Pelica Debrief
Fansided

LeBron James Probably Isn’t Coming To New Orleans, And That’s Ok

By Mark Nilon

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 18: LeBron James #23 of Team LeBron celebrates with teammate Anthony Davis #23 after the end of the NBA All-Star Game 2018 at Staples Center on February 18, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. Team LeBron won the game 148-145. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 18: LeBron James #23 of Team LeBron celebrates with teammate Anthony Davis #23 after the end of the NBA All-Star Game 2018 at Staples Center on February 18, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. Team LeBron won the game 148-145. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

With another year comes another guessing game as to where the almighty LeBron James will take his talents. Currently, players and front offices alike are gearing up for the recruiting process to commence. However, for many, this activity will simply be a lost cause. Though there are a plethora of quality options for where James could potentially land, in the end there can only be one. As for the New Orleans Pelicans, despite the fact that they would be a solid destination for LBJ, as of now they seem to be a long shot to land the future Hall of Famer.

Though the NBA Free Agency period hasn’t officially started, speculations as to where this years most desired individuals may land has already begun. Through the use of social media, fans and players have reached out to those on the open market with all sorts of sales pitches. One player in particular has received much of the spotlight in this department – LeBron James.

It’s no secret that any franchise would be lucky to have the talents of James on their roster. What he can do on the court is rivaled by few others throughout the games history. Many media sites have been pushing out their own articles discussing LBJ joining specific franchises, with their own reasonings included. Among the destinations discussed, New Orleans has in fact been mentioned. While the idea of an Anthony Davis/ LeBron James pairing is a fun one to imagine, it is very unlikely to become a reality.

Ahead of NOLA in the betting order are the likes of Los Angeles (Lakers & Clippers), Houston and Philadelphia, to name a few. On most charts, the Pelicans don’t even rank among the top ten. When asked about his upcoming free agency, James stated his family will be the biggest factor in his decision making this summer.

MUST READ: Alvin Gentry And Pelicans Agree On Two-Year Contract Extension

"“Understanding especially where my boys are at this point in their age. They were a lot younger the last time I made a decision like this four years ago. I’ve got a teenage boy, a pre-teen and a little girl that wasn’t around as well. So sitting down and considering everything, my family is a huge part of whatever I’ll decide to do in my career, and it will continue to be that.”-LeBron James on free agency decision"

Dwyane Wade, a “Banana Boat” member and future HOF’er, said James’ decision wont be entirely about basketball.

"“Obviously, he’s shown this year he can get to the Finals no matter what the circumstances are. I don’t really think, for him, it’s a basketball decision of saying, ‘Oh, let me go team up with three All-Stars.’ ”-Dwyane Wade on LeBron James"

If the decision were to be solely based on basketball, NOLA would be a serious contender to land LBJ. Teaming up with Anthony Davis, Jrue Holiday, Rajon Rondo and possibly even DeMarcus Cousins would seem to be a solid foundation for a championship run. However, it appears that his main priority this offseason will be about more than the game. The focus will be on his family which, frankly, is pretty darn sweet. Because of this, Cleveland and Los Angeles seem to hold the best odds of landing the four-time MVP.

Next: Four Free Agent Options The New Orleans Pelicans Should Consider

Should he decide to ink a deal with NOLA, there is no question that they would automatically become title favorites. However, this marriage is one that is destined to remain a dream. Though he probably wont sign with the Pelicans, New Orleans is without a doubt a franchise fit for a king.