Sir Charles in Charge
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The Decision 3.0: What each contender should be rooting for if they want LeBron

By David Early

BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 11: Lebron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts in the second half during a game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on February 11, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 11: Lebron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts in the second half during a game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on February 11, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – FEBRUARY 3: Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets tries to block LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Quicken Loans Arena on February 3, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – FEBRUARY 3: Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets tries to block LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Quicken Loans Arena on February 3, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

ROCKETS: The Favorite

The odds on favorite in my book, this is maybe the most important domino in our equation. If you thought Kevin Durant faced criticism for joining The Warriors, (remember that 73 win team didn’t even win the title) how enticing of a narrative would it be for LeBron’s final chapter if the games best player signed with the defending champion? In my humble opinion, it’s not enticing at all.

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But for Rockets fans, this is sort of win-win then isn’t it? You win the title, or you remain the favorites to sign LeBron James! No team other than the Warriors would offer a better path to glory than Houston. That path for LeBron coming looks like this:

You win a couple rounds and you lose a heartbreaking series to Golden State. Ryan Anderson shoots the ball well and holds his own on defense. Remember you’re going to need to trade him to make this all happen, something you couldn’t do last summer (whew) when you wanted Carmelo Anthony (yes you actually did).

You’ll probably have to renounce keys guys like Trevor Ariza, Luc Mbah a Moute, and in some scenarios, even Clint Capela. That would hurt but it’s ultimately worth it. It’s a real good time to be a Houston fan.

Even one of your nightmare scenarios has a silver lining. As disappointing as it would be to lose a playoff series to The Thunder, it might be exciting enough of an upset for Paul George to stay put.

Cavs fans, if you made it this far, the Rockets winning the finals, but Paul George not wanting to leave OKC would greatly reduce both the Rockets chances and this next team’s.

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