: the Heat, the 76ers and the Cavaliers.

All are intriguing in a different way.

In Miami, he’d get to form a new “Tres Am Egos” with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo and make the Heat an instant title contender.

But look what happened last time he went South Beaching with two buddies – four straight trips to the NBA Finals, two championships and nothing but ridicule.

In Philadelphia, he’d get a chance to play along Joel Embiid, who is healthy less often than Anthony Davis, and Jaylen Brown, who has more issues than Luka Doncic. Been there, done both of that.

They could win a championship and it would still be a miserable experience.

That pretty much leaves Cleveland. In fact, it’s a no-brainer.

Only two problems: LeBron would be bad for the Cavaliers, and the Cavaliers would be bad for LeBron.

Other than that, everything’s wonderful.

A week ago, you had to wonder if LeBron had the Cavaliers on his list only as a courtesy, and the Cavaliers only leaked pseudo interest in LeBron just to be able to say they did.

But now a third marriage is looking more and more likely to occur, despite having the manufactured stench of an athlete signing a one-day contract so he can retire with his favorite team.

Two years from now, OK. But as he demonstrated at age 41 last season, when he averaged better than 20 points before saving some postseason magic for Kevin Durant, LeBron isn’t ready for a retirement tour just yet.

As he attempts to pass Michael Jordan once and for all in the NBA GOAT race, LeBron could still be a difference-maker for needy teams like the Nuggets, Warriors, Timberwolves and Spurs. Yes, the Heat as well.

But not the Cavaliers. Not THESE Cavaliers.

Remember the first thing that came out of Cavs HQ following their loss to the Knicks in the Eastern finals? Owner Dan Gilbert insisted his team is ready to win.

It’s easy to see how someone even far less biased than Gilbert could draw that conclusion. The Cavaliers have one of the best big-man tandems in Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, and one of the highest scoring backcourts in Donovan Mitchell and James Harden.

What the Cavaliers need is a defensive-minded swingman and depth at guard. LeBron provides neither.

Simply stated, if LeBron were to join the Cavaliers, they wouldn’t be able to play their best five players at the same time, because nobody could guard a small forward. LeBron is still great, but he retired from that duty about a decade ago.

Adding LeBron isn’t a bad thing, but only if Mobley were traded. Under better circumstances, Jimmy Butler or Kawhi Leonard would fit perfectly.

Heck, you know who would have been ideal? Jaylen Brown. Brad Stevens haters would have far less to complain about if he’d landed Mobley instead of Paul George.

Maybe it’s part of the plan. Maybe this is why we’re waiting so long for what appears to be a formality.

Maybe Michael Porter Jr., Trey Murphy III or Jaden McDaniels is still in play.

The Nets might even throw in Terance Mann; the Pelicans could be talked into Herb Jones; the Timberwolves might attach Donte DiVincenzo. Mobley has that kind of clout.

In either case, you get a team that's deeper, fits together better …

AND HAS LEBRON JAMES.

Opponents wouldn’t be presenting LeBron with a new hybrid driver in pregame ceremonies next season.

They’d be handing him an all-expenses-paid trip to St. Andrews, hoping he’d make use of it in April or May.

– Field Level Media