The Lebron James dilemma

OK. A lot of people consider Lebron James to be the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) basketball player. And he might well be. Everything Michael Jordan could do, LJ could and can do, and a lot of it better. Besides, he's bigger and taller.

To judge a player in a team sport like basketball is a bad gauge. Sure, Mike's got more rings than Lebron, but if championships are all that counts, Bill Russell of the long ago Boston Celtics would be the GOAT. Nobody entertains that idea.

We all know that James started off in Cleveland, couldn't quite get them over the hump for a title, and subsequently joined forces with D-Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami to capture the ring he so coveted. Actually two. Then back to Cleveland, his "home" town, to do the same. A feel good story -- kinda.

But lately, LJ has boxed himself in. If he pursues free agency and goes elsewhere in quest of yet another title, instead of being of thought of as the home town boy -- he'll be considered a mercenary.

On that note, the Cleveland Cavaliers have been struggling this year, at least as far as their standards are concerned. They find themselves 5-6 games behind the Celtics and Toronto Raptors in the eastern conference of the NBA. True, they remain on top in the Central Division, but the rest of the teams there are a sorry bunch.

Yet rumors abound that LJ might find his way to Houston or Golden State sometime soon. If either scenario plays out, that club would be the next "super team", much like the Warriors were when Kevin Durant left Oklahoma City to join them.

But there's the rub. James has a no-trade clause in his contract. The Cavs can't deal him for a few players and draft picks if they decide to go the rebuild route. And the age factor is against him as well. While James is still playing at a very high level, it's only a matter of time before he starts slowing down. Likely soon.

The only way he goes elsewhere is to waive the no-trade clause.

But if he does that, many, especially Cavs fans, will rightly interpret it as James signaling for a trade, even if he doesn't come out and say so.

So it would appear he has two choices.

For better or worse, ride it out in Cleveland, which doesn't look especially promising, given Kevin Love is out again, the continuing rise of the Celtics and Raptors, and likely either the Warriors or Rockets -- both formidable waiting for them in the Finals -- with home court to boot.

Or make a ton of money (which is already is -- and given sponsors -- he doesn't need any more) going elsewhere in pursuit of another ring or three. But in that case his once sterling reputation as a "home town" boy would go up in flames. The only people that WOULDN'T be sniping are those fans of the team he went to.

Sure, he's a lock for the Hall Of Fame.

But how will his legacy, which will last much longer than his playing career, play out? And how important is it to him?

Tough call.

But that's why he gets paid the big bucks -- right?