Rockets should explore possibility of acquiring the GOAT

The Houston Rockets are not linked to LeBron James in any rumors. That's something that should change.

It's almost refreshing. Whenever an NBA star is in the rumor mill, it seems like the Rockets are in the mix. This time, it's different. James' unhappiness in Los Angeles is heavily rumored, but if you Google "LeBron James Rockets", you're likely to find reports from when he was (n't) considering joining the team in 2018. The Rockets aren't seen as serious suitors for James' services:

Why is that?

Rockets should look at LeBron James

There are several reasons.

Firstly, the Rockets are over the first apron of the salary cap. They can't aggregate salary to trade for James now. So, the idea of landing him before next summer is far-fetched.

Otherwise, there are just landing spots that make more intuitive sense. James may like to reunite with Anthony Davis in Dallas. Pairing with the (other) defining player of his generation in Steph Curry feels poetic. James didn't seem keen to reside in Houston before: Why would he now?

Let's disregard narrative. Forget about James' new temporary address. Let's talk basketball:

From that perspective, Houston makes all the sense in the world for James.

Imagine James taking Fred VanVleet's spot. Picture this starting lineup:

C: Alperen Sengun
PF: Jabari Smith Jr.
SF: Kevin Durant
SG: Amen Thompson
PG: LeBron James

Dear God.

That's unstoppable. Everyone is huge. Everyone defends. James would be the finishing touch on the Rockets' wing-heavy vision.

Is it a pipe dream?

Rockets unlikely to land LeBron James

Practically.

James is in the final year of his contract. He may be in the final year of his career. Trading for him is too complicated this year. So, the Rockets would have to wait until next summer and see if James wants to play another year in the league.

If he does, they'd likely need him to take a discount. That could allow Houston to work out a sign-and-trade involving VanVleet and some draft capital. Even that only feels feasible if James doesn't get traded this year. If he's already forged a partnership with the Warriors, he'll see that through.

Moreover, if this isn't James' last season, next year almost certainly will be. James will likely want to pick a final destination that benefits his brand. A return to Cleveland would be sensible, and pairing with Curry in Golden State feels right, too.

Yet, finishing his career with Durant has a nice ring to it as well, doesn't it? Especially if it comes with - pardon the pun - a ring. James to Houston is a long shot, but rule it out at your own peril:

When a star is available, the Rockets are typically around.