The Atlanta Hawks are approaching free agency with every reason to consider making a splash, as well as an argument to simply sit back and rely on the team's current core. One clear exception to sitting back should be veteran forward LeBron James, whose future is a bit in question after the Los Angeles Lakers opted to extend Austin Reaves, first putting a priority on a player who was far less impactful in a short Los Angeles playoff run.
Regardless, the point remains that LeBron would be the perfect veteran presence to fuel the Hawks into a potentially deep playoff run. Atlanta can be viewed as an enticing landing spot based on the fact that the team did beat the eventual champion New York Knicks twice and has an exciting young core expected to continue to improve over the next season.
With that said, it should be noted that the presence of Bronny James in Los Angeles and obvious ties to the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat make these landing spots far more likely. The Hawks are an incredible long shot that simply should put their names into negotiations in hopes of becoming a surprise option.
For LeBron, you're not going to be any closer to a championship in Los Angeles, with an easy argument to be made that Atlanta has the better path. No matter the answer, it is a fit the Hawks should aggressively explore.
Hawks Shouldn't Hesitate to Chase Obvious Free Agency Longshot in LeBron James
James choosing the Hawks isn't likely, but if he were to sign, the young core would objectively be an ideal landing spot. In the regular season, you can cut the veteran's minutes, understanding the need to keep James healthy and fresh for a potential postseason run. Against the Houston Rockets in round one, James showed he is more than capable of being a primary creator and scorer for short stretches.
While the dominance that was once achievable might not still be present, when needed, James is more capable than the bulk of the league's scoring options and remains an elite decision-maker with the ball in his hands.
It is the exact veteran leadership that the Hawks were so obviously missing down the stretch of the previous season. James isn't likely to choose Atlanta due to the aforementioned reasons, but it shouldn't stop the Hawks from taking their shot. It makes sense for both sides and should be an aggressively pursued signing.
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