The time has come for LeBron James to begin his next, next, next, next chapter. After informing the Los Angeles Lakers that he would not be returning, fans everywhere have been speculating where LeBron could go.
Many reports suggest that James would be willing to accept a veteran minimum contract. This means that he could essentially play for whoever he wants, as every team can afford such a small deal. Naturally, James is likely to join a contender where he can add more rings to his collection. Rumors of a team-up with Steph Curry in Golden State, Giannis Antetokounmpo in Miami, or even a return to Cleveland have all surfaced.
There is one team, though, that has started to pop up in LeBron conversations. A team with a superstar he’d love to play with that has plenty of supplementary contributors.
That team is the Denver Nuggets.
Eliminating the Other Options
Obviously, huge markets, big-name players, and other flashy factors will play a role in LeBron’s decision. However, for now, let’s focus on the logistics.
Championships are seldom won by just superstars. Teams need balance, chemistry, depth, leadership, and other qualities that are not automatically solved by “superteams.” Organizations that forgo these virtues end up paying the price. Players like Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook prove this time and again. Don’t believe me? Ask Nets, Rockets, Suns, Wizards, and Clippers fans.
Sure, James would likely love to play with Curry. But what happens when one of them gets hurt? Suddenly, his last chances at a championship rest on the shoulders of players like Brandin Podziemski and Yaxel Lendeborg. Additionally, if the Warriors trade for Anthony Davis to pair with James and Curry, as they have been rumored to want to do, the supporting cast would be even worse.
The Cavaliers are a well-constructed team. They have shooting, rim protection, and depth. However, Harden, Mitchell, and James sharing the court would not work out. All three are incredibly ball-dominant players who would struggle to gel together. Plus, James is likely going to want to team up with a true A+ superstar, and the Cavaliers have nobody who fits that description.
The Heat are a very interesting option. James wanting to team up with Antetokounmpo is very plausible. Plus, with Bam Adebayo, Davion Mitchell, Andrew Wiggins, and intriguing depth pieces, Miami certainly fits the mold. Like Cleveland, though, their concern already lies with team fit. Many are already wondering how Antetokounmpo and Adebayo will be able to coexist. Now throw James into the mix, and the water becomes even murkier. Not to mention, a starting lineup with Antetokounmpo, Adebayo, and James would struggle drastically from three at a time when threes are everything.
Why are the Nuggets a Fit for LeBron James?
From a roster perspective, Denver is the place to be. Jamal Murray, Cameron Johnson, and Aaron Gordon are all great shooters who would love to spot up as James facilitates. However, if he wants to relax or needs help, all three of those guys can also create their own shot. Despite Christian Braun‘s flaws, he is a great slasher who would pair well with James. Meanwhile, assuming the Nuggets bring back Watson, he could effortlessly cover for him on the defensive end.
Already, the fit makes sense, and we haven’t even gotten to Jokic yet.
Jokic will make James’ life a dream. If James wants the ball, it will appear in his hands immediately. When he makes a cut, Jokic will fire an absolute dime. If he wants to take a play off, all James has to do is throw it into the three-time MVP and watch him work. Jokic’s rebounding will make his life easier and ensure him extra opportunities. Additionally, with Jokic and James heading leadership roles, everyone on the Nuggets will get right in line.
Meanwhile, the stars have begun to align. James and Jokic have already played together in three All-Star games, with several funny moments having gone viral. Additionally, James has, on numerous occasions, expressed his admiration for Jokic’s game.
But that’s not all. If James takes a minimum deal, the Nuggets would be able to justify bringing back Watson, who could be the difference between winning a ring and not.
And who is Watson’s agent? Oh, that’s right, he’s a Klutch client.
Denver Is Going to Be LeBron’s Best Place to Ring Chase
Sure, the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder are very tough competition. But otherwise, the West is far more open than the East. Should he join the Cavaliers or Heat, James would have to run through a gauntlet against Jalen Brunson and the Knicks, Joel Embiid and the newly formidable 76ers, and Jayson Tatum and the still-dangerous Boston Celtics. That’s not even to mention Cade Cunningham‘s Pistons, Kawhi Leonard‘s Raptors, and Tyrese Haliburton‘s Pacers, plus the Hawks, Magic, Hornets, and whichever of the two Eastern conference teams he does not join.
Meanwhile, Denver essentially already has a top-four seed locked up. Having played in the Western Conference for the last eight years, LeBron is far more familiar and comfortable there.
The Nuggets have the elite superstar to pair with James, which is more than most teams can say. They also have other great pieces, which even fewer teams can say. They have the path, they have championship and veteran experience, and credible insiders like ESPN’s Brian Windhorst are giving them a real shot.
Denver has already reached out to James. Now all they can do is wait to see if the king will come to bring them their crown.
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