Dan Gilbert also cannot have Lebron leave and a roster that will take years to correct in the aftermath.
At some point you have to consider after a few chips, what is the price? He might be losing money and his franchise does not rise in value unless earnings are sustainable.
When Lebron retires, revenue will drop. Ad rates and sponserships will not sustain until they can replenish a team. This is not NY were winning does not matter for cash flow.
Gilbert has to balance. Lebron has his perspective, but its not Lebron going out and getting players, not until he starts paying for them.
No clear villain or hero here.
Lebron has said himself he is chasing ghosts.