Philly able to take Lebron using nothing but cap space is definitely the best location from a title perspective (assuming he's not willing to take a below market deal), but at this point it seems like winning another title isn't the deciding factor for him. I think if the Lakers had been remotely competitive this postseason he would have been a lock to return, but he and AD combined for 147 games (their most in 6 years) and they still finished with the 8th best record in the west and likely 0 playoff wins. The Clippers suggestion was a joke, but I really do think the biggest draw for remaining with the Lakers is just the ability to stay in LA, which theoretically puts them on the same level as the Clippers.
Good point. It does feel like "winning another title" isn't at the top of Bron's agenda anymore.
He seems much more focused on the
King James empire, which means getting his kid a Thanasis deal, building up his bank to get an ownership stake in the future Vegas team, record/stat chasing, & more Hollywood productions.
Staying with the Lakers helps all four of those endeavors. Plus he & Klutch can pull the puppet strings behind the scenes in LA, while retaining little on-court accountability, which suits his persona.
Laker playoff blame will be leveled at Ham Sandwich, Palinka's inactivity at the trade deadline, & all the players around Bron/AD.