As many anticipated, the Cleveland Cavaliers are struggling to find chemistry in their first season as a super-team. LeBron James has played just 29 games with his new teammates, and we are already talking about the possibility of him ditching his hometown fans once again.
In a report that highlights some of the issues the Cavs are having with head coach David Blatt, Chris Haynes of Cleveland.com said he would not rule out LeBron opting out of his contract at the end of the season and signing elsewhere.
James, who turns 30 today, has no intention of compromising his prime years playing for a sputtering organization. He can opt out of his contract at the end of the season and become a free agent.
Given the massive scrutiny he would endure if he departed Cleveland a second time, if his hand is forced, I’m told he won’t hesitate to make the appropriate business decision if it means bolting.
LeBron is going to opt out of his contract, but only to get his hands on some more cash with the salary cap projected to increase dramatically. With the way James has played up the homecoming angle, leaving after one rough season — if the Cavs even have one — would be disastrous for his image.
If LeBron isn’t getting along with Blatt (and he didn’t exactly give his coach a ringing endorsement on Monday), the Cavs will simply let James hand-pick a new coach next offseason. They’ll do anything they can — both financially and with personnel — to keep him happy.
LeBron turned 30 on Tuesday. He has won two NBA championships, and he knows he is not going to catch Michael Jordan’s six. By winning just one in Cleveland, LeBron can write one of the most remarkable comeback stories in sports history. He’s not going anywhere.
