Maximum value

Last night, after another rousing defeat at the hands of the Celtics, LeBron James was asked (surprise) about his plans for free agency. His vague and diplomatic response was to establish winning as his #1 priority.

I wish that were true.

If winning were LeBron's #1 priority, the Knicks and the Nets wouldn't even be in the conversation – especially not the Knicks. Not only are they missing a lot of key pieces (more than two), but they seem to have turned into a toxic franchise. The Nets may be the same way, though with new ownership and a few interesting players (CDR, Lopez, and Devin "Injury List" Harris), they might have hope, but not much.

If LeBron signs with either of those teams, he proves that his top priorities are a big stage, fame, and – of course – money.

It's hard for me to believe a guy who says winning is his top priority but then signs a max contract. If winning were LeBron's #1 priority, he'd sign with the Lakers for the league's minimum salary. If the Lakers had LeBron – chemistry aside – they would win. Easily. Bryan's psyche would be shattered, but the Lakers would win.

Or, at the least, if winning were his #1 priority, he would take a pay cut to go to a winning franchise.

Personally, I don't think LeBron would do that. I think that winning could only be his #1 priority if he's paid the max salary. Unfortunately, there's no way we'll find out if LeBron values winning over money because the NBA Players' Association would not let him sign a contract for less than the max.

What we will find out is if LeBron values winning over personal fame and glory. If he signs with New York or New Jersey, he's doing that for his ego. But, if he stays in Cleveland or goes to a winning franchise like Miami or Chicago, I might believe that winning (with the max salary) is his #1 priority.

Question of the Week:

Which potential max-contract 2010 free agent is most likely to win the NBA Championship next year?

1. LeBron James
   
2. Dwyane Wade
   
3. Chris Bosh
   
4. Joe Johnson
   
5. Carlos Boozer
   
6. Amar'e Stoudemire (early termination option)
   
7. Dirk Nowitzki (early termination option)
   

My take: I'm going with Bosh. Of the players listed, I think most are going to go to a team and be THE star on that team. Bosh, on the other hand, is more likely to be the Scottie Pippen/Robin/Cortana figure that everybody claims LeBron needed this year. If Bosh teams up with any of the other players on this list, that team will have a pretty good shot at the title.

Bryan and I should have a new blog up soon. I may stop advertising those soon, so follow if you're interested.