(Big C) As Lebron James waits for July 1, 2010 he and his team (friends) will have to decide where he will play next season. This summer Lebron will be the most sought after superstar he NBA history. Here is a breakdown of Lebron’s options for next season:

Chicago

I don’t think Lebron James will play for the Bulls but I would not rule it out just yet. If he joined the Bulls he would be playing on a better team than he is currently on.

The Bulls have Derrick Rose who is one of the best point guards in the league. Besides Rose the Bulls have the young up and coming Joakim Noah, who steadily makes progress.

That being said, I find it interesting that think people feel Lebron would be scared to come to Chicago because he would have to compete with Michael Jordan’s legacy.

I think the media is more concerned with this than Lebron or the fans. In baseball, fans are concerned with a player’s legacy. This really isn’t the case in football or basketball.

Even right now many Bulls occasionally think of Jordan. Basketball fans are more concerned about the current state of their team.

When Kevin Garnett won a title no one said he is no Kevin McHale. When Shaq won a title in L.A. no said he is no Wilt Chamberlain. The truth is Lebron will always be compared to Jordan as long as he is in the NBA and remains to play at a superstar level.

It does not matter if Lebron is playing in Alaska he will still be compared to Jordan. Let’s face it, Lebron is one of the best scoring and dominating players we have ever seen on the court. Being compared to Jordan is a given regardless if he comes to Chicago or not.

After all, if Jordan is the best player ever to play basketball, being in Jordan’s shadow is not a bad thing. Another point in Chicago’s favor is that if Lebron does go to Chicago he’d have a chance to select who coaches his team.

The downside for Chicago is that Lebron’s earning potential in Chicago will never compare to being in New York.

The Lebron to Bulls Probability: 30%

New York

If Lebron came to New York he would be bigger than life. Even Derrek Jeter and Mayor Bloomberg would have to take a backseat to Lebron. Lebron’s ideal situation is to become a legendary billionaire.

In New York reaching that goal would be a short distance away. Lebron could get ownership of franchises, guest appearances on everything from SNL to The Tonight Show. Lebron’s face would be all over the city. Hell, he might as well start thinking of names for his own talk show and restaurant chains.

Don’t forget Lebron’s “team” of friends are all lawyers, agents, and marketing execs. They too would elevate their respective practices in the financial capital of the world. Lebron would be the new face of Wall St.

Knicks

There is no other city in the world that can compare to winning a championship in New York. Lebron would literally be on top of the world.

If Lebron James joined the Knicks along with two other superstars winning a championship would be very possible. After watching the playoffs in recent years it is clear that you need two to three or even 4 stars in order to win. No one can do it by themselves. So if the Knicks want Lebron they will have to sign one of the following players with Lebron: Wade, Carlos Boozer, Chris Bosh, or Amare Stoudemire .

If not they would have to find star talent the following year like Carmelo Anthony. For the Knicks to win a title with Lebron he would need a solid starting lineup and great bench. Even if the Knicks are only able to get Lebron and re-sign David Lee they would still be one of the better teams in the East.

Danilo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler, David Lee, Bill Walker, and Toney Douglas would be a good start. Lebron’s presence on the court would elevate the status of every player on the team… and Lebron knows it.

As far as Knicks fans are concerned, if the Knicks get Lebron and make the playoffs we will be content.

The Lebron to Knicks Probability: 40%

Nets

When was the last time you traveled to Newark New Jersey to watch a Nets game? Nets have talent with Harris, Lopez, and maybe even John Wall if he gets drafted but then what?

Lebron going to the Nets would be as exciting as attending bingo night at the local retirement home. I do not believe Jay-z is even a factor. Jay-z being Lebron’s friend has nothing to do with it.

If anything Lebron would want to be his own man not a player for Jay-z. Besides, if anyone thinks the city of Cleveland is un-glamorous try being stuck in Newark for 3 years. Lebron won’t see the bright lights of Brooklyn for another 3 years when the Nets relocate.

The Lebron to Nets Probability: 3%

Cleveland

There is a strong chance he might just stay in Cleveland. He might feel the pressure of abandoning the people of Cleveland who depend on Lebron not just for entertainment.

Lebron brings in money and jobs for the people of Cleveland. You’ve heard the expression “Money Makes the World Go Around”. Well for Cleveland it’s “Lebron Makes the City Go Around.” That being said there is nothing for Lebron to come back to. Shaq is on his last leg.

The Cavs are not under the cap so they cannot pick up a superstar free agent. Not to mention his supporting cast does not deliver in the playoffs. If Lebron returns you can expect him to be eliminated in the first or second round of the playoffs next season too.

The only real Cleveland advantage is that they can offer more money than any of the other teams.

The Lebron in Cleveland Probability: 20%

Miami

It sounds great to have Wade and Lebron on the same team. However, can two mega superstars of this magnitude really happen? Really how many times have you seen Superman and Batman team up together?

I think Lebron and Wade playing together on the Olympic team and an annual All-star appearance are enough for both players. Lebron and Wade have had their own independent identities which would make it difficult to generously share their franchise status with someone else.

If Lebron goes anywhere he is going to want to a city of his own and not feel like a visitor in someone else’s house.

The Lebron to Miami Probability: 7%

July 1, 2010 is fast approaching. We at From the Baseline.com will be adding a “Lebron Countdown” clock shortly.

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