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Los Angeles Lakers: LeBron James is a smarter target than Kawhi Leonard

By Jason Reed

BOSTON, MA - MAY 15: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts in the second half against the Boston Celtics during Game Two of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 15, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - MAY 15: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts in the second half against the Boston Celtics during Game Two of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 15, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

3. Signing LeBron James may be the only way to win an NBA Championship

You do not need LeBron James to win an NBA Championship. The Golden State Warriors built a solid core much like the Lakers are doing now. The San Antonio Spurs prevailed with excellent coaching. Even the Dallas Mavericks caught fire and were able to overcome the LeBron led Miami Heat.

However, as LeBron enters the final chapter of his career, he is likely going to take the path of least resistance to winning NBA Championships. James has gone to seven straight NBA Championships and has carried his team in the last three; which could be four this season.

James needs help and it is obvious by his potential other suitors that may go to a team ready to win now.

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The most notable teams are the Houston Rockets and the Philadelphia 76ers. LeBron and James Harden would be an interesting, yet scary, duo out West that probably could take the Warriors down. Out East, on the 76ers, James easily makes Philadelphia the team to beat even over the Boston Celtics with Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward healthy.

If LeBron does not go to the Lakers he is going to go somewhere to create a scary good team that will compete for, and win, Championships over at least the next three, four years.

Even if he is in the Eastern Conference it is going to take the Lakers three or four more seasons before everyone is progressed enough to compete for a Championship against these super teams. By that point, who knows what the NBA will be like; if any of these guys work out or if any even want to continue to play for the Lakers.

Even if the team signs Kawhi Leonard and leaves it at that, it is going to be hard to overmatch Steph Curry and Kevin Durant or LeBron and Harden in the west. If they somehow do, they have to deal with LeBron, Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid in the Finals; most likely.

Next: Potential free agent depth pieces

The bottom line really is that if the Los Angeles Lakers do want to win an NBA Championship over the next five years they are going to have to keep LeBron out of these dream scenarios while they can. Bring in LeBron, bring in whatever star buddy he wants (Paul George) and the Lakers can easily win three rings.

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