Houston Rockets strongly believe they can sign LeBron James
What's the story?
Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James is set to become a free agent this summer, and many teams are rumoured to have a chance to land The King. The team with the best record in the NBA right now, the Houston Rockets, think they can be the team to sign him.
In case you didn't know...
The drama surrounding LeBron James and free agency is nothing new. In the offseason of 2010, LeBron James had his own ESPN special called "The Decision" to announce what team he was going to play for in the upcoming season.
He would choose the Miami Heat, and the entire situation would upset the Cleveland fanbase, who thought their hometown hero turned his back on them and basically rubbed it in their face by having his own ESPN special to announce he was leaving Cleveland.
The heart of the matter...
According to Sam Amick of USA Today, there is a "strong" belief among the front office of Houston that they will be able to sign LeBron in the offseason. Amick also noted that several executives around the league have the same strong belief as they try to jockey for LeBron's services next season.
There is a lot of legwork that would need to be done in order to get LeBron to Houston, including finding someone for Ryan Anderson's contract, and if it is possible, keeping Chris Paul in addition to signing LeBron to a major deal.
Other possible landing spots for James next season include the Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers, and re-signing with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
What's next?
The Houston Rockets are firmly focused on this season as they hold the league's best record at 20-4. They are currently taking on the New Orleans Pelicans (14-13), and that game is currently airing on NBA TV.
Author's take...
Saying is one thing, but doing is another, and I don't know if Houston will be able to do enough to make room for LeBron next season. My gut says he's going to Los Angeles, even though Philadelphia is very intriguing with the young talent they have. Never count out home, either.