ESPN and NBA insider Brian Windhorst speculated that the Boston Celtics would rank last on LeBron James’ list of preferred landing spots. While discussing the 27 teams James’ agent Rich Paul claimed to have contacted in free agency, Windhorst said the 41-year-old superstar “hates” the city of Boston.
“I should find out if Boston did (contact James),” he said on Brian Windhorst And The Hoop Collective Podcast. “I think Boston would rank 30th on his list. I really, honestly do. He hates Boston.”
James had some of his biggest battles in the playoffs against the Celtics during his time in the Eastern Conference. He played them in five playoff series as a Cavalier, and two with the Heat. James couldn’t get past them in his first two attempts in 2008 and 2010. His second playoff series loss in 2010 also ended his first stint in Cleveland.
James won five consecutive series against the franchise after that point. One of James’ best performances in the playoffs also came against Boston in 2012 when Miami faced elimination in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals. The then-reigning MVP tallied 45 points, 15 rebounds and five assists, shooting 19 of 26 from the field.
LeBron James could reignite rivalry with the Celtics if he moves to East
LeBron James could return to the Eastern Conference after eight years and reignite his rivalry with the Celtics. The 76ers, Heat and Cavaliers have been on record about pursuing the 41-year-old free agent this offseason.
All three teams are expected to contend for a championship, so they will likely have significant battles with the Celtics, who are also projected to be a playoff contender. Boston has the longest active playoff streak with 12 consecutive appearances.
Reports suggest the 76ers, Cavaliers and Heat are among the top three teams on James’ wishlist, so there’s a great chance he might face Boston at least one more time in his career in the playoffs.
It may not be the same as his past battles, as James won’t be the No. 1 option on any team he joins. Nevertheless, given his experience, he could be a critical contributor.
Insider feels LeBron James could be eyeing Heat as the best fit
A James-Heat reunion has picked up steam since Pat Riley said on Friday that he has been in contact with his former star’s camp. Miami has the star power to win and a role that James would like as the primary on-ball creator.
The team also has one of the best defensive cores in the NBA with Davion Mitchell at the point of attack, Andrew Wiggins on the wing, Giannis Antetokounmpo in the post and Bam Adebayo under the rim.
James would fit right in at the small forward spot and toggle as the second or third scoring option with Adebayo, depending on who gets going during a game.
NBA insider Kevin O’Connor believes James may consider the Heat as his best fit, too.
“I bet LeBron could see it that way too,” he wrote on X on Friday. “LeBron fills the exact playmaking that the Heat need. With LeBron, Miami just needs more shooting (and one more big as Pat Riley said).”
The weather and the absence of tax can lure James back to South Beach. Riley also made that pitch when addressing the Heat’s involvement in the James sweepstakes.
Read more:
- Yaxel Lendeborg Makes Feelings Clear About Jordan Poole-Like Situation With Draymond Green
- LeBron James Sports New Look in Classy Appearance Alongside Wife Savannah James at TIME 100 Sports Gala
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
