What Does the Future Hold for LeBron James?

After a disappointing loss to the Celtics in a 6 game battle for a Championship seat, the Cavaliers have found their season over. After a very sad performance in game 5, LeBron James was able to redeem himself in Game 6, but Cleveland was unable to come up with the win. With a final score of 94 to 85, LeBron's triple double was for naught, and the Cavaliers were sent home. With that defeat, LBJ is now a free agent, although not officially until July. So this brings a lot of questions as to where King James will play next year. The way he nearly ripped his jersey off after the game may not have been the signal that many of the Cleveland fans would want, but no one really knows right now where he will be.

The plot seems to thicken as news has now broken that Mike Brown may be fired now. There is a lot of speculation that this is tied to the LeBron James drama. Firing a winning coach after a deep push into the postseason is a bit odd for a team to do, but firing a coach in an attempt to keep a player may be a little more far-fetched. This may be true though. The Cavaliers have put a lot behind LeBron James and have gone outside their comfort zone to build a team behind him. With all of this effort, it is very difficult to believe that the Cavs will just roll over and let LeBron walk. If they cannot bring him back, then there will be a mad scramble to replace him, and this will be a very hard feat to accomplish. The Cavaliers have not committed to firing Brown yet, but there is quite a lot of speculation, especially with Calipari keeping close to James's heels. There is a definite opinion out there that Calipari will be his coach. If the Cavs can sign Calipari in the next 10 days, Brown will go. If he is not, then it would be quite foolish for Cleveland to fire Brown.

As for where he will play next year, LeBron James will likely be a Cavalier next season. James has often said that he wants another superstar to share the spotlight and pressure with, but he is a hometown hero in Cleveland. I would not be surprised to see the Cavs find a big name and sign Calipari. This combination would definitely bring LBJ back to Cleveland. Not only is this James' childhood team and his hometown ball club, but they are willing to let James build the team even down to selecting the coach. This is an unprecedented situation and shows the desire that the Cavaliers have to bring James back. Not only will they pay him more than he is worth, grant him control of the team and their decisions, but also make him an Ohio legend. With this being a childhood dream, I see no other fit for James.

There are many people that believe if he does go somewhere else it would be Chicago, New York, or New Jersey. The Bulls, Knicks, and Nets all have the teams that can make the postseason and they all have a superstar to play next to James, but these are neither his home nor his desire. When James signed with the Cavaliers he continued to state that he would bring the Championship to Cleveland. I think he will continue on this promise. Financially, egotistically, and mentally, King James belongs in Ohio. He will stay here. He will sign with the Cavs. He is going to be given free range and full decision making ability. He can write his own contract in crayon and the Cavs would run with it. He will weigh his options and consider everything, but in the end, LeBron will be back in Cleveland. He needs to do this quickly though, so that he can choose the coach and super star that will play with him.

Sources:

LeBron Trades One Drama for Another

LeBron gone! Celtics Eliminate James and Cavs in 6

LeBron Says He'll be a Better Player, But Where?

ESPN Live Televised Coverage