Scouting report on ‘The Decision’

Chicago Tribune reporter K.C. Johnson sizes up the cases for each team pursuing LeBron James.

Cavaliers

Why: It’s home. They can pay him the most. And the hiring of Byron Scott impressed him.

Why not: They have an aging roster with little flexibility to add pieces. And he has tried to deliver a title for seven seasons.

Bulls

Why: He loves the city. He grew up as a Michael Jordan fan. And he would team with Joakim Noah, Carlos Boozer and Derrick Rose to make them an instant title contender.

Why not: He has questioned his ability to play off the ball well with Derrick Rose. He would leave one year and $29 million on the table from Cleveland. After signing Boozer, it is unlikely the Bulls can still offer James a maximum contract.

Heat

Why: He’s friends with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh and could form a triumvirate that could challenge for multiple titles.

Why not: He would make less than Wade. South Florida doesn’t offer as many opportunities for him to grow his global brand.

Nets

Why: He’s friendly with minority owner Jay-Z. Billionaire owner Mikhail Prokhorov is a dynamic spender with global ties. Devin Harris and Brook Lopez are big pieces.

Why not: They won 12 games last season. They’re playing in Newark for two seasons before a move to Brooklyn.

Knicks

Why: There’s a worldwide appeal to the city. Mike D’Antoni offers an up-tempo style. And they have financial flexibility moving forward.

Why not: They have suffered nine straight losing seasons. This season’s roster is non-competitive, even with the addition of Amare Stoudemire.