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NBA Rumors: Would LeBron James Leave Cleveland If He Wins A Championship?

By Michael Saenz

May 19, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates after defeating the Toronto Raptors 108-89 in game two of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
May 19, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates after defeating the Toronto Raptors 108-89 in game two of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
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NBA Rumors: As rumors continue to swirl about the possibility, we debate why LeBron James leaving Cleveland – again – would make absolutely no sense

If you believe what Stephen A. Smith seems to be selling right now, yes. However, assuming you understand how LeBron James works, especially as a brand, I don’t think anyone believes that it would make much sense for him to leave Cleveland.

Again.

In the words of ESPN’s Smith, he says that LeBron isn’t a lock to remain in Cleveland if he can lead the Cavaliers to an NBA Championship this season. And with the Golden State Warriors struggling with the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals, considering that LeBron has owned Kevin Durant in head-to-head matchups during their time in the NBA, the idea of the Cavs winning it all this season isn’t so outlandish.

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This one by Smith is, though:

"[ESPN]LeBron James promised the city of Cleveland, “I’m coming back to bring you that elusive title that has escaped this city since 1964.” He never said anything about staying once he does accomplish that.I’m in Miami last week. I’m in Miami a few months ago. Skip Bayless, I’m hearing about a return to Miami if this man wins. He ain’t going nowhere if he loses. But, if he wins, his options are open. LA, but especially Miami, a return to South Beach.Look man, there’s a lot going on. And there’s a lot riding on him winning. Losing changes everything, because it keeps there in Cleveland. But more importantly, it keeps him stuck, because he knows he can’t leave until he fulfills his promise. And if you can’t because you’re not a champion, that’s far worse than just choosing to stay because you want to.It’s going to get very interesting. Keep your eyes on it."

Technically, LeBron didn’t say that he was going to remain with the Cleveland Cavaliers for the remainder of his career, nor did he say that he would never leave again. All he said is that he wants to “win one for The Land’. That’s understandable.

However, there are a few things wrong with this thinking by Smith.

For one, why on earth would LeBron leave a champion? He’s not going to leave the Cavs without a title defense, at the very least.

And second, why would he undo all the good that he’s done for Cleveland over the past two years. He was a hated man. Now, he’s the savior. Would he be willing to take that risk again? Doubt it.

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LeBron left Cleveland and did his thing in Miami. He won two NBA Championships. He’s in Cleveland now, and isn’t going anywhere. And that’s perfectly fine.

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