NBA Free Agency (LeBron Watch)

[Haynie]

It just came out today that an anonymous NBA executive says LeBron James and Chris Bosh will sign with the Bulls this summer; basically already having a deal in place. It really does make sense when you consider the moves that the Bulls have made and the roster they'll have in place, which will easily win the East.

Also hinting at the movie are the facts that LeBron already put in for the number change (since there's no way he could wear Jordan's 23) and the colors of his new shoes are red and black. I also think it's really interesting that LeBron has said he'll always be loyal to "Akron," his hometown, and never actually said "Cleveland" when making those promises.

If LeBron/Bosh go to Chicago, then I think Miami will sign Amare Stoudemire and Joe Johnson. And if Amare leaves Phoenix, I see Dirk Nowitski signing there to reunite with Steve Nash.

I can't wait for July 1st!

[electrochemical]

Wade and Chris are now on the same team the Heat and Looks like Lebron will stay in Cleveland.

[Haynie]

I don't know, man. Now that Carlos Boozer has just signed with Chicago, I think that makes the Bulls a pretty strong candidate. I also think the Nets are still a very strong choice since they have Brook Lopez, a true center that LeBron will need to battle against Dwight Howard year after year.

If I had to rank the likelihood right now, I'd say...

Chicago
Cleveland
New Jersey
Miami
New York
LA Clippers

[electrochemical]

Yea, I just found out that Boozer went to Chicago, it does make Chi town a strong candidate. His show is sometime tomorrow evening, are you going to watch it?

[Haynie]

Definitely! I think him having his own special to make this announcement is pretty lame, but I guess I'm part of the problem if I'm willing to watch.

[electrochemical]

haha! Yea, that is probably how everyone feels who is watching (myself included). I'll see it too.

[electrochemical]

New report: Via NBA.com, James leaning toward Miami. Cant wait till tonight!

[DCfan60]

could care less. I am too busy watching the Tour de france.

[CowboyzAdam]

Yeah electro I was watching Fox News this morning & they said as well that James was leaning heavily toward playing for Miami which would make it a Dream team.

You all know besides the Lakers Miami is my favorite team. So I would be besides myself if it happened.

[DCfan60]

Adam just picks teams to like that give him a good chance to win.. Pick one team dang it and stay with that team. lol

[CowboyzAdam]

Hey I like teams that suck. I hung in there for many years of suckage with the Canes. I also pull for the Florida Marlins. I pull for the Florida Panthers in Hockey even though I am not a big Hockey fan. How many years did I hang in there with the Cowboys during the crappy years. So you just bite me DC...Ya hear? LMAO

[electrochemical]

Would Miami be unbeatable with all of those guys next year? Man I was just joking when I said to people that they would be on the same team. lol.

And DC, that was funny.

[Deztroyer88]

Hell yes James to Miami is going to be sweet. James Wade Bosh hopefully championship will go to Miami this year!

[Haynie]

I'm so happy this happened. Why? Because I'd love nothing more than to see Kobe win his sixth ring in the wake of "SUPER TEAM" forming. I hope they get to the finals just so Kobe can deliver the F.U. personally and cement his place as the greatest player of the generation.

But sadly, I doubt the Heat even get to the Finals. Who the heck are they going to surround the stars with? You think the likes of Kwame Brown and Adam Morrison are going to contribute to a title team?

[electrochemical]

I'm so happy this happened. Why? Because I'd love nothing more than to see Kobe win his sixth ring in the wake of "SUPER TEAM" forming. I hope they get to the finals just so Kobe can deliver the F.U. personally and cement his place as the greatest player of the generation.

But sadly, I doubt the Heat even get to the Finals. Who the heck are they going to surround the stars with? You think the likes of Kwame Brown and Adam Morrison are going to contribute to a title team?

Wow! Comment of the year right there bro! Exactly what I think too, and surprisingly most other people. Supporting cast is super important. Lakers have a great supporting cast, hell, they have a starter on the bench (Odom) and thier size is a huge advantage. If LA goes against this team in a 7 game series LAL wins hands down, but I think LA will play Orlando or Boston in the finals. LA has a clear path to the finals for sure boys.

They will be motivated to win the championship, FOR PHIL! One last time.

[CowboyzAdam]

Man I am excited to have James Wade & Bosh all together. But if the Lakers & the Heat match-up in the finals....that is going to be tough as hell for me to pick a winner to pull for. So I really don't want to see that match-up.

[Haynie]

Looks like Fisher has rejected Miami's pitch and is returning to the Lakers. I didn't really think he'd leave, but it's still very relieving to see him come back. I know Fish isn't a great player anymore, but his presence is just something I've come to really appreciate and obviously means something to Kobe as well.

Also, Farmar signed with the Nets. I always liked Jordan and hope he does very well. His game was never a great fit for the triangle so I'm not surprised they didn't keep him. I think he's a better player than he's been allowed to show and I think he could really blossom with Avery Johnson's guidance.

[DCfan60]

I for one am glad to see Fisher staying. I think he helps in the locker room with the calm leadership that all teams need.

[Haynie]

So far, here's the team's changes:

Retained: Derek Fisher
Added: Steve Blake, Matt Barnes, Theo Ratliff
Lost: Jordan Farmar

The big question now is what happens to Shannon Brown. If we can bring him back, I LOVE our roster. Barnes was a fantastic addition and will be much better off the bench than either Vujacic or Walton. Ratliff was also a nice signing as, despite being a senior citizen, he's still an upgrade from Mbenga and decent insurance for Bynum.

Also, hearing really good things about our two rookies; Devin Ebanks and Derrick Caracter. Both guys have played well in Summer League. Ebanks is being called "the next Trevor Ariza," and we know how good that can be. Caracter is a lot like Josh Powell but supposedly a lot more aggressive; more of a post-player and a jumpshooter.

[electrochemical]

lol, Shaq to Celtics, can this over the hill guy make himslef look more like a joke? I guess he can. This does not much if anything for the Celtics. At least Favre can still play so Favre can do what he wants, Shaq is not good anymore so he should just retire, no one wants him for more then a season.

Anyway, Lakers look prime for another great season, great additions to the team. I look forward to the start of the season and hopefully the failed experiment in Miami.

[CowboyzAdam]

His goal now Electro is to be the first NBA player to be able to say he actually played for every team in the NBA before he retired.

[electrochemical]

He could do it! He has been on the Magic, Lakers, Suns, Heat, Cavs, and now Boston that is 6/32 or something. Here is to him playing 24 more years, he could do it, not like he can play much worse lol!

[CowboyzAdam]

All he has to do is stand there because he is so dang big and make players have to get around his outstretched arms. LMAO

[electrochemical]

LOL!!! Yea, true, that makes it easier to play till you are 60! HAHAHA!

[electrochemical]

Old news here, Brown is a Laker once more. This team is stacked!