When one of the New York Knicks’ most iconic players in the past 25 years speaks, everybody listens, especially when it comes to the hot topic of where soon to be free agent Lebron James will wind up playing basketball next season. When asked his opinion in an interview with the NY Daily News recently, Charles Oakley gave the impression that the Knicks really don’t stand a chance of landing the 2-time MVP.
Only days after Lebron’s surprisingly disappointing performances in Games 5 and 6 against the Celtics, the internet is abuzz with speculation of which franchise stands the best chance of securing the services of arguably the game’s best player for the unforeseen future, when James officially becomes a free agent on July 1st. All during this season, the NY Knicks were thought to be the front-runner, especially because of how they are currently composed financially, but other teams like the Bulls, Heat, Nets, and even the Clippers have joined into the frenzy.
Oakley’s opinions on Lebron actually hold some weight since the former rugged, rebounding power forward during the 80’s and 90’s has developed a close friendship with James over the past few seasons and the two have a couple of close ties together. Oakley has become a mentor to James ever since Oakley consulted with him before purchasing a home in the Cleveland suburbs a few years ago. The other obvious tie is that Lebron absolutely idolizes the man who is “Oak’s” best friend. You might have heard of him: Michael Jordan. Regardless of where he plays next season, James has already turned in league paperwork to officially change his jersey number to 6, rather than the usual 23, in honor to Jordan.
The Knicks missed out on possibly having the inside track on signing Lebron several years ago when the franchise soured on the idea of Oakley becoming a member of their coaching staff as an instructor for their big men. Although an immense fan favorite, even several years after his playing career was over, the Knicks as a franchise has kept Oakley at arms length away from the team for some reason. Some speculate that his sometimes out there opinions and strong-arm demeanor would clash with current head coach Mike D-Antoni.
Here’s Oakley’s official statement:
“He wants to go somewhere he can win. He’s been in the league, what, 7 or 8 years now? It’s time for him to get over the hump.”
Oakley also added that one thing that has to be considered on where the superstar might wind up is the rather large contingent of family members and advisors that James refers to as “his team”, that will undoubtedly follow him to his new destination. After all, his mother who gave birth to Lebron at the age of 16 is a huge part of his life, and can be seen courtside giving him hugs before and after every game. Would he be more comfortable leaving his mother on the upper East side of Manhattan or in Akron during road trips?
Allen Moll is an avid NBA and College Basketball fan who watches and studies games religiously and coaches youth basketball in his native Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania. Allen is a regular columnist for thehoopdoctors.com, Bleacherreport.com, UpperDeckblog.com, and his own site, Hoops Haven.
