Warriors predicted to lose LeBron James for tough, but real reason

The Golden State Warriors have to be hopeful that LeBron James will end up in the Bay Area. 

If not, there's a real argument to be made that Golden State will be one of the more below-average teams in the NBA next season. Ultimately, there's something to be said for what the Warriors have done in recent years, and it doesn't look like much of that is going to change unless they add a player of James' caliber.

Unfortunately, many are starting to predict that won't be the case, which is what a Sports Illustrated writer recently did. 

He predicted that James won't end up in the Bay Area, and I think it's tough to disagree with at this point.

“The Warriors' roster quality isn't great, more will hate it if he goes to the Bay than if he goes elsewhere, and though winning with any team would be special, it would be more special to win with some of the other contenders for him.

“I'll say the Cavs land him, but I don't think he's made up his mind yet, which means the Nuggets, 76ers and Timberwolves have a better shot than people think,” Joey Akeley wrote.

From a pure basketball standpoint, going to the Warriors could make sense for James. There's certainly an argument to be made that there are better spots for James than Golden State, basketball-wise, but I can understand the appeal of playing with the Warriors because he'd be with his friends and Golden State would have a chance to win. However, it seems much more likely that he'll end up somewhere else.

More NBA news:

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• Klay Thompson trade price revealed, and it should interest Warriors
• Lakers can fix defensive issues by trading for All-World defender
• Mavericks making Kyrie Irving trade decision, despite Cooper Flagg