What If .... Lebron Signs with the Kings?

[Peter_Gibbons]

Look, I know the chances are slim and we don't really need a Lebron type of player to win in the long run as I think we have a great young team with potential to be contenders in a few years.... but Lebron would make the success instant.

---

We currently have around $33 million committed to 9 players. We have about $23 million to spend with the cap being around $56 million.

If winning is the #1 priority for Lebron like he said (and I believe him), the Kings are not a bad choice. To me, the Knicks and Bulls are actually not close to winning a championship even with Lebron. The Knicks are terrible and even with Lebron + Bosh/Amare, they are still more pieces away. The Bulls really only have Rose as a legit star. Noah is a decent young player, but can you imagine making the pitch to Lebron that he should sign with the Bulls and the #2 reason is because of Noah? Both teams don't have high draft picks coming up. They are really stuck.


KINGS
If the Kings sign Lebron,

Starting 5
-Landry
-Greene
-Cousins (assuming we get him in the draft with the 3rd pick)
-Lebron (I like Lebron playing the 2 better with the current team)
-Tyreke (Teams will have to use their PG to guard Tyreke, god help them)

Key Bench
-Beno
-Garcia
-JT
-Hawes
-Casspi

*Of course who we draft will depend on what # pick we get etc etc, but you can see the potential and mismatch at 3 positions for virtually EVERY TEAM in the league.


I think we immediately rocket all the way up to being the #2 team in the west. Keep in mind most of our guys are very very young (avg age is 23?), meaning they can still improve a lot. The west are no longer the better conference. Its only tough to make the playoffs in the west because there are so many mediocre teams and 1 dominate team. A ton of teams fighting for #2-8 because they are all about the same. This team will have us competing and winning championships for the next 8-10 yrs.


Media Attention + Revenue
If the Kings have Tyreke + Lebron + another top 3 pick profile player, how many times do you think our team will be on national TV? Probably right up there with the lakers. Corporate sponsors? you bet they'll come knocking. Jersey and merchandise sales will be through the roof. Sold out games and Arco thunder will be back.


Arena
Even though I don't live in sacramento, I know thats something the team and the people wants. If the team wins and has a future to be a dynasty, I think it'll be much much easier to get investors.


Yes yes, I know the chances are slim, but its something I think the Kings should take a look at and make a serious offer. If we get rejected, so be it. We still have a very bright future either way.




---------------------------------------

Kings = $33 million committed
Contract Players: Tyreke Evans, Carl Landry, Beno Udrich, Jason Thompson, Francisco Garcis, Spencer Hawes, Omri Casspi, Donte Greene, Andres Nocioni
(We have the most players on contract of any team, even compared to the teams with similar low 30s million committed. Clearly, we have the deepest roster and already a superstar on the team and a top pick comming in.)


Bulls = $32 million committed
Contract Players: Luol Deng, Kirk Hinrich, Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, James Johnson, Taj Gibson
(Other than Rose, I don't see the attraction to go to Chicago other than that its a big media market. Noah and Gibson are ok pieces, but can they be better than Landry+JT+ Greene+ Hawes+ Casspi???)


Clippers = $33 million commited
Contract Players: Baron Davis, Chris Kaman, Blake Griffin, Eric Gordon, DeAndre Jordan
(They don't have a proven 2nd piece like a Tyreke or Rose. Blake doesn't count because of how season ending injuries on bigs usually play out and besides, he hasn't proven anything in the NBA yet. Roster not nearly as team as the Kings.)


Heat = $31 million committed
Contract Players: Dwyane Wade, Michael Beasley, James Jones, Daequan Cook, Mario Chalmers
(No way LBJ and DWade would want to share the spotlight. Their egos are way too big for 1 team. Even LBJ signs, the rest of the team sucks. You need more than 2 stars to win a ring.)


Wolves = $37 million committed
Contract Players: Al Jefferson, Ramon Sessions, Kevin Love, Johnny Flynn, Corey Brewer, Wayne Ellington
(Curry didn't even want to work out for the Wolves. That shows what kind of draw this team has.)


Nets = $26 million committed
Contract Players: Devin Harris, Yi Jianlian, Brook Lopez, Terrence Williams, Courtney Lee, Kris Humphries.
(To me, the Nets are right up there with the Kings as a "win for many years" type of team. Top pick coming in just like the Kings. They don't have a Tyreke type of star, but they have nice young pieces like Lopez, Harris, and Yi. They don't have as deep a roster as the Kings, but $7 mil more cap space. I doubt they can get as deep as the Kings with $7m, but they do have the NY + JayZ factor.)


Knicks = $19 million committed
Contract Players: Eddie Curry, Danilo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler, Toney Douglas
(The Knicks are only being talked about as a top destination because the media wants to. Look at this roster. Sure they have the enough for 2 max players. LBJ + Bosh/Amare/Booser. They would have 6 players total after signing 2 max guys. They'll need to fill the rest of their roster with MLE, vetern's min, and min contracts. Their 1st rd pick this year belongs to the Jazz. Bad choice for LBJ.)

 

[Emma]

I applaud you for your bravery. I was thinking about pulling the trigger on a thread like this, but I ended up not doing so for a variety of reasons:

The media doesn't want it.

Lebron probably hasn't given it serious thought.

And I was afraid that all it would receive is a bunch of .

However, if Lebron is truly thinking about his money and his family, he has to consider the fact that we are close to excellent schooling options, there are no hard core New York sized criminal problems, and he would get the max.

Even if we draft Turner, the starting lineup would be:

Tyreke
Turner
Lebron
Landry
JT

And they're basically (except for Landry) locked in for about two to three years, cheap. Sac looks pretty attractive to me. Better than the Nets and Knicks anyway.

 

[rainmaker]

Tyreke at point, Cousins in the middle, and Lebron at the 3. If that happened, I probably wouldn't get a full nights sleep until opening night. We would leapfrog the majority of the Western Conf without a doubt. But I would say there's a better chance of Omri making the allstar team next year than Lebron signing with Sac.

 

[Peter_Gibbons]

And I was afraid that all it would receive is a bunch of .

However, if Lebron is truly thinking about his money and his family, he has to consider the fact that we are close to excellent schooling options, there are no hard core New York sized criminal problems, and he would get the max.

Even if we draft Turner, the starting lineup would be:

Tyreke
Turner
Lebron
Landry
JT

And they're basically (except for Landry) locked in for about two to three years, cheap. Sac looks pretty attractive to me. Better than the Nets and Knicks anyway.

Haha, yes I know there might be a lot of "" skeptics. But its just a matter of exploring all the best options out there. We don't have to draft Cousins like how I listed. We can get Turner, Favors etc and we will still be a very very good team immediately.

If Lebron really wants to win, the Kings and Clippers are actually very attractive with the chance to win for many years.

 

[Big Cuz 15]

lol, haven't given a thought of lebron coming to sac. if he did and we scored turner OR cousins.. w/ lebron? we'd be instant contenders lol. who's artest gonna guard?? lebron or reke? fisher would be abused all game long and they couldn't do anything about it.

 

[Bricklayer]

Of course there is always a fraction of an eyeball in that direction, and its several years old knowledge that he and the Maloofs are on good terms. But the world is his absolute oyster. He can go play anywhere he wants, get paid max wherever he goes. And he comes to Sacramento?

To play what if, the biggest question would be could he and Tyreke, two ball dominant guys, share things. If they could there's your Pippen and Jordan, and it would take a complete idiot in the front office not to make us contenders within two years top. So go break out the bubbly -- just don't pop it too quick or it might go flat while you sit there and wait for this to happen.

 

[Vlade4GM]

LeBron wouldn't work with Evans for the same reason he wouldn't work with Hughes or Jamison.

 

[pupsingh]

I think the only way we get lebron is if we get the no. 1 pick and get john wall. He would be attracted to playing with Tyreke and Wall.

Tyreke/Wall/Lebron who cares who the pf and c are thats a contender.

hell u can leave hawes and jt on the front line and wed be great.

 

[rexb_kings]

I think Lebron leaves and goes to a team if he has another star with him..ie. Lebron and Bosh in NY. Or Pat Riley's dream of not 2 but 3 start in Miami ie. Lebron, DWade, Bosh.

But if it were Lebron and another star like Bosh/Amare with the Kings...i think we're looking at an instant championship contender with Evans and 1st round draft pick. Not sure if and how it can be done to get the 2nd star though..otherwise wishful thinking.

Just imagine..Lebron the King of Kings! (of Sacramento of course)

 

[Bricklayer]

LeBron wouldn't work with Evans for the same reason he wouldn't work with Hughes or Jamison.

Hughes perhaps, although Reke and Hughes are on entriely different levels of talent. But Jamison? That had nothing to do with ball dominance -- Jamison in fact has always been one of the quickest shooting postup guys in the league, and he's got range. He's also been soft, old, and not a PTPer as a certain annoying rodent would shout.

 

[rainmaker]

Now I can't stop thinking about going after Lebron.

Honestly, our best shot, would be getting the #1. Lebron is close to Wall. Wall is going to be represented by Lebron company. He's very close to Callipari. Cal won't coach here, but he obviously has a close relationship with both Tyreke and Wall. So we get the #1, and all the sudden Sac is the most talked about place for Wall to go, as the consensus #1. Then all the networks and media start talking about pairing Tyreke and Wall together, and how it would potentially work out. The media will also talk about our cap space, on more of a national platform. Then, maybe Lebron starts thinking.... Sac, Maloofs, Vegas, capspace, two allstar calliber guards,.... then it could get interesting.

Now I'm getting my hopes up.

 

[CaAllDay]

This thread was destined to happen...lol
oh i would prolly get an Lebron tat if he came, he aint coming unless maybe the Maloofs give him ownership in the Palms. Bron is my fav player he jus didnt seem right.

 

[KF8]

Won't happen

 

[Vlade4GM]

Hughes perhaps, although Reke and Hughes are on entriely different levels of talent. But Jamison? That had nothing to do with ball dominance -- Jamison in fact has always been one of the quickest shooting postup guys in the league, and he's got range. He's also been soft, old, and not a PTPer as a certain annoying rodent would shout.

Obviously Evans is much more talented, but it's similar in principle.

Yeah, but Jamison was obviously much more than just a spot up shooter when he was putting up 20 ppg with Washington.

 

[bajaden]

There's no doubt that we have the funds to attract him. And its even possible that playing with Evans and whomever we draft along with the rest of our team might intice him a tiny tiny bit. But I think LeBron is thinking about his legacy. This is a guy that likes being the center of attraction. He likes the limelight. And I think he also likes primetime. I don't think he wants to play on TV when everyone on the east coast is headed to bed. Maybe the Lakers. Second best would be the Clippers, who actually have more to offer him than we do. Kaman, Griffin, Gordon, Davis, and another high pick again this year. And he'd be right there in the heart of Hollywood.

I predict he's going to end up in Chicago. They have a good young team already in place. They have the money and after New York, Chicago is the next best media center in the US. They also have the legacy of winning and who better to bring a championship back to the windy city. There's also a rumor that he'll be joined by John Calapari as coach. It would hard for Calapari to pass up an opportunity like that. Yeah, I expect to hear that LeBron can't share the same court with Rose. Bullcrap! Trust me, they'll find a way. Just like the Kings will find a way for Wall to co-exist with Evans if it comes to that.

As Bricky said, the world is his oyster right now. Somehow I don't think were even on the plate.

 

[CaAllDay]

There's no doubt that we have the funds to attract him. And its even possible that playing with Evans and whomever we draft along with the rest of our team might intice him a tiny tiny bit. But I think LeBron is thinking about his legacy. This is a guy that likes being the center of attraction. He likes the limelight. And I think he also likes primetime. I don't think he wants to play on TV when everyone on the east coast is headed to bed. Maybe the Lakers. Second best would be the Clippers, who actually have more to offer him than we do. Kaman, Griffin, Gordon, Davis, and another high pick again this year. And he'd be right there in the heart of Hollywood.

I predict he's going to end up in Chicago. They have a good young team already in place. They have the money and after New York, Chicago is the next best media center in the US. They also have the legacy of winning and who better to bring a championship back to the windy city. There's also a rumor that he'll be joined by John Calapari as coach. It would hard for Calapari to pass up an opportunity like that. Yeah, I expect to hear that LeBron can't share the same court with Rose. Bullcrap! Trust me, they'll find a way. Just like the Kings will find a way for Wall to co-exist with Evans if it comes to that.

As Bricky said, the world is his oyster right now. Somehow I don't think were even on the plate.

All u said was true, Lebron imo has the ball in his hands to much already and would benefit from actually getting a pass instead of just giving them out all the time. Chicago is where the smart money is right now, but coach cal would be a mistake, hasnt really shown much as a coach, he has recruited stars and unleashed them but hasnt won with better talent(a championship) if Lebron can get with a Doc Rivers, a popovich it would be scary.

 

[Chupacabra]

The bottom line is this: youre not a contender unless you can defend the paint. Lebron or no, the Kings arent competative in regards to a championship until they can defend the basket. Ive made it pretty clear with most of my posts that I think the key to improving this team is interior defense. Once that issue is addressed this team is going to do a 180.

 

[Vlade4GM]

Oh we're definitely without a doubt not on the plate.

 

[Fresno King]

You could guarantee sellouts every night.

Kings merchandise sales would be through the roof.

TV appearances aplenty.

The Kings would MAKE money if they could sign LeBron. Maybe he has a special place in his heart for Sac because it's where he made his NBA debut.

It never hurts to dream... too bad that's what I'm doing.

 

[kingsnation]

I'm willing to bet that as soon as Cleveland were eliminated, threads entitled "What if.... Lebron signs with the _____?" popped up on fan boards of nearly every NBA team in the league.

 

[Peter_Gibbons]

There's no doubt that we have the funds to attract him. And its even possible that playing with Evans and whomever we draft along with the rest of our team might intice him a tiny tiny bit. But I think LeBron is thinking about his legacy. This is a guy that likes being the center of attraction. He likes the limelight. And I think he also likes primetime. I don't think he wants to play on TV when everyone on the east coast is headed to bed. Maybe the Lakers. Second best would be the Clippers, who actually have more to offer him than we do. Kaman, Griffin, Gordon, Davis, and another high pick again this year. And he'd be right there in the heart of Hollywood.

I predict he's going to end up in Chicago. They have a good young team already in place. They have the money and after New York, Chicago is the next best media center in the US. They also have the legacy of winning and who better to bring a championship back to the windy city. There's also a rumor that he'll be joined by John Calapari as coach. It would hard for Calapari to pass up an opportunity like that. Yeah, I expect to hear that LeBron can't share the same court with Rose. Bullcrap! Trust me, they'll find a way. Just like the Kings will find a way for Wall to co-exist with Evans if it comes to that.

As Bricky said, the world is his oyster right now. Somehow I don't think were even on the plate.

Is Chicago really so attractive like all the media is pushing?? Other than Rose, their 2nd best player is Noah. I don't see that being anywhere close to winning a championship. Orlando will be the beast of the east once the Celtics guys really get too old. Lebron back in the same situation as with the Cavs.

Coach Cal already said he is coaching at UK next season. So that part won't happen.

The Clips have a good team, which is why I see Kings & Clips as realistic win for many yr situations for him. But.... our Kings have Tyreke. No one on the Clips is on the level of Tyreke and Blake hasn't proven anything yet so that doesn't count.

 

[Peter_Gibbons]

LeBron wouldn't work with Evans for the same reason he wouldn't work with Hughes or Jamison.

The "Lebron wouldn't work with Tyreke" thing can be said the same as LBJ+Wade, LBJ+Rose. Lebron is a lot more ball dominate than he really needs to be because the Cavs relies on him to be their offense. If he has a Tyreke type of guy who can break down defenses like Rondo does for the big 3 at Boston, thats a very potent offense. Especially if we pick up someone good from the draft. A strong, big center like Cousins, or even a Turner, Favors... it would be a much better offense than what LBJ has with the Cavs.

 

[ReinadelosReys]

Can't you just see the headlines?

"King James joins Sacramento Royalty"

"The King amongst Kings!"

"The King and the Kings"

"LBJ back where it all started!"

Spoiler

"ReinadelosReys wins the lottery!"

 

[kingsnation]

The Clips have a good team, which is why I see Kings & Clips as realistic win for many yr situations for him. But.... our Kings have Tyreke. No one on the Clips is on the level of Tyreke and Blake hasn't proven anything yet so that doesn't count.

I'm thinking the Clippers is pretty much the last place he would sign.

 

[Emma]

If Lebron signs with the Kings, he would see the Lakers and Kobe in the WC playoffs - in Sacramento.


Doesn't that make you salivate?

 

[Uncia03]

If you're the Maloofs, you've got to have already put aside part of your schedule this summer to start courting the three max Free Agents.

So I would expect them to do what they can to bring in LBJ, DWade, and Bosh.

Unfortunately I really see Chicago as a very attractive place and expect to see the Bulls wind up with at least one of these three.

If LBJ or Wade ends up in Chicago, and if Bosh really doesn't want to play with another superstar, then we have a shot at Bosh.


I know I've said that if we got the #1 I'd take Wall over Turner. But if we ended up with the #1 and if the Maloofs knew that having both Wall and Evans on the same team would be the talent necessary to get LBJ to come to the Kings, then make it happen.

Even though Wall, Tyreke, and LBJ are all ball dominant, I think that it would work simply due to the fact that LBJ would take the reigns as the leader, and Tyreke and Wall are young enough to just play hard and work to win. Though having Cousins or Turner would probably be better for overall team chemistry.

 

[Lafayette]

If you're the Maloofs, you've got to have already put aside part of your schedule this summer to start courting the three max Free Agents.

So I would expect them to do what they can to bring in LBJ, DWade, and Bosh.

Unfortunately I really see Chicago as a very attractive place and expect to see the Bulls wind up with at least one of these three.

If LBJ or Wade ends up in Chicago, and if Bosh really doesn't want to play with another superstar, then we have a shot at Bosh.


I know I've said that if we got the #1 I'd take Wall over Turner. But if we ended up with the #1 and if the Maloofs knew that having both Wall and Evans on the same team would be the talent necessary to get LBJ to come to the Kings, then make it happen.

Even though Wall, Tyreke, and LBJ are all ball dominant, I think that it would work simply due to the fact that LBJ would take the reigns as the leader, and Tyreke and Wall are young enough to just play hard and work to win. Though having Cousins or Turner would probably be better for overall team chemistry.

You have it right on, only the MALOOFS can make something like this happen and you know they're thinking about it. Even if it's something like a 3 year deal for the max and you have Evans/Evans/LBJ or Wall or Cousins/Favors, whomever they draft that would be scary. Tyreke is mini Labron (no jumper but its coming) and imagine if they got Wall. Well with all that being said I'd say it really comes down to the Maloofs but wouldn't fans like to have BOSH!

 

[bajaden]

Is Chicago really so attractive like all the media is pushing?? Other than Rose, their 2nd best player is Noah. I don't see that being anywhere close to winning a championship. Orlando will be the beast of the east once the Celtics guys really get too old. Lebron back in the same situation as with the Cavs.

Coach Cal already said he is coaching at UK next season. So that part won't happen.

The Clips have a good team, which is why I see Kings & Clips as realistic win for many yr situations for him. But.... our Kings have Tyreke. No one on the Clips is on the level of Tyreke and Blake hasn't proven anything yet so that doesn't count.

I'm just going by what I've read in the Chicago Tribune and the New York papers. The Bulls will be 25 mil under the cap this offseason. What they propose, according to the newspaper, is a sign and trade with Cleveland. This would give LeBron and extra year on his contract and more money overall, because the increases would be at a higher rate. Cleveland would recieve Luol Deng in the deal. Deng is due just over 11 mil next season. This would still leave the Bulls with around 12 or 13 mil left under the cap to aquire another good player.

As far as Calipari goes, he and LeBron are good friends and LeBron has already said that he wants to be coached by Calapari. Calapari has been at the last couple of games. If you don't think Calapari would jump at the chance to coach James, your crazy

Players that would be under contract after the deal went down would be.

Noah: Center
Rose: Pt Guard
Hinrich: SG
James: SF
Taj Gibson: PF
James Johnson: PF

The Bulls also have the 17th pick in the draft, which should get them another piece to the puzzle.

 

[Telemachus]

I'm just going by what I've read in the Chicago Tribune and the New York papers. The Bulls will be 25 mil under the cap this offseason. What they propose, according to the newspaper, is a sign and trade with Cleveland. This would give LeBron and extra year on his contract and more money overall, because the increases would be at a higher rate. Cleveland would recieve Luol Deng in the deal. Deng is due just over 11 mil next season. This would still leave the Bulls with around 12 or 13 mil left under the cap to aquire another good player.

What bothers me about LaBron going to Chicago is that it would put him in the shadow of MJ more than he already is. He would almost have to win more Championships than MJ to establish himself as the best of all time (which I believe he wants to become). I can see how he would fit, just don't know if he would do it.

 

[rainmaker]

I agree that Chicago looks like the best fit. I would put Miami in a close 2nd though. The idea of resigning Wade, signing Lebron, and still having enough to sign an allstar calliber player, is a scary thought. Plus, the word is, Lebron, Wade, and Bosh are going to get together and talk about possibly playing together.

I get the feeling another team is going to jump in there that we won't expect or aren't expecting at this point. Porbably won't get Lebron, but I think there will be other teams that will draw interest from him.

Someone I who could really make this interesting is Dirk. If Dirk decides to opt out, and look at his options, that could potentially be a very scary duo. Dirk and Lebron. I think Dirk would fit better with Lebron than any of the other FA's this summer.

But I see Lebron leaving, and Clevelands biggest mistake IMO was not bringing in a great coach. I have always thought Mike Brown was horrible. That was where I really think they went wrong. I also think Wade and Amare will both resign. Bosh and JJ already have there bags packed. I would bet Bosh ends up in Miami. Boozer, I have no feeling on. I could see him resigning. And I could see him in Miami. But I think those are his two possibilities. And if I was Dirk, I'm opting out and looking at my options. Doesn't mean I'm leaving though.