Surrounded by a media circus in New Jersey, LeBron James addressed rumors of his impending free agency last night.
InsideHoops transcribed the full conversation.
James clarified a few things, but gave reporters no reason to believe he’s leaning one way or the other. Despite LeBron’s diplomacy, his words were used to convey different messages by various media outlets in Cleveland, New Jersey, and New York.
At an early-voter registration rally last month in Cleveland, James was quoted as saying, “I love you Cleveland. I love Ohio and I’m not going anywhere.”
Some members of the media have used those comments to prove James has no intention of leaving the Cavaliers.
But when asked to clarify those comments last night, James backtracked a bit.
“I am from there,” he said. “Home is home for me. you know that’s what I was referring to at that time. No matter where you go or if you ever move somewhere else it doesn’t matter, home is always going to be home and that’s what I was basically letting them know.”
I have yet to locate that quote at The Cleveland Plain Dealer or the Akron Beacon Journal.
Mary Schmitt Boyer and Dan Labbe of The Plain Dealer penned articles covering LeBron’s comments last night, and neither scribe included that choice quote. The same goes for George M. Thomas of the Akron Beacon Journal. Coincidence? I think not.
While the Cleveland media chose to ignore that quote completely, Dave D’Alessandro of The Star-Ledger (New Jersey) used it to back up his contention that LeBron is amenable to signing elsewhere. As did Jay Greenburg of the New York Post.
Once again, LeBron reiterated his desire to win a championship and how his desire to win might influence his decision:
“When I decide to make a decision, it’s where I can win multiple championships,” said James. “This is the best team we’ve had since I have been here.”
James’ statement about winning rings runs contrary to those that believe he’ll leave for marketing purposes.
Cavs coach Mike Brown, who coached under Gregg Popovich in San Antonio before coming to the Cavaliers addressed the rumors and compared them to Tim Duncan’s brief flirtation with the Orlando Magic in 2000.
”I stepped back and observed and Pop said it like it was: ‘We’re getting ready for today’s game. And after today’s game, we’re getting ready for tomorrow. We can’t control that . . . Let’s just control what we can try to control and that’s what’s in front of us right now.”’
I suppose that’s a valid comparison. Both Duncan and James are franchise cornerstones. But here’s the thing: Duncan was closer to signing with the Magic that many people realize. If not for a last-second appeal from teammate David Robinson, Duncan would have signed with the Orlando. It was Duncan’s loyalty to Robinson, coach Gregg Popovich, and the Spurs organization that kept him in San Antonio.
When asked to talk about his sense of loyalty to the Cavs, James replied:
“I think you do what’s best for you and your family. And you do what’s best for your career. I think loyalty definitely has a big part to do with it, but the time that you spend with your respective team, you give a lot of loyalty. Every night I go out, play hard, that’s loyalty. The franchise is going to do what’s best for the franchise. For some odd reason, when the players do what’s best for the players, it always comes back on us, and almost looks bad. But when the franchise decides to give up on a player then it’s OK. So, we got to do what’s best for us.”
Is it about winning “multiple championships” or becoming a “global icon?” Is LeBron “not going anywhere” or is he keeping all of his options open? As Labbe pointed out, James is probably as uncertain as the rest of us.
I’m fascinated with rumors of LeBron’s free agency. Just as intiguing as envisioning James under the bright lights of New York is reading how the media spins LeBron’s comments to paint different pictures. The media firestorm surrounding LeBron’s free agency isn’t driven by “bored sportswriters,” but the conclusions drawn from their articles are anything but unbiased. And that truth applies to journalists on both sides of the spectrum.
November 19th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
“Just as intiguing as envisioning James under the bright lights of New York”
What does that even mean? I’m being serious. How would the way you watch LeBron James play basketball change if he were playing anywhere else vs playing in Cleveland? He would be on national TV the exact same number of times as he is now. I guess I just don’t see why a neutral observer would care if LeBron were playing in NY vs Cleveland.
As far as I can tell, the only difference between them would be if LeBron goes to NY, we can finally stop having to read this same story written a thousand different ways. Because you know even if LeBron does sign with Cleveland, it’ll take about 2 days before we get our first “LeBron is going to NY in 2016″ article.
November 19th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
Personally, I don’t care if LeBron signs with the Knicks, Nets, or Cavs.
But the Knicks are a storied franchise. And they play in the NBA’s largest media market.
From my perspective, I think it’s an interesting scenario. I’m signed up for every NBA feed imaginable. The New York media is incomparable. Yes, LeBron’s games will be televised wherever he plays, but his exploits would be magnified under the bright lights of New York. That’s not a knock against Cleveland, it’s a result of New York’s population. That carries a certain amount of intrigue to me.
I agree that this story isn’t going to end in 2010. I don’t think LeBron will ever sign a long-term extension. And there will always be teams preparing to make a run at him in free agency.
November 19th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
It’s an interesting discussion, although it is still a bit premature. And like any interesting discussion, leave it to the media to blow it out of proportion and throw out baseless conclusions.
I don’t think analyzing a meaningless vague remark from LeBron is going to give us any additional insight. I’ve heard coaches and players at every level in every sport swear up and down they wanted to stay, only to watch them bolt for the bucks.
But yes, the speculation can be interesting. As long as people realize that LeBron probably doesn’t even know what will happen…and neither do we.
From a business perspective, he has to opt out…even if he stays in Cleveland. He is the premier player in the league by a long shot. And when he does, New York isn’t necessarily his only option. Especially if his big concern is winning a championship. How about a modern day version of Kobe & Shaq…LeBron & Dwight Howard in Orlando?
Detroit could certainly have a shot at him. Why wouldn’t the Maloofs make a serious offer to bring him to Sacramento? What middle of the road team wouldn’t want to rebuild around him?
Is Vegas taking bets on it yet?
November 19th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
See, I just don’t get the whole “NY is a storied franchise” thing. Jeff Sack wrote a really good guest piece on the And One blog, and he made some excellent points. What makes the Knicks storied? The Lakers and Celtics are storied. I would get it a lot more if people were clamoring for LeBron to play for the Lakers. That makes sense. But I don’t see anything “bright” about the Knicks. Just my thoughts on it.
November 19th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
You nailed it Shooter. All of these media outlets are really wasting their breath right now. It’s dumb to read into what LeBron says publicly. He knows his audience, and he always says what they want to hear. He’s a smart guy. So when he’s in Cleveland, he acts like he’s staying. When he goes somewhere else, he acts like he’s leaving. It’s nothing new from him, he knows what he’s doing, and he’s going to keep doing it. Nobody will know what LeBron’s going to do until 2010 when he signs his name on a contract for some franchise.
November 19th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
Shooter,
Lol. I’m not sure what the over/under is.
You’re probably right. I don’t know if LeBron’s comments give us valuable insight, but they certainly give us reason to speculate.
Brian Windhorst reported that there are 18 teams in position to sign LeBron in 2010. That’s over half the NBA. This story isn’t going to end, if anything, it’s going to pick up steam as 2010 approaches.
November 19th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
Rock,
I understand that sentiment.
For starters, the Knicks have been in existance since 1946. They aren’t an expansion franchise, they’ve been around since the NBA’s inception.
The Madison Square Garden mystique doesn’t hurt either. Every NBA player looks forward to playing in the Garden. It’s a special place with a lot of historical significance.
November 19th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
I do agree about MSG. To me, MSG is more storied than the Knicks themselves.
Anyway, don’t mind me….it’s just irritating to be told every day that your team isn’t good enough for LeBron. I think that’s why so many of us Cleveland bloggers get so defensive about this. It’ll wear on ya after a while….especially when the team LeBron actually plays for right now is playing so well. That’s a relevant story to what’s going on in the NBA today, but all anyone wants to talk about is where he’ll play two years from now.
November 19th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
Rock,
No worries.
I just don’t like it when one side of the story is ignored. And that goes for NBA scribes on both sides of the fence. If you’re going to publicize that LeBron said: “I love you Cleveland. I love Ohio and I’m not going anywhere.” Then you should address it when he clarifies those comments.
I don’t like to read that NBA writers are “bored” or “stupid” or “hate Cleveland” because they speculate on LeBron’s future. It’s a legit story, and it’s one that LeBron continues to fuel.
On the flipside, if LeBron says he’s “happy in Cleveland” or that he wants to win multiple championships, then you have to give the city of Cleveland its due.
The Cavs are playing good basketball right now. If LeBron is being honest when he says that the chance to win “multiple championships” will be the determining factor, then Cleveland is the frontrunner at his point. But a lot can happen in two years. Both the Nets and Knicks are managed by competent front offices now.
It’s going to be interesting.
November 19th, 2008 at 11:47 pm
Really great post and responses.
As a neutral basketball fan, I could care less where LeBron plays. As a LeBron fan, I’d like to see him stay in Cleveland and win a championship. That city needs it, and it’s nice when a big star stays in a small market and leads his team to a title (never happens anymore).
As for the Knicks being a storied franchise, that’s horse doodie. The Knicks were only really good during two stretches; 1969-1974 and 1992-2000. The Celtics are storied, as are the Lakers. The Knicks have won two championships in 60 years. But they play in New York City, the marketing capital of the world, and, thus, we’re fed so much brainwashing fluid that we start believing what they tell us. But for real, the Knicks franchise has nothing on San Antonio, the poster child for what a successful franchise should look like. There are other franchises out there that have had more success.
I’m tired of hearing the media talk about LeBron possibly leaving Cleveland. I mean, really, LeBron and the Cavs are looking PHENOMENAL right now–that’s the story.
November 20th, 2008 at 9:24 am
A-Train,
Thanks.
I think there is a difference between being “storied” and being “successful.” I’m not a baseball fan by any means, but let’s use the Cubs as an example.
I don’t think anyone would argue against the Cubs being “storied.” But they’ve been anything but successful.
The same goes for the Knicks. Yes, they’ve only won 2 titles in 60 years, but there’s a lot of history there.
The Cavs look good. I’ve been very impressed thus far. But like I always tell Tsunami — consider the competition. It’s one thing to light up the Bulls or Nets, it’s another to light up the Celtics or Lakers. Two of Cleveland’s three losses have come at the hands of the Celtics and Pistons. Those are the games that should be looked at as measuring sticks.
November 20th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
Exactly hoffman
the bulls and nets are bad basketball teams right now, heck neither organization has been very good for quite a while.
that’s why lebron wants to play for the nets. it’s never been about winning for lebron. it’s been about clubbing with jigga.
just kidding. the lebron really wants to play for the knicks because he knows that defense wins championships and there isn’t a better defensive minded coach in the league than mike dantoni. i think the dan man has proven that year in and year out in the dominant western conference.his track record speaks for itself.
besides lebron has no j, and plays no d, and is not clutch. he’ll fit right into dantoni’s high flying system. lebron will be the steve nash and win multiple mvp’s. in NYC!
those are the facts nuff said.
plus he’s a cowboys fan.
November 20th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Good point about the competition, Hoff.
Still, I can’t help but notice how good LeBron looks this year. He is the best thing in sports right now.
Dusty, get a life.
November 20th, 2008 at 6:02 pm
Train,
This probably won’t come as a surprise, but I have good reason to believe that ‘dusty’ is actually the FOXSports blogger formerly known as ‘rooster.’
;)
That should help explain all of the tongue-in-cheek humor.
November 21st, 2008 at 6:29 am
Yeah I’m glad roost is here
“The Cavs look good. I’ve been very impressed thus far. But like I always tell Tsunami — consider the competition. It’s one thing to light up the Bulls or Nets, it’s another to light up the Celtics or Lakers. Two of Cleveland’s three losses have come at the hands of the Celtics and Pistons. Those are the games that should be looked at as measuring sticks.”
This is true, but the Cavs are still undefeated at home, and if you are going to lose to anyone, it’s probably going to be the best teams.
Here’s what you should consider. The Cavs aren’t a regular season team. Their identity is not winning games in the playoffs by scoring 110 points. Their identity is playing lock down, championship defense.
Every season that they have been in the playoffs in the LeBron era they have been a better team in the playoffs.
As for the LeBron to anywhere but Cleveland rumors – there’s only so much beatdown a guy can take. I’m done. If he leaves in two years, I will never watch sports again, and the media will have successfully packaged LeBron to a big market city. It will epitomize the fact that professional sports is only a business, and it’s not about the fans. The Cleveland Cavs will fold, and I will periodically troll the internet saying things like “LeBrick can’t shoot” while he’s punching 30/10/8 a night on 50% shooting and 80% foul shooting for some overcrowded city.
November 21st, 2008 at 7:39 am
I deal with Rooster… I like him. Dusty was another story. I disagreed with him once and he started talking about Jim Crow laws, Steve Nash being a racist and how he [Dusty] knocked over a shelf at the local 99 cents store because it housed endless rows of vanilla pudding and white chocolate.
Dude had problems.
I agree with everything Tsunami said above. This LeBron thing is really great for sports and I wish people would quit trying to ruin it. Marketing was huge in the Jordan years, but the media didn’t inject itself into every Jordan scenario with hopes of influencing/manipulating some outcome that would make for great sideshow entertainment. Athletes have so much nonsense to deal with today that I’ll be the first to turn a blind eye if and when when Barry Bonds pushes Jim Gray down a flight of stairs.
A lot of people are down on the NBA right now, but I think it’s starting to take off. Two more years and it should be really, really special in the likes of the late 80’s/early 90’s (minus the powerhouse teams–parity has arrived).
November 21st, 2008 at 8:49 am
Tsu,
I understand that Cleveland is a team built for the postseason. But what has that achieved so far? They need to be shoring up their loose ends in the regular season and playing their best basketball against conference rivals.
The Cavs reverted to a lot of their old ways against the Celtics and Pistons. We’ll see if that changes in future meetings.
The media won’t be to blame if LeBron signs elsewhere. It’s his decision my friend.
November 21st, 2008 at 8:51 am
Train,
Dusty was a lunatic.
I agree about the state of the NBA. But I think the transformation began last season.
November 21st, 2008 at 10:40 am
“Tsu,
I understand that Cleveland is a team built for the postseason. But what has that achieved so far? They need to be shoring up their loose ends in the regular season and playing their best basketball against conference rivals.
The Cavs reverted to a lot of their old ways against the Celtics and Pistons. We’ll see if that changes in future meetings.
The media won’t be to blame if LeBron signs elsewhere. It’s his decision my friend.”
You can’t win them all. The Cavs have yet to play 48 minutes to my liking. But this is the point I am trying to make. In the postseason, the Cavs have been IN almost every game they have played because of defense. Even in the “sweep” series that you love to bring up because of your favorite back-handed compliment – the Cavs were IN every game. No 40 point blowouts here. They win games with defense. They lose games because of lack of offense. It’s hard to beat great teams, especially great defensive teams like Boston and Detroit when you have 1 dynamic offensive player, and 9 role players. Now the Cavs have 2 dynamic offensive players, and more solid role players. And they may be able to acquire another player in the Vince Carter/AK-47 mold with Wally’s expiring contract.
The Cavs may have reverted to their old habits against Boston and Detroit, but if history proves anything, the Cavs generally exceed expectations in the playoffs. And so far they are exceeding expectations (even mine) in the regular season.
Also, Mike Brown has pretty much refused to treat those conference rival games like playoff games. He is playing guys like JJ Hickson and Lorenzan Wright. You really think those guys are going to be going up against guys like Garnet in the playoffs? No, LeBron is going to play 45-48 minutes, the defense is going to be suffocating, and they aren’t going to spend 3 quarters getting Z involved JUST BECAUSE. Mike Brown is once again taking a very laissez-faire approach to the regular season, which pissed me off last year because we needed a high playoff seed. This year, I don’t think that will matter, even though Boston is dominant at home – I don’t think they can beat us in 7 games again.
November 21st, 2008 at 10:55 am
And yes, I will blame the media.
Things are different today. If the media can affect something as big as a presidential election, they can certainly affect LeBron’s destination.
Everything goes through the journalists and the tv personalities, and PTI, and Sportscenter, and FoxSports.com and ESPN.com, and Around the Horn, and Monday Night Countdown, and the AP Poll, and First and 10.
Unless you turn on your TV at tipoff, mute the announcers, turn it off during halftime and postgame – you are getting fed sports through a medium that is increasingly biased and more importantly, exceedingly interested in shoving that bias down your throat, one way or another.
The media gave Kobe Bryant the MVP last year.
It’s funny, you would NEVER disagree with me that the media HYPE surrounding LeBron James is partially what inked him a $90 million dollar deal with Nike.
You don’t think LeBron watches TV? He’s got 20 some LCDs in his house, I know because my Uncle ran the monster cables for him. He gets more media bombardment than anyone.
The more he hears that the only way he will become what he wants to be – “an iconic figure” is through NY, the more he is going to believe it.
He’s got more talent than any basketball player before him. Now he just needs a either a fairytale supporting cast (like Jordan) – or a supernatural hype machine (like Kobe) to become iconic.
The media is to blame – and when I say the media, I won’t be vague. Steven A. Smith is to blame. ESPN is to blame. FoxSports is to blame. the NYT and LAtimes are to blame. Bloggers are to blame.
One thing no one will be able to blame is the Cleveland Cavaliers. They have bent over backwards since day 1 to make their organization world class. They have the best locker rooms, the best practice facility, one of the best personel coaches, a core of youth, the 3rd best attendance rate in the NBA, and an owner with a SERIOUS hole in his pocket.
Cleveland has done just about everything right – but they can’t compete with millions of incessant arrogant voices gawking at the idea that anyone good would want to play in Cleveland.
November 21st, 2008 at 11:10 am
Agreed, Hoff, on the NBA starting over last year.
I agree with Tsunami on everything he said minus the comment on Jordan and his fairytale cast. That’s just a ridiculous comment. Jordan MADE the Bulls from ground up.
LeBron is one of the most talented players ever, but don’t compare him to Jordan. Jordan had a will to win that brought about all that he needed to win.
November 21st, 2008 at 1:43 pm
A-Train, Jordan made the bulls because of his relentlessness in practice and his will to dominate in the games – but some of his most dominant years in the NBA came when he didn’t have the right personnel around him. By the time he was winning championships, it wasn’t because he became a more willing passer or because his skills were better, it was because he finally had better pieces around him. I’m not trying to do revisionist history here – Jordan is the best ever and it’s not even close PERIOD. But no one wins 6 championships on his own. I’m merely stating that I think that from a talent perspective, LeBron has as much as Jordan. Much like Jordan appeared to be a man among boys, I see that when I watch LeBron play. But my point was that Jordan became probably the most iconic athlete of all time because he won 6 championships. Jordan’s teammates complimented his skill set perfectly.
And they were no slouches either. They DID win 55 games in 1994.
My point is simply that Jordan would have been the best ever with or without them – but it only with them that he would win 6 championships, and it was only with 6 championships that he became iconic – the way LeBron wants to be.
November 21st, 2008 at 3:31 pm
Tsunami,
You said, “Mike Brown has pretty much refused to treat those conference rival games like playoff games. He is playing guys like JJ Hickson and Lorenzan Wright.”
That’s a mistake in my book. Every time you get an opportunity to face a conference rival, it’s important to bring your ‘A game.’ Why? Because you want to plant that seed of doubt in the opposition’s mind. You want to have a psychological advantage.
You said, “Things are different today. If the media can affect something as big as a presidential election, they can certainly affect LeBron’s destination.”
LeBron’s free agency isn’t going to be decided by a popular vote. It’s LeBron’s decision and LeBron’s decision alone. If I were a Cavs fan, I’d be much more concerned with LeBron’s relationship with Jay-Z than Sportscenter or The New York Times.
You said, “The more he hears that the only way he will become what he wants to be – ‘an iconic figure’ is through NY, the more he is going to believe it.
He’s got more talent than any basketball player before him. Now he just needs a either a fairytale supporting cast (like Jordan) – or a supernatural hype machine (like Kobe) to become iconic.
The media is to blame – and when I say the media, I won’t be vague. Steven A. Smith is to blame. ESPN is to blame. FoxSports is to blame. the NYT and LAtimes are to blame. Bloggers are to blame.”
Are you kidding me? I’ll admit that the media attention is overwhelming and oftentimes over the top. And I’ll admit that I do my part to contribute to that.
But LeBron is just as much to blame as the media. He’s the one that stokes the fire when he’s in NY or NJ. He’s the one that said New York is his favorite city and Brooklyn is his favorite borough. He’s the one that attends Cleveland sporting events with a Yankees hat on.
I can PROMISE you that if LeBron kept his mouth shut, the media attention wouldn’t be half of what it is.
November 21st, 2008 at 3:37 pm
Train,
To a certain extent, I agree with Tsunami’s fairytale comment. Don’t underestimate how great Scottie Pippen was and how well he fit alongside Jordan. It was Pippen — not Jordan — that guarded the opposing team’s best player. It was Pippen that facilitated the triangle offense and quarterbacked Chicago’s defense. It was Pippen that built teammates up after Jordan verbally abused them in practice.
I also agree that LeBron is comparable to Jordan from a talent standpoint. Just like I agree that Kobe is comparable to Jordan from a skill set standpoint.
LeBron is the most talented player ever. If you disagree, than you haven’t watched him enough.
November 21st, 2008 at 3:50 pm
“I can PROMISE you that if LeBron kept his mouth shut, the media attention wouldn’t be half of what it is.”
It’s a chicken and egg thing – the Yankee hat notwithstanding. LeBron was ASKD what his favorite borough is. What kind of question is that anyway?
Michael Jordan was friends with Spike Lee. Funny I don’t remember 90% of the stories about MJ being WHEN he was going to play in the “bright lights” of NY. I remember 90% of the stories being about him dominating people night in and night out.
I’ll admit that LeBron does pour fuel on the fire. But here is what you don’t understand. LeBron is loved by the organization and fans for more than just his game. He has got to be the most respectful superstar ever in terms of paying his dues. He came into this league and deferred to Ricky freaking Davis. He echos his coaches philosophy. He has a personal relationship with former Cavs like Austin Carr, Jim Chones, and Campy Russell. A few nights ago he went diving into the seats to save a ball and landed near Joe Tait, the Cavs longtime radio commentator. Immediately after the game he hopped up and started talking to Joe live on the air, and was genuinely humble and you could tell Joe Tait loves him. He can be seen riding his bike around Akron in the summer to get exercise. Many people were surprised that he built his house right off of a busy state route. He commented that he wanted to be near family and friends. He hasn’t abandoned his roots (yet).
Look, I’ll make this easy. Every day you hear stories about people in relationships that end them because SOMEONE ELSE tells one of the principle players that they are too good for the other person. Whether it’s a friend that doesn’t approve, a parent, or a gold-digger trying to steal someone away – it happens EVERY DAY.
Sure, you can sit there from afar and say “well, ultimately it was his/her decision to end the relationship” – but real people know what is going on behind the scenes can have a dramatic effect on the decision.
LeBron has made himself a superstar with hard work and unparalleled humility – it’s why everyone around him likes him and why old timers that don’t go for the big egos today, can still get on board with LeBron because of how respectful he is of those that came before him. And he’s done it in Northeast ohio. Now he has someone in his ear 10,000X a day telling him he’s too good for Cleveland – one way or another.
If you don’t think he’s impressionable just because he’s LeBron – think again – everyone can be influenced from the outside. And from what I know of LeBron – he is VERY aware of what others think of him. The few times the Cavs fans have booed the Cavs for whatever reason or another has REALLY bothered him – like REALLY bothered him that he felt the need to bring it up multiple times on multiple occasions. He called out Charles Barkley 2 years ago because Barkley was always bashing the Cavs. He knows what is being said, and it affects him.
November 21st, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Look Hoff, maybe I was being naive a few years ago about LeBron’s ultimate destination. Back then the argument was about his supporting cast and the Cavs had a very weak one. I treaded though those deep waters by saying that the only way LeBron goes down as the greatest ever is if he wins a ring with a piss-poor supporting cast. Kobe will never be in the same sentence as Jordan because the Lakers won with Shaq, and if they win it this year it will be because the bench is insane and they have one of the best post players in the game.
So I decided that the Cavs horrible supporting cast was a testament to how good LeBron was and that it actually magnified his talents.
Well now that’s not the argument anymore. There is no way that the cap-clearing fire-sale teams will have a better core in 2010 to start with than the Cavs with Mo Williams @ 9 mil, Delonte West at 4 mill, Boobie Gibson at 3 mil, and JJ hickson. There’s just no way – all of those guys sans Hickson will be entering their prime in 2 years. The argument can no longer be – “LeBron will bolt Cleveland because the Cavs suck.” THe Cavs don’t suck – they have a solid supporting cast now and would probably win 30 games without LeBron, as opposed to about 10 last year.
Notice that the reports are only getting louder? Now the HEADLINE argument is: “Why WOULDN’T LeBron leave?”
There is no more substance to most of the articles than that. Sure they throw some details here and there about what he said when – but the bottom line is THAT is the tone of the reports. THAT is the mantra of the TV personalities, and THAT is why Cleveland hates the media. It’s not that LeBron’s teams are talent starved – it’s NOT that LeBron is unhappy with his situation, it’s NOT that LeBron has a chance to win multiple rings if he JUST leaves Cleveland. No. The mantra is “well why WOULDN’T he leave? Who WOULDN’T leave Cleveland?” Translation: LeBron you are an idiot if you stay.
I heard Sunny Vacarro say something along the lines of “You don’t get your face on Mount Rushmore through Cleveland.”
DUMBEST QUOTE EVER. For the obvious reasons that there is no more room on Rushmore, if there WAS room then Barack’s face would already be there, and athletes generally don’t wind up there. But the point was that Ohio isn’t worthy of greatness – and that is both arrogant, incorrect, and incredibly demeaning.
November 22nd, 2008 at 4:03 pm
I agree with Tsu. Not that either one of you are entirely wrong. Ultimately, it is up to LeBron and he’ll make his choice come 2010. Maybe he leaves out of curiosity?
Tsu–I went to college in Ohio and have a lot of friends out there. Let’s be real for a minute. Ohio, specifically its cities, is quite gloomy in comparison to Miami, Orlando, New York, Los Angeles, etc. LeBron can make his money anywhere so let’s forget about the money. If he stays it’s because he has the best chance to win there, and partly because of his views on loyalty. But if the Magic or Heat or Knicks present him with just as good of chance to win, or better, how is he going to turn down the opportunity?
As a young, rich black man, who’s into fashion, music, etc., I’d much rather live in a hi-rise overlooking South Beach than in some recently constructed “luxury” condo or house in the nicest part of what is a depressed city.
All he has ever known is Northeast Ohio. Again, it’s going to boil down to whether or not he’s a mama’s boy or not. Some guys stay close to their roots, but those guys usually aren’t superstars.
I would love for him to stay in Cleveland but I think he’s going to leave.
Hoff–I’m going to ignore you for a week because of your comments on Jordan. LOL. Jordan’s IQ and skill set are a on level LeBron will never reach. Whether LeBron’s physical gifts make up for that is another story. LeBron might become Jesus, but Jordan will always be God.
November 22nd, 2008 at 6:00 pm
A-Train,
I guess it depends upon your definition of “talent.” I suppose basketball IQ falls into that definition. But I tend to believe “physical gifts” are the largest piece of the pie.
Jordan’s skill-set — his footwork, shooting ability, dribbling, and passing — were things he acquired after hours upon hours spent in the gym. They weren’t born of talent. I do agree that LeBron has a long ways to go to equal or exceed Jordan’s skill set.
But from a talent standpoint — running, jumping, strength — MJ and LeBron are comparable.
November 22nd, 2008 at 6:27 pm
Tsunami,
You said, “It’s a chicken and egg thing – the Yankee hat notwithstanding. LeBron was ASKD what his favorite borough is. What kind of question is that anyway?”
No, it’s not a chicken and egg thing. Reporters are free to ask whatever they like. But if they don’t get the reply they’re looking for, there’s no story. If LeBron decides he’s not going to address the rumors until 2010, the firestorm would decrease. But he’s not going to do that. He likes that people are paying so much attention to his free agency. If he didn’t, he wouldn’t fan the flames.
You said, “Michael Jordan was friends with Spike Lee. Funny I don’t remember 90% of the stories about MJ being WHEN he was going to play in the “bright lights” of NY. I remember 90% of the stories being about him dominating people night in and night out.”
Spike Lee wasn’t part-owner of the Knicks. He and Jordan weren’t as close as Jay-Z and LeBron claim to be either. Also, when did Jordan say he wanted to be a “Global Icon?” Jordan wasn’t as focused on building a “brand” like LeBron is. Jordan’s image and marketability came about naturally. When did Jordan cheer for teams in other cities? That’s a weak comparison.
You said, “Kobe will never be in the same sentence as Jordan because the Lakers won with Shaq, and if they win it this year it will be because the bench is insane and they have one of the best post players in the game.”
Lol. I’m not even going to go there.
You said, “There is no way that the cap-clearing fire-sale teams will have a better core in 2010 to start with than the Cavs with Mo Williams @ 9 mil, Delonte West at 4 mill, Boobie Gibson at 3 mil, and JJ hickson. There’s just no way – all of those guys sans Hickson will be entering their prime in 2 years. The argument can no longer be – “LeBron will bolt Cleveland because the Cavs suck.” THe Cavs don’t suck – they have a solid supporting cast now and would probably win 30 games without LeBron, as opposed to about 10 last year.”
No way? Did you see what Donnie Walsh did in one day? Do you think he’s done now? He’s not going to just sit on his butt and wait until 2010 now that the Knicks have cap room. He’s going to continue to make the Knicks better.
You’re right. The Cavs don’t suck. And I agree that Cleveland would probably win 30 games without LeBron. But how many games do you think the Nets or Knicks will win this season? I’d venture to guess that both of those teams will win around 30 games this season.
The fact of the matter is this: at this moment, Mo Williams is the only legitimate reason (on court) for LeBron to stay with the Cavs. He’s the one guy that you can argue is better than anyone on the Nets or Knicks. And even then, I’m not so sure about that. Personally, I’d take Devin Harris over Mo.
My points is this: you subtract LeBron from the Cavs right now, and they are comparable to the Knicks or Nets.
It’s going to come down to what Danny Ferry does with Ben Wallace and Wally’s expiring contracts. But here’s the thing — no one is going to help the Cavs out. Do you think anyone in the East wants to see the Cavs get stronger?
I’m not saying it’s impossible, but Ferry has his work cut out for him. We’re dealing with a different trade and free agent landscape right now. Pau Gasol and Kevin Garnett (highly sought after trade commodities before last season) are locked up. A lot of players have moved around over the past year. A lot of players have been signed to extensions.
LeBron says he wants to win multiple championships. And after watching him this season, it’s hard not to believe him. The guy is playing his tail off. But he’s facing an uphill climb against the Celtics and Lakers. Take KG off the Celtics, and they’re still a very good team. The same goes for Kobe and the Lakers.
Cleveland has to offer LeBron a MUCH GREATER chance at winning rings than New York can. The Cavs aren’t there YET. That’s not to say that NY is there either, but I’m going to perfectly honest with you, I’m much more confident in Donnie Walsh and Mike D’Antoni than I am in Danny Ferry and Mike Brown. I know I’ve said that in past, but Cleveland’s fast start has done little to change mind.
November 22nd, 2008 at 9:01 pm
why wont you go there about the Kobe stuff?
I’m not offering MY opinion on the matter, I’m offering the collective opinion of most sports fans – that Jordan won without a dominant center and so far Kobe has not.
My personal opinions are WAY harsher, as you know, but I didn’t offer them.
“people need things to write about.” – LeBron James.
BORED SPORTSWRITERS.
November 24th, 2008 at 7:40 pm
Tsunami,
I’ve come to know you fairly well over the past year or two. So I’m going to say this as respectfully as possible. I’m not going to call you a “Kobe hater,” but I will say that you have a very hard time giving credit where credit is due when it comes to Bryant.
Maybe that comes from your desire to prove that LeBron is greater than Kobe. I don’t know, but it’s pretty obvious.
On the one hand, you talk about Jordan’s “fairy tale supporting cast,” and on the other you claim that “Kobe will never be in the same sentence as Jordan because the Lakers won with Shaq, and if they win it this year it will be because the bench is insane and they have one of the best post players in the game.”
Don’t you see the hypocrisy there? I agree that Jordan’s supporting cast was legendary. But if Kobe wins a championship this season and puts up Jordan-like numbers in the playoffs (like he did through 3 rounds last season), his title will not be any less impressive than Jordan’s.
Bryant is blessed with a great supporting cast right now. But don’t get it twisted my friend, Kobe’s supporting cast doesn’t come close to what Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman brought to the Bulls. Pippen and Rodman (despite his omission in 1996) are two of the 50 greatest players of all-time.
Gasol will never reach their status. Bynum has a LONG WAYS to go. Chicago’s bench was phenomenal too.
Bryant deserved the MVP award last season. He deserves more credit that he’s received for elevating Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum’s games. Gasol’s numbers went up across the board when he arrived in LA.
But again, this is nothing new from you. You had a very hard time giving credit where credit was due when Kobe TOOK OVER in the gold medal game. You claimed that Kobe “didn’t step up,” he “seized control of the game.” You claimed that Kobe “demanded to be the guy, and the real leaders (LeBron and Wade) of the team deferred.”
Give me a break.
Bryant turned in one of the greatest clutch performances of all-time. LeBron, Wade, and company deferred because they knew what time it was. Coach K told Kobe — and I quote — “it’s time to let the Mamba loose” after that timeout with 8:00 remaining. As cheesy as that sounds, it was appropriate. And Kobe delivered. You can speculate all you like about what might have happened had LeBron or Wade shot the ball down the stretch, but Bryant was the one who delivered.
If you disagree, that’s fine. But I just thought I would make my peace on the subject.
September 22nd, 2009 at 3:05 am
If you are trying to solve the problem without thinking the origin of it, you would bring troubles to yourself!