I'm not sure if anybody in the history of professional sports has had more articles written about the future team they may play on than LeBron James. (In fact, I'm not sure if anyone even comes close). And yet, while he'll still be lacing up his sneakers for the Cavs for another five months (at a minimum), here we are again.
According to ESPN's Zach Lowe, the Houston Rockets (current owners of the best record in the NBA, at 25-5) are "likely" to go after LeBron when he hits free agency following the completion of this season. This report comes less than two weeks after USA TODAY's Sam Amick reported that Houston strongly believes they have a realistic shot at the four-time MVP, who will turn 33 later this month.
Of note is that Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta has already stated he'd pay into the luxury tax to ensure his team remains a championship-caliber team. As Lowe writes:
They are underdogs, maybe big ones, but Morey has long promised that he will go for it if he thinks Houston has even a 5 percent chance of winning a ring. He will likely hunt LeBron this summer, per league sources, and hopes to sign Paul to another long-term deal. With Clint Capela and Trevor Ariza headed toward free agency, just bringing this group back could vault Houston well into the luxury tax. Tilman Fertitta, the team's new owner, has said he would pay the tax to preserve a contender.
So far this season, despite being a well worn 32, LeBron has averages of 28.4 points, 8.2 rebounds and 9.2 assists per game. Amazingly/suspiciously those are all up from his career averages in those categories. He will have the option to opt out of his current three-year deal at the end of this year.
Anyway, got to love speculation season Cavs fans. It's only going to get worse from here.
