The CSL

Taco Tuesday is now a weekly routine in D.C.


LeBron James, what else needs to be said for this basketball icon? Arguably one of the best all around player of our generation today, and an icon off the court as well. The 38 years old James is reaching the end of a hall of fame worthy career here, and some have wondered if he should have retired this past off-season, as no team has reached out to him during free agency. But The Chosen One didn't give up, he refused to go out not on his own terms, and the 38 year old finally received a call this week from GM Gary Chan of the Washington Wizards.

I woke up at around 4 in the morning as usual, and was preparing some breakfast before heading off to my morning workout with my trainer. As I putting my egg whites on my plate, my cell phone rang, and it was from my agent Rich Paul. At first I thought it was probably regarding some endorsement deal or such, but turns out the Wizards have decided to invite me to a private workout, as they are looking to fill their last spot of their roster.

After that call, I immediately packed my bags, and flew over to D.C. GM Chan, and his team welcomed me there with open arms, and showed me around for a bit. It was quite an impressive facility they got there, then after warming up for 30 minutes or so, they started to work me out during different drills, and eventually transitioning into full court practices with the rest of the team.

It's wild for sure, as I don't think I've been in a tryout environment like this since high school. I felt like a little kid once again running thru these drills. After being in this game for so long, you kind of take these little experiences for granted. But now at the end of my career, all these experiences have brought back my competitive juices. I thought I performed very well during those workouts.

After the long workout with the team, GM Chan has informed that they will have a decision in 24 hours. James stayed a night in a hotel in D.C, and anxiously waited for the Wizards management team's decision. The Wizards have made quite a few moves before the trade deadline, and they could definitely use some help at the bench. LeBron has the size, and skills that allows him to be a versatile piece off the bench. Sure, LeBron is no longer the dominant force he once was, and he most likely would play 5 to 10 minutes max in this rotation. However, he brings other intangibles such as experience, and mentorship to all the young players on the roster.

Next day came, and the Wizards have decided to sign King James to a one year gurnateed deal. GM Chan felt LeBron still has some gas left in his tank, and he can be an immense locker room presence for this relatively young roster. Plus LeBron is still a huge name in this industry, and from a marketing stand point this "farewell tour" could be a great way to send off this future hall of famer.

It's crazy how LeBron was not signed this past off-season. Sure, he's 38 years old now, but this man is still in excellent shape. Yes, he's not the prime athletic freak he once was, but his immense basketball IQ is still there, and a once of a generation talent like him will always find a way to make things work. I have no doubt LeBron will become a locker room leader immediately, and I think he will prove all the doubters that he still has gas left in his tank. We are extremely excited to have a stud like him on board, and hopefully he can help us reach the playoffs this season!

LeBron's role is expected to be coming off the bench as a versatile piece that can play the small forward, and power forward position. He will most likely get around 6 to 10 minutes per game, and might play even more minutes if one of the rotational pieces such as Deymean Dotson, Mario Hezonja, Roy Devyn Marble, or Michael Gbinije goes down with an injury. There's no doubt all the young guys can certainly learn a trick, or two from a legend like James. James's work ethic, and IQ is nearly unmatched, and this experience might even open up a potential coaching opportunity down the road for King James.

Loved this article!

Sharkn20 wrote: ↑Tue Dec 03, 2019 10:19 pm Loved this article!

Thanks!

Sharkn20 wrote: ↑Tue Dec 03, 2019 10:19 pm Loved this article!

I second this!

You must be bored or for scouting points

Thank you!

And yes to both of those questions, hahaha.

I wonder if the real life James will ever have to go through something like this or if he would retire before it got to this point (like Kobe). I'm assuming the latter, but hes worth a few minutes coming off the bench and the game certainly values veteran and playoff experience which he has a ton of.

emplep7 wrote: ↑Thu Dec 05, 2019 5:23 pm I wonder if the real life James will ever have to go through something like this or if he would retire before it got to this point (like Kobe). I'm assuming the latter, but hes worth a few minutes coming off the bench and the game certainly values veteran and playoff experience which he has a ton of.

I think real life LBJ will retire on his own terms, maybe a farewell tour like Wade/Kobe did.

And that's what I am hoping for, as I think he can provide our locker room with a veteran presence.

Real life LeBron is too talented to ever be like this. He'll be starting level player as long as his legs support the rest of his body.

KW wrote: ↑Thu Dec 05, 2019 6:48 pm Real life LeBron is too talented to ever be like this. He'll be starting level player as long as his legs support the rest of his body.

Yeah, I think he's smart enough to know when to hang it up as well.