The Denver Nuggets face LeBron and the new-look Lakers in Sunday’s preseason opener. What if free agency had played out differently?
Cameras flashed countless times. Excessive tweeting nearly broke the internet. The Decision 3.0 proved to be LeBron’s juiciest…he was taking his talents west. Yet, out of the smoke, something seemed off. The Lakers finished 11th in the conference last year. The West didn’t turn meek during the off-season. What did LeBron see in Los Angeles that other teams like the Denver Nuggets didn’t have?
Could it solely involve LA’s substantial market?
But this isn’t what The Decision 3.0 came down to…is it? Getting noticed more? ‘Bron is the best player in the world…he’d receive attention in Alaska. Seemingly, the selection was more complex than this. His family had a say…perhaps they preferred Los Angeles? Maybe the Lakers’ legacy was too much to pass up. But is team history more important to LeBron’s last segment than winning?
If LeBron wanted to win, Denver provides a better opportunity than almost anywhere. The Mile High boasts one of the league’s best young cores. The offense is unselfish, free-flowing, and the perfect environment for LeBron to post high numbers. All without the burden to self-create.
Denver would prove the better basketball home for LeBron.
Let’s examine tools at King James’ disposal, had Denver won the sweepstakes.