The Cleveland Cavaliers were unable to make a stand in Game 4 of the 2018 NBA Finals versus the Golden State Warriors. As a result, the biggest question facing the Cavs now is whether or not small forward LeBron James will remain with the team this offseason.
There has been plenty of speculation regarding James’ looming decision even before the playoffs started. He said afterward that his family will have a huge impact on his decision this summer, via NBA TV:
“I have no idea at this point,” James, who was wearing a brace on his right hand, replied. “The one thing that I’ve always done is consider my family, 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 preteen, and a little girl that wasn’t around (back then) as well,” James continued. “So sitting down and considering everything… But my family is a huge part of whatever I decide to do in my career, and they will continue to be that.
“I don’t have an answer for you,” James said in closing.
There is plenty of truth to James’ comments. He is in a different phase of both his basketball career and personal life than he was four years ago. That said, there are much more factors to consider when it comes to his family.
It is hard to take away whether or not this will be an advantage for Cleveland. James’ kids have largely grown up in Cleveland so it makes sense that he would want to keep them in his native Ohio if they so choose. However, there is one particular place out West that could give both him and his family everything he wants and much more. As James enters the final stretch of his career, there is a chance that the next team he signs with could be his last.