‘The Only Rightful Farewell Tour’ – NBA Legend Charles Barkley Weighs In on LeBron James Free Agency Sweepstakes
· Yahoo Sports
The LeBron James speculations have followed Charles Barkley to the annual American Century Championship (ACC) at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course. As the NBA legend and other celebrities compete on the fairways, he could not escape questions about where the four-time MVP could play next.
As there are multiple teams linked to the former Los Angeles Lakers superstar, Barkley emphatically underlined the one place James should go to.
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NBA Legend Charles Barkley Reveals His Ideal Ending for LeBron James’ Career
Last week, James’ agent Rich Paul said on the “Game Over” podcast that there are 10 teams in consideration for his client’s signature.
Since then, NBA analysts and insiders have pointed to the Miami Heat, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Philadelphia 76ers as the frontrunners to land the 22-time All-Star.
During a break at the ACC, Barkley shared his thoughts on where James should play next and whether he should have a farewell tour.
“I think the only rightful farewell tour would be with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Hey, listen, if LeBron (James) goes to Golden State or Philadelphia, it’s like he’s trying to cheat his way to a championship. He has no affiliation with either one of those teams. He should go back to Cleveland and finish his career there,” Barkley said.
“To chase championships in Golden State or Philly, I don’t think that would be a fitting end to his career.”
James’ career started in 2003 when the Cavaliers made the former high school phenom their franchise cornerstone. In 2016, the Akron, Ohio, native carried his team from a 1-3 series deficit against the Golden State Warriors to the championship, ending a 52-year title drought for the city.
For many, a return to Cleveland would cap a storybook ending for the NBA’s all-time scoring king.
Barkley isn’t the only former NBA great urging James to return home.
MORE:Rich Paul Reveals 1 Clear Message to LeBron James as Free Agency Rumors Heat Up
Paul Pierce, on the “No Fouls Given” podcast, brought up the same scenario for his former rival.
“The best story is Cleveland. That’s the best story, man. … I’ve been saying for a couple of years now. Not only is it a place where he’s from, it’s a place where he won their only championship. You’re going to a team that (could) contend (for a championship) and actually needs you,” Pierce said.
James called himself the “GOAT” after guiding the Cavs to the 2016 championship over Stephen Curry and Co.
Going back to Cleveland to possibly help the team win another Larry O’Brien Trophy or just ending his career there would be a storybook closing to his career.
Paul said early this month that the 41-year-old star’s decision to leave the Lakers was driven by “happiness.”
Maybe James could find that by following Barkley’s advice.