The biggest free agent will become available once it’s July 1st, and not many expect him to stay. The Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James has recently been linked to the 76ers, Lakers, and Rockets as potential destinations. These teams could be interesting fits for LeBron when the 2018-2019 NBA season begins. However, the best fit could be a team that is not even on this list.
For the past few years, Toronto has always been considered as a team that was “one piece away” from contending. In 3 of those years, it ended with an exit from LeBron and the Cleveland Cavaliers. What if LeBron was Toronto’s “one piece”? Not just to get out of the east, but to actually win a championship? Here are 3 reasons why the best fit for LeBron should be Toronto.
Team fit
Just like any other team without enough cap space, Toronto would first have to make moves to free up space to even think about getting LeBron. Those moves include getting someone to take on the contracts of Serge Ibaka and Norman Powell. Even with this, the Raptors could still have a lineup of Lowry/DeRozan/OG/ LeBron/Valanciunas.
Teams like the 76ers, Lakers, and Rockets already have someone who plays a similar role to LeBron when controlling the offense (Ben Simmons, Lonzo Ball, Chris Paul, respectively). In addition, two of the three names I listed above are not considered good shooters yet. What made Kyrie Irving so unique on Cleveland was his ability to play off the ball as a versatile scorer. This is a role that Kyle Lowry is familiar with when he shares the court with Fred VanVleet. Kyle also might be the best scorer out of the point guards I listed above.
Also, the main discussion surrounding the Cleveland Cavaliers during this playoff run was the help LeBron received throughout the season. Pairing him with two all-stars and the best bench in the league should provide enough help for next year. Similar to the way they cut Kyle Lowry’s minutes, Toronto’s depth allows LeBron to rest a bit longer than usual.
The City
In Game 6 of the 2016 Eastern Conference Finals, the Raptors were eliminated by Cleveland for the first time. As the teams were leaving the floor, the fans chanted “Lets Go Raptors” as a sign of respect for the great season they had. LeBron himself mentioned that he has never been a part of something like this. The Raptors are already known for having one of the best playoff atmospheres with their tailgate parties at Maple Leaf Square. Adding LeBron James would increase the current playoff atmosphere to new heights.
LeBron has been involved since 2013 with the Caribana Caribbean Festival that runs regularly in Toronto. He was also at the Premier for “The Carter Effect” and even served as an Executive Producer. He also sits down with Drake and Chris Bosh to discuss the way Toronto has affected them.
Competition
The Eastern Conference is known as the weaker conference for a reason. Signing with a non-playoff team like the Lakers might not get you very far from a short-term perspective. The Rockets would be an intriguing fit but still wouldn’t guarantee a finals appearance with the Warriors in their conference. Unless a blockbuster trade were to happen, it would still be easier for Lebron and the Raptors core to get through the 76ers and Celtics.
I have to give credit when credit is due to the Cavaliers for showing up in the Toronto series. At the same time, Toronto had a much better supporting cast and would be more prepared to face this Warriors team.
Why LeBron should consider Toronto
The Raptors has never really been a team that attracts big name free agents. As a top 4 team in the East since 2014 with two all-stars, you would think they can attract other stars or at least draw interest. Toronto is due for that big free agent signing soon enough with all they have accomplished. With a near perfect team fit that allows you to rest, being able to stay in the East, and playing for a city you’re already connected to, Toronto possibly makes the most sense for LeBron. Hopefully, he agrees when free agency officially begins on July 1st.