San Antonio Spurs: No surprise that LeBron James’ list left out SAS

LeBron James’ rumored wishlist of teams did not include the San Antonio Spurs.

When The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor reported LeBron James’ final four teams for free agency, it included the Cleveland Cavaliers, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers. Obviously, the San Antonio Spurs were nowhere to be found.

O’Connor noted that any connection between the Spurs and James came through social media speculation. Nothing through official avenues or a real desire to join San Antonio.

Sure, the idea of arguably the NBA’s greatest player and head coach linking sounds plausible. Kawhi Leonard still has a jersey in the AT&T Center’s locker room, for now, too. If that alliance formed, it would be one of the league’s dynamic duos — maybe the best.

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There are outside factors, though, like what these rumored teams already have. Potential 2017-18 MVP James Harden and Chris Paul are in Houston; Philadelphia a wealth of young talent, some of which approach the elite level; the Lakers offer Magic Johnson in the front office, the city of Los Angeles itself and young pieces; the Cavaliers offer stability and LeBron’s hometown.

So, yes, the Spurs have something to offer, but so do these teams. Maybe more than the Silver and Black, especially with the off-putting rumors of tension between Leonard and the organization, whether it’s true or not. The rumored teams do not offer the public view of toxicity, something that’s almost unbelievable to even think because of the Spurs’ perception of harmony and stability for the past 20 years.

Before Leonard, there was the issue with LaMarcus Aldridge, who eventually settled it with Popovich. However, back-to-back issues with star players do not indicate anything positive either, and another off-putting matter for superstar free agents that want to team with friends or go to their hometown.

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Should it be any surprise that LeBron reportedly does not have San Antonio on his list?