Lebron James rumors

It seems like they never stop. They being what team Lebron James may play for next.

Hoop fans know that LJ is a native of Akron, Ohio, and the closest thing he has to a "home town" team is the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he's currently doing his second tour of duty.

We can recall when the pro basketball world held its breath, particularly those in Cleveland, as Lebron approached free agency the first time around. With much fanfare he finally announced he was "taking his talents" to the Miami Heat.

This was likely due to James realizing he'd never win the championship(s) he so coveted while with the then version of the Cavaliers. So he, along with Chris Bosh, headed south to join forces with Dwyane Wade and create a "super team". Per his own words they would win not one, not three, not four, etc titles. While there he would win two.

Back in Cleveland, his former fans/groupies were busy burning his jerseys. They felt betrayed.

After several years in South Beach, free agency beckoned again. It was pretty much universally accepted that the only team Lebron would play for besides the Heat, was where he had started, and what passed for home.

So he went back to Cleveland. Those that had once loved, then spurned him, now loved him again.

This is all quite understandable and reasonable. Few considered James a mercenary. Sure, he originally wanted to win with the Cavs, but couldn't get them over the top. So he went elsewhere where he could and did win championships. Then back home to try it again. Indeed, just a couple years ago, he and the Cavs upset the Golden State Warriors and captured another title. Cleveland was delirious with joy.

But now that pesky free agency has reared its head once again.

And rumors abound James might go elsewhere to join a "better" team, much like he did with the Heat several years before.

In particular, the Houston Rockets and the Golden State Warriors themselves have been floated about.

Thing is, if James were to abandon ship again in quest of another ring, all the reasoning mentioned above would go out the window. He would truly and justifiably be perceived as a mercenary with loyalty to none but himself. The Cleveland folks might have round two of jersey burning, or of Lebron in effigy. Let's just say being spurned again likely wouldn't go over very well with Cavs fans.

The Rockets. If LJ went to Houston to join the likes of Chris Paul and James Harden, they would likely be right on a par, if not better than the existing Warriors. But in order to fit James' sure max-contract into their salary cap structure, a few other players would have to go. How would the chemistry work out? Nobody knows.

The Warriors. The knee-jerk reaction is to assume if LJ teamed up with the likes of Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and that bunch, they'd be virtually unbeatable.

But not so fast. Like the Rockets, a few guys would have to go, most likely Klay Thompson being at the head of the list. And Durant would probably have to eat a big pay cut to accommodate LJ's sure-fire max salary and stay under the cap.

Chances are, KD, every bit the player LJ is, wouldn't be too fond of the "new guy" outearning him.

Forcing Lebron into that equation could well backfire and upset the proverbial apple cart. There could be some serious ego problems for coach Steve Kerr to have to deal with.

And hey, the Warriors are already the best team in the league. Would they dare fool with that chemistry trying to get even better? It could well come back to bite them. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Regardless, if James leaves Cleveland again, his once stellar image will take a beating from all sides except the team he goes to. And, as mentioned just above, even THAT team could have some headaches.

If he wants to continue to look like a nice guy, LJ has pretty well boxed himself in. Stay in home town Cleveland and everything's just peachy with his reputation. Go any place else, again, and titles or not, he'll get slaughtered by the media.

For his own sake, here's hoping The "King" thinks long and hard about all this.

The world will definitely be watching.