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Could NBA Mt. Rushmore figure LeBron James surprise the world and sign with the Portland Trail Blazers? According to one unlikely source, Trail Blazers owner Tom Dundon is angling for just that outcome.
A story by James H. Williams of USA Today recounts what happened when the paper asked attendees at ESPN’s Espy Awards where James would end up. A professional pickleball player, Anna Leigh Waters, named the Blazers as a possible destination.
Why would that matter? The owner of the league in which Waters plays is none other than Dundon. The direct quote: “I don’t know,” said Pickleball player Anna Leigh Waters. “I know the owner of the professional pickleball league just bought the Portland basketball team, the Trail Blazers, and I know he’s trying to get (James), so we’ll see if that happens.”
Who knows if the eventuality will come true, but this has to go down as one of the more interestingly-sourced quotes in NBA history.
The sports world continues to wait for LeBron James’ latest decision regarding his NBA future. While a decision from the four-time NBA MVP has not been made public, he remains a topic of discussion.
James spent the last eight seasons with the Lakers, the longest continuous stint in his career with one team, but made the decision not to return. Some of the top suitors for James have reportedly included the Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors and Miami Heat, among others.
USA TODAY asked individuals at the ESPYS where they thought James would be playing next season. “I don’t know,” said Pickleball player Anna Leigh Waters. “I know the owner of the professional pickleball league just bought the Portland basketball team, the Trail Blazers, and I know he’s trying to get (James), so we’ll see if that happens.”
Gymnast Suni Lee believes that James may be headed to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Lee has ties to the state, having attended school in St. Paul. Magician Oz Pearlman doesn’t have any ties to the teams interested in James but believes the veteran player will return home to Cleveland.
