Los Angeles Clippers: History of Free Agent Delusion

Kobe Bryant and general manager Mitch Kupchak answer questions during a press conference held at the Lakers training facility in El Segundo, Calif.. Thursday, July 15, 2004. Bryant chose the Lakers over the Clippers, remaining with the team he joined in 1996 at age 18 and later helped win three NBA championships. (Photo by Steve Grayson/WireImage)
Kobe Bryant and general manager Mitch Kupchak answer questions during a press conference held at the Lakers training facility in El Segundo, Calif.. Thursday, July 15, 2004. Bryant chose the Lakers over the Clippers, remaining with the team he joined in 1996 at age 18 and later helped win three NBA championships. (Photo by Steve Grayson/WireImage) /
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AKRON, OH – AUGUST 08: LeBron James speaks during a press conference at The University of Akron before the kickoff of his welcome ceremony at InfoCison Stadium at The University of Akron on August 8, 2014 in Akron, Ohio. (Photo by Ty Wright/Getty Images)
AKRON, OH – AUGUST 08: LeBron James speaks during a press conference at The University of Akron before the kickoff of his welcome ceremony at InfoCison Stadium at The University of Akron on August 8, 2014 in Akron, Ohio. (Photo by Ty Wright/Getty Images) /

LeBron James – 2014

Most fans and experts expected LeBron and the Heat to run it back after the 2014 season. Rumors circulated they would take pay cuts in order to bring in another pseudo-star like Kyle Lowry or Pau Gasol. When the Heat lost the finals resoundingly to the Spurs, reports came out that the big three all wanted max contracts.

The Clippers seemed like the team who could make a move for LeBron. Getting to play with his friend Chris Paul in Los Angeles seemed like it would make the team to favorite to win the title as LeBron is the best player in the league and Chris Paul was still a top five guy.  Los Angeles was never really an option, LeBron went back home to Cleveland and brought them a title.