Prediction: LeBron Will Play in Houston Next Year

There is currently a lot of intrigue as to where LeBron James will play basketball next year. Unless the recent trade made by the Cleveland Cavaliers, his current team, pays big dividends, its hard to imagine him re-signing with them this off season.

While a lot of uncertainty surrounds the King's future at the moment, many analysts an insiders see James going to the Lakers. He has a home in LA and it is a destination that is alluring to a lot of players. However, LeBron is not going to make a lateral movement. More specifically, he will not go to a team that is not loaded, so I see no way he goes to LA without at least one more big time all star going there with him. One possible upcoming free agent who fits this description and could possibly be talked into making this move is OKCs Paul George, but George seems happy playing with Russell Westbrook at the moment and OKC can offer him the most money this off season.

LeBron is one of the biggest front runners I have ever seen. Whereas Larry Bird personified the spirit of the underdog, James has the mindset of a front runner, and unfortunately that has only been encouraged by Golden State's greatness along with Kevin Durant's decision to play there (which was without a doubt the biggest front runner move of all time). But, with that said, knowing LeBron the way I do, he is going to try to be a part of a super team. He is going to "take his talents" to Houston and join up with his close friend Chris Paul and perennial MVP candidate James Harden. I especially see this happening if Golden State wins another championship this year (meaning Houston and Cleveland do not win it).

-Book it! LeBron will be taking his talents to Houston next year (image from the Atlantic).

Another interesting option would be LeBron going to OKC, but I do not see it happening. He apparently loves Westbrook, but I do not see him going there if PG leaves. And if PG stays, they probably would not be able to afford James considering they have Carmelo Anthony's terrible contract for one more year. James, however, is really good friends with Anthony and has always expressed interest in playing with him (why, I dont know). So, if players were willing to make some financial sacrifices for a year, who knows, but its certainly a long shot.

He could also pull off the biggest front runner move ever (and one-up Durant) but joining the Warriors himself. But, for that to happen, Klay Thompson would probably have to be traded, and it is hard to say whether or not Golden State front office would even be open to that.

So, when LeBron ends up on a super team in Houston hell bent on taking down the Warriors, you heard it here. I really think this is what he will do, because like I said, he is a front runner and Chris Paul will be recruiting him. I am not saying it will be good for the league when he makes this move, and I am not hoping for it, but its what I think will happen.