Lebron James Rumors/Discussion Thread

[mousitch]

Cleveland not too happy bout Lebron leaving.

[1ForAll]

Sorry to all the Cavs fans. And sorry to anyone from NY or Chicago. I saw this coming several weeks ago and no one thought it would happen. I hate to say it, but I told you so.

LETS GO HEAT!

[karliejai]

i dont understand how all these ESPN analysts are trying to protect lebron by saying hes taking a paycut blah blah blah(winning championship > money.) The fact is that lebron makes SO MUCH money outside his contract from his sponsors that instead of getting a $120 million/6 years, whats the difference with a $70ish million/6 years.

He has enough money that he would still do the deal if he gets paid min salary.

[NaTuReB0Y]

miami will choke in the playoff.......and they'll split up after one season......

[karliejai]

also during the show, all lebron said is that what HE brought to Cleveland, what HE gave to the fans. Basically, stepping and trashing the fans and the city of cleveland. He never said anything about the kind of support he got from the fans, never thank his fans. You know... without ur fans lebron, ur just another ***** from the hood son.

but Lakers 3peat!!

[ben14142001]

I still can't believe he actually went there. I also agree that I don't think they will win this year. I honestly don't know if he could have gone to any of those 6 teams and won this year. My money is still on the Lakers, mostly because Phil Jackson has to complete his fourth 3-peat

[BMW2006]

Eh, I'm disappointed but not angry at him. He didn't chose to play his first 4 years in Cleveland, but did amazing things for them, but then he chose to stay for 3 more which he didn't have to. They almost got it done, but didn't. so what.

I'm surprised he didn't fall for all the bait the analysts kept throwing at him. He kept repeating his message, although a few times he did appear conceited and selfish, mainly because he was getting defensive when they kept trying to play the "you betrayed Cleveland" angle. Plus referring to yourself in the 3rd person is complete douche-baggery but I don't know what else to expect of a superstar in the NBA.

Most of what he said was true. Cleveland fans will eventually come to terms with it

I gave 7 great years to the organization ... true
I took the team to levels they hadn't been to before ... true
I always gave it my all ... for the most part, true, certainly more than 99.9% of the players out there.
I didn't do this for the money... True. etc. etc.

He kept repeating this message even when ESPN sunk so low as to show someone burning his jersey (the first thing I thought is that it was staged, but Cleveland fans can be a scornful bunch so who knows)

Kobe or any of those guys haven't done shit for Cleveland, LeBron has put Akron/Cleveland back on the map. He's gone now but the Cavs still have some momentum, they were one of the deepest bench teams in the NBA. We'll see what happens with them now. My guess is unless they make a big signing they'll slip back to medocrity in a couple of years, if not implode next year.

It will be hard to watch, but I hope he does win at lease one ring. He's done a lot for Cleveland. It's was and is unfair for Cleveland fans to expect one guy to erase 50 years of Cleveland sports history. Which is exactly how Cleveland ran their organization, and Cleveland needs to come to terms with that.

I'm saying this as a lifelong Cleveland fan. True fans will understand, The rest need to stop acting like a bunch of scorned lovers and take their cities destiny into their own hands.

-BMW2006

[escobar929]

This is gonna be insane. They need a couple of more players and they win 4 out 5 championships thru out their contracts. Mario Chalmbers is a good player, capable of lots of steals and 3 pointers, Michael Beasley is great when he's on but is every unreliable, hopefully he steps it up. If we can sign Q Rich, Udonis Haslem and Carlos Arroyo we would be in good shape and maybe a couple of more backs ups. Maybe someone like Dorell Wright. We do need a big man, I love Joel Anthony but we still need one more big guy

And its all guys who were all on the team, they just could sign them till they get the big 3

GO HEAT!!!!!

[FStop7]

The Heat are going to get smoked in the playoffs. No center, no bench.

[Chewy734]

Originally Posted by BMW2006

Eh, I'm disappointed but not angry at him. He didn't chose to play his first 4 years in Cleveland, but did amazing things for them, but then he chose to stay for 3 more which he didn't have to. They almost got it done, but didn't. so what.

I'm surprised he didn't fall for all the bait the analysts kept throwing at him. He kept repeating his message, although a few times he did appear conceited and selfish, mainly because he was getting defensive when they kept trying to play the "you betrayed Cleveland" angle. Plus referring to yourself in the 3rd person is complete douche-baggery but I don't know what else to expect of a superstar in the NBA.

Most of what he said was true. Cleveland fans will eventually come to terms with it

I gave 7 great years to the organization ... true
I took the team to levels they hadn't been to before ... true
I always gave it my all ... for the most part, true, certainly more than 99.9% of the players out there.
I didn't do this for the money... True. etc. etc.

He kept repeating this message even when ESPN sunk so low as to show someone burning his jersey (the first thing I thought is that it was staged, but Cleveland fans can be a scornful bunch so who knows)

Kobe or any of those guys haven't done shit for Cleveland, LeBron has put Akron/Cleveland back on the map. He's gone now but the Cavs still have some momentum, they were one of the deepest bench teams in the NBA. We'll see what happens with them now. My guess is unless they make a big signing they'll slip back to medocrity in a couple of years, if not implode next year.

It will be hard to watch, but I hope he does win at lease one ring. He's done a lot for Cleveland. It's was and is unfair for Cleveland fans to expect one guy to erase 50 years of Cleveland sports history. Which is exactly how Cleveland ran their organization, and Cleveland needs to come to terms with that.

I'm saying this as a lifelong Cleveland fan. True fans will understand, The rest need to stop acting like a bunch of scorned lovers and take their cities destiny into their own hands.

-BMW2006

Thanks for the post bro... but...

Cleveland hasn't yet come to terms with Art Modell's douchebaggery, as any true Cleveland fan would know. Honestly, the best way for him to have built his legacy would have been to stay in Cleveland. If he wants to compare himself to the great Jordan, jumping ship isn't the way to show his loyalty to his city and his fans.

Why bring Kobe into the mix? Who says Cleveland wasn't on the map? Most people knew where Cleveland was way before LeBron was even born, and will continue to know it now that he's gone. I agree one man cannot erase 50 years of Cleveland sports history, but adding salt to a wound that hasn't healed from one heartbreak to the next isn't the best way to go out.

Die hard Cleveland fans never blamed LeBron for this years disappointing season, but you have to admit, the way he chose to publicly leave our team through this charade is hard for any Cleveland fan to swallow.

I do wish him the best in Miami, and I'm sure he will win many championships during his career, but the way he left will hardly be forgotten by any Cleveland fan for a very long time to come.

[CollinsE90]

[BMWinNorthdakota]

I dont understand how some individuals get so into sports that a simple team change can alter a their demeanor... Lol like really guys?

I guess I have never been an "Avid" Sports fan... not to say I dont like them...


Good for lebron, he did what he wanted to do. Its a business to him, not some emotional attachment bullshit.

[BMW2006]

I mentioned Kobe only from the "Kobe vs Lebron" stuff I saw on TV this year and also I think someone mentioned they would root for the Lakers over Miami now.

Yeah, it sucks he did this national charade in front of everyone. He probably doesn't realize it yet but he has sacrificed his legacy somewhat. Unless he wins more rings than Kobe or Jordon (unlikely) he's given up his spot to be compared to them. My guess is he'll win one or two, then be remembered as one of the great players, but not one of the greatest. He will eventually realize that if he brought one championship to Cleveland there would be 50 foot stone statues being built downtown in his likeness and people would tell their grandchildren about him. He chose to leave his chance to leave that kind of legacy which like I said, disappoints me, but am not going to hate on him for it.

Sorry it's been a long day and I'm really tired so I'm having some trouble putting my argument together. I meant put Cleveland back on the map in the sports world. of course everyone knows where Cleveland is.

I've been there through it all with you guys, but the majority of the fans I know fully expected a Cavs championship being the route to vindication of Cleveland sports in general after years of mediocrity and disappointment and almost wins on all fronts. To have put that on one players shoulders was unfair in my opinion.

-BMW2006

[UdubBadger]

Originally Posted by BTM

No hate for him, I just really question him as the alpha competitor he claims to be. In Miami, he will not be "the king"

Are there any ratings results from "The Decision" yet? Bet it beats State of the Union

+1

Not "hating" him, hell I love him as an athlete but I'm surprised and taken aback at his decision. I have said numerous times I would have respected losing out on him to NY/NJ or Cleveland but this move was straight outta the 3rd grade playground. We (meaning most of the NBA analysts and bball fans) all knew Chicago was the best fit, we all know NY was the biggest market, and we all know Cleveland would have been the classy thing to do (staying home). Of course 3/4 cities involved were bound to get upset but it was the one that didn't need him that got him which just seems so absurd to me. On top of that, the frickin way all this media shit handled it was just redic. Glad some kids got charity money though.

['Cane]

Originally Posted by FStop7

The Heat are going to get smoked in the playoffs. No center, no bench.

That's all I can say.

[UdubBadger]

smoked is a strong word... but I don't think we should hand it to them by any means.

['Cane]

Originally Posted by UdubBadger

smoked is a strong word... but I don't think we should hand it to them by any means.

Riley is FAR from done.

[OC Guy]

http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/news/gi...er_100708.html

Dear Cleveland, All Of Northeast Ohio and Cleveland Cavaliers Supporters Wherever You May Be Tonight;

As you now know, our former hero, who grew up in the very region that he deserted this evening, is no longer a Cleveland Cavalier.

This was announced with a several day, narcissistic, self-promotional build-up culminating with a national TV special of his "decision" unlike anything ever "witnessed" in the history of sports and probably the history of entertainment.

Clearly, this is bitterly disappointing to all of us.

The good news is that the ownership team and the rest of the hard-working, loyal, and driven staff over here at your hometown Cavaliers have not betrayed you nor NEVER will betray you.

There is so much more to tell you about the events of the recent past and our more than exciting future. Over the next several days and weeks, we will be communicating much of that to you.

You simply don't deserve this kind of cowardly betrayal.

You have given so much and deserve so much more.

In the meantime, I want to make one statement to you tonight:

"I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE THAT THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS WILL WIN AN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP BEFORE THE SELF-TITLED FORMER ‘KING’ WINS ONE"

You can take it to the bank.

If you thought we were motivated before tonight to bring the hardware to Cleveland, I can tell you that this shameful display of selfishness and betrayal by one of our very own has shifted our "motivation" to previously unknown and previously never experienced levels.

Some people think they should go to heaven but NOT have to die to get there.

Sorry, but that's simply not how it works.

This shocking act of disloyalty from our home grown "chosen one" sends the exact opposite lesson of what we would want our children to learn. And "who" we would want them to grow-up to become.

But the good news is that this heartless and callous action can only serve as the antidote to the so-called "curse" on Cleveland, Ohio.

The self-declared former "King" will be taking the "curse" with him down south. And until he does "right" by Cleveland and Ohio, James (and the town where he plays) will unfortunately own this dreaded spell and bad karma.

Just watch.

Sleep well, Cleveland.

Tomorrow is a new and much brighter day....

I PROMISE you that our energy, focus, capital, knowledge and experience will be directed at one thing and one thing only:

DELIVERING YOU the championship you have long deserved and is long overdue....



Dan Gilbert
Majority Owner
Cleveland Cavaliers

[abisson]

Originally Posted by OC 335i

http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/news/gi...er_100708.html

Dear Cleveland, All Of Northeast Ohio and Cleveland Cavaliers Supporters Wherever You May Be Tonight;

As you now know, our former hero, who grew up in the very region that he deserted this evening, is no longer a Cleveland Cavalier.

This was announced with a several day, narcissistic, self-promotional build-up culminating with a national TV special of his "decision" unlike anything ever "witnessed" in the history of sports and probably the history of entertainment.

Clearly, this is bitterly disappointing to all of us.

The good news is that the ownership team and the rest of the hard-working, loyal, and driven staff over here at your hometown Cavaliers have not betrayed you nor NEVER will betray you.

There is so much more to tell you about the events of the recent past and our more than exciting future. Over the next several days and weeks, we will be communicating much of that to you.

You simply don't deserve this kind of cowardly betrayal.

You have given so much and deserve so much more.

In the meantime, I want to make one statement to you tonight:

"I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE THAT THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS WILL WIN AN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP BEFORE THE SELF-TITLED FORMER ‘KING’ WINS ONE"

You can take it to the bank.

If you thought we were motivated before tonight to bring the hardware to Cleveland, I can tell you that this shameful display of selfishness and betrayal by one of our very own has shifted our "motivation" to previously unknown and previously never experienced levels.

Some people think they should go to heaven but NOT have to die to get there.

Sorry, but that's simply not how it works.

This shocking act of disloyalty from our home grown "chosen one" sends the exact opposite lesson of what we would want our children to learn. And "who" we would want them to grow-up to become.

But the good news is that this heartless and callous action can only serve as the antidote to the so-called "curse" on Cleveland, Ohio.

The self-declared former "King" will be taking the "curse" with him down south. And until he does "right" by Cleveland and Ohio, James (and the town where he plays) will unfortunately own this dreaded spell and bad karma.

Just watch.

Sleep well, Cleveland.

Tomorrow is a new and much brighter day....

I PROMISE you that our energy, focus, capital, knowledge and experience will be directed at one thing and one thing only:

DELIVERING YOU the championship you have long deserved and is long overdue....



Dan Gilbert
Majority Owner
Cleveland Cavaliers

Worst thing he could have done. They will NEVER get him back now and he acts like a child imo.

[UdubBadger]

WOW...

That was REALLY bad on his part.

[jhv]

holy shit. that's damage control at it's finest

[Inspired]

Cleveland going to win a championship?

someone is talking out of his ass..