I don't know what Adobe is going to do in the future, but I see it possible that an online solution could make sense if technology advances to the point were future network speed equal the current read speeds from SSDs and the computing power in the back-end is equal or better than a current high end workstation.
In regards to functionality, I don't see why it cannot equal or surpass the current LR Classic, and nothing of this precludes the possibility of a local data backup.
Moreover, a cloud solution is more likely to implement (hopefully) concurrent multi-user capabilities than the stand alone one.
You may think I'm dreaming or that this is just wishful thinking, and maybe it's true, but having started not too long ago with punched cards and 300 baud modems, I think a scenario like that is very likely in the not too distant future.
Now if the choice is to do the change today, with the current LR functionality and tech limitations, I would definitely say not.
In regards to the article, It find it highly biased and speculative, not worthy of being paid content. I find much better information in the forums.