Previously, Grandmaster Sports Handicapper Joe Duffy told you that LeBron James is a virtual lock to be on the New York Knickerbockers in 2010-11. ScoresOddsPicks Shane Matthews has his take.
There's no point waiting any longer. The moment the Boston eliminated the Cleveland Cavaliers last week, the questions about where LeBron James will sign began. Here's a look at the current sportsbook favorites in NBA futures for LeBron's potential new homes (alphabetical).
CHICAGO BULLS (+150)
It's one of the top markets available for LeBron and it has the rich history of a man LeBron James idolizes. We can't underestimate LeBron's reverence of Michael Jordan; after all, he's changing his number away from 23 to honor him. Also, John Calipari, the coach LeBron reportedly wants, coached Derrick Rose at Memphis. This rumor has legs.
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (-150)
NBA betting fans can't rule out Cleveland just because it's the "boring" choice. LeBron has enjoyed pretty solid success there and, after all, it's his home town. If the Cavs get him his coach and show a commitment to giving him more support, he might stay.
LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS (+1000)
Let's just move on. Call me crazy but I seriously doubt an ego like LeBron wants to share a city – and an arena – with Kobe Bryant.
MIAMI HEAT (+600)
It may be the most attractive destination from a lifestyle perspective. Also, Dwyane Wade is the most talented possible teammate available for LeBron to play with. Still, I don't see it happening. Both guys like to be the primary ball carrier. It makes more sense to see each of them paired with one of Chris Bosh, Carlos Boozer or Amare Stoudemire.
NEW JERSEY NETS (+400)
Perhaps no team is better equipped to retool quickly than the Nets. A lottery pick could land them John Wall and their new billionaire owner is ready to throw his wallet at two monster free agents. The Nets could potentially surround LeBron with more talent than any other suitor but New Jersey itself could be the least desirable city to play in.
NEW YORK KNICKS (+200)
It's the basketball Mecca, it has the money to make a big splash on two max-money players and it would be great for basketball to see the Knicks on top again. There's no total guarantee that LeBron would have a better supporting cast in New York than he had in Cleveland, but I'm not sure he can resist the temptation of playing in NYC.
While we still have almost two months until LeBron hits the market, I'll make an educated guess. Cleveland isn't out of the hunt but the way King James quit on the team last week makes me believe he wants out. The Bulls will tempt him mightily but I'm not sure if LeBron wants to live in Jordan's shadow. I think LeBron succumbs for the bright lights of New York, New York. He loves the spotlight. After all, this is a guy who's already hosted the ESPYs and Saturday Night Live.
Today's free pick: Knicks +200
