It took the OKC Thunder four games to send LeBron James and his Lakers packing this postseason. Los Angeles was embarrassed by an unrelenting attack featuring head coach Mark Daigneault's deep rotation.
Now entering the offseason as an unrestricted free agent, he possesses the power to enact his revenge on the defending champs, and the ball is completely in the King's court.
On a recent episode of ESPN's First Take, Stephen A. Smith speculated on James' eagerly-awaited decision.
"[LeBron] could go to Cleveland, because, as a free agent, with the pieces they have, they wouldn't need to trade anybody for you to add to that mix. You'd automatically be the favorites in the East. Or you could go to New York City, because they wouldn't have to give anything up either... Or you could go to Golden State and decide to team up with Steph Curry," Smith said,
His comments come after he slights fellow Laker Austin Reaves for not being as good a compliment to Luka Doncic as LeBron. But with his numerous ideas for possible future destinations, it's clear Smith believes the Lakers need James more than James needs the Lakers.
At 41, James is clearly in the twilight of his career, but one thing is clear: he is still highly effective, even posting 23.3 points-per-game in the four matches against the league's best defense this postseason.
Smith clearly agrees, as he has encouraged the future Hall of Famer to go to a team that is already in contention in pursuit of his fifth ring.
LeBron's future may come down to who has best chance to beat Thunder
By this point, it's clear LeBron's best value to a team is as a second or third option on offense. His 20.9 points in the regular season are nothing to scoff at, but said production is far from the level he has flashed during other playoff runs throughout his career.
Pairing with either Donovan Mitchell in Cleveland or Jalen Brunson in New York could make for lethal combinations, especially when both teams already boast a collection of proficient scorers around their respective stars.
Even the tandem of Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler out in Golden State could present a solid foundation for James to join.
With two of the three of those teams still in this year's playoff race, the acquisition of the veteran star could provide him with one last opportunity to topple the dynasty-puruing Thunder and enact his revenge on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and company.
Time is running out, though.
James isn't getting any younger, and he will have to choose wisely if he wants to secure a chance at one last title before he rides off into the sunset.
But one thing is certain -- regardless of who he chooses to team up with, the idea of toppling the top-dog Thunder will assuredly be one of his primary deciding factors.
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