Cavs Owner Dan Gilbert Told to Ignore LeBron James Temptation and Focus on Young Roster

Anyone will agree that LeBron James is among the best players in the NBA today, even at age 37. Some may even say that he is the best. Regardless, the Lakers’ frontman has been on a tear this year. Despite the Lakers enduring a poor season, fans still believe in the team’s ability to bounce back as long as the ‘King’ is there.

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However, a lot of speculation has come around in recent times regarding LeBron’s future. In fact, in a recent interview with ‘The Athletic’, the ‘King’ mentioned that the door on a Cavs return has not closed. In light of this, Stephen A. Smith had a message for Dan Gilbert regarding the temptation to add LeBron.

Stephen A. Smith on LeBron James Temptation

Stephen A. Smith began by explaining that if LeBron were present on the current Cavs roster alongside rising stars like Darius Garland, Caris LeVert, and Jarrett Allen, the team would be everyone’s choice on who would make it out of the East. Thereafter, he spoke regarding Dan Gilbert. He addressed the fact that LeBron had already delivered on his promise by winning a title for the Cavs and explained what he would do if he were the Cavs’ owner.

“So guess what? I don’t need to bring you (LeBron James) when I got a bunch of young dudes that are balling, that are contenders. I don’t need LeBron,” said Smith.

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Clearly, the Cavs seem to have a bright future with their young stars. This is true since they now sit 4th in the Eastern Conference. Moreover, two of their young players earned All-Star selections this season. So it makes perfect sense to build a team for a long run of success in the future.

If LeBron were to join the Cavs without the team making much of a roster change, they would become a real threat. However, things are not that easy. Adding LeBron to the roster could possibly mean that they would have to give up at least one of their rising stars. This would deplete the team and lower their chances of a title.

Moreover, with LeBron being in his late 30s, it is uncertain as to when he may retire despite him playing at a high level. Hence, it makes sense for Dan Gilbert to stick with his young core in order to achieve long-term success.