http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/basketball/nba/11/11/lebron.fa.ap/index.html


Awesome move by LeBron! I may be hard on LBJ sometimes, but he seems like a very intelligent person who realizes all this crap is a big distraction. Def. just went up in my book!




FOR THE RECORD- LeBron WILL NOT leave Cleveland.

good move if he really wants to focus on the ongoing season. I don't think he'll leave either, but I'm not confident enough to say that he "will not" for sure. Regardless of what becomes of this, the Cavs need to do better in the draft and FA where they can if they want to win a title. Signing Leon Powe and trading for Shaq are moves that make you elite in the long run.

Hickson has looked good from what I've seen thus far. How has Danny Green been? I thought that was a good pick up for them but haven't seen him get any PT yet.

That was a great move IMHO. There's a whole season to be played before we have to worry about where he's going to go.

The team would have been stacked if he would have just said "Yes I am coming back."

Ariza said he wanted to know if LeBron was sticking around for good before he signed. And LeBron wouldn't say anything. I'm not saying LeBron is coming back, or even that he is leaving but if he was smart he would have said he was returning. And then if he changed his mind he could always bolt. It happens all the time

i truly can see lebron not taking the max so cleveland can sign another allstar

I don't understand why Lebron wouldn't have signed already if he is sure he's staying in Cleveland next year and into the future.

For all those Cavs fans that think the Lebron to anywhere else is ridiculous, it's not. He has not committed to this team for the long run and that's a fact. If he would have resigned this offseason they could have attracted a better free agent, but no one wants to play in Cleveland if they don't know if Lebron will be there.

I think that there's a 60% chance he lands elsewhere next season. The Cavs just haven't made the right moves to help Lebron. Next year they lose Shaq and likely Z and they have no proven interior player. The only hope the Cavs have is if they can get a big time free agent to come to Lebron, like a Chris Bosh. But I don't think Lebron signs anywhere unless he knows he is getting help from someone like a Bosh that he can team up with.

I'd say the odds of LeBron leaving is less than 10% and here's why...

1. The Max Deal-Yes I know LeBron had his little quote the other day, but the man isn't stupid. The Cavs can give him the most money by a LOT and that's a big factor. LeBron is a rich man already, but we're talking about roughly a $40 million difference.

2. Other Destinations Not Looking Promising-Let's think about where LeBron might go. New York? That roster is much worse than the current Cavs one, same with the Nets who don't look to be moving to Brooklyn within the next few years. Clippers? No way LeBron would want to try and compete with Kobe in LA, same for any ideas of him going to the Bulls where he'd always be in Jordan's shadow. There are a couple other options, but none really in a big city. Meanwhile in Cleveland he has an owner and GM committed to winning, a solid core, and a fanbase that reveres him.

3. Legacy-LeBron is a guy that cares about his NBA Legacy. If he bolted Cleveland it almost puts an asterisk on his career. Jordan never left Chicago (till after he was retired), Magic never left LA, Bird never left Boston, Duncan never left San Antonio, I don't see LeBron leaving Cleveland.

In my opinion the reason he he's playing these games is simple.....It's free press! I mean the biggest story in the NBA this year has nothing to do with any teams, it's where will LeBron sign. To say he's staying would end that talk and keep his name out of the news. By playing this game, he ensures that he'll be talked about all season...and by signing early next year, the Cavs will still be able to bring in some nice talent. This is a genius business move by LeBron, and I do not see him bolting from Cleveland. It's just not something that happens very often. Shaq is the only one to do it and the world has changed a lot in the last 15 years. LeBron CAN be a global icon from Cleveland, hell he already is. There's nothing he can do anywhere else that he can't do in Cleveland in this day in age. 10-20 years ago, sure...but not in 2009. I'd be willing to bet a lot that LeBron will stay.

krazie45 wrote: I'd say the odds of LeBron leaving is less than 10% and here's why...

1. The Max Deal-Yes I know LeBron had his little quote the other day, but the man isn't stupid. The Cavs can give him the most money by a LOT and that's a big factor. LeBron is a rich man already, but we're talking about roughly a $40 million difference.

2. Other Destinations Not Looking Promising-Let's think about where LeBron might go. New York? That roster is much worse than the current Cavs one, same with the Nets who don't look to be moving to Brooklyn within the next few years. Clippers? No way LeBron would want to try and compete with Kobe in LA, same for any ideas of him going to the Bulls where he'd always be in Jordan's shadow. There are a couple other options, but none really in a big city. Meanwhile in Cleveland he has an owner and GM committed to winning, a solid core, and a fanbase that reveres him.

3. Legacy-LeBron is a guy that cares about his NBA Legacy. If he bolted Cleveland it almost puts an asterisk on his career. Jordan never left Chicago (till after he was retired), Magic never left LA, Bird never left Boston, Duncan never left San Antonio, I don't see LeBron leaving Cleveland.

1. Yes Cleveland can pay him more, but you have to think LA or New York would be more appealing for LeBron.

2. Yes, what you say is true, but at the same time this is the NBA. As soon as LeBron joins the Knicks or Nets or whoever else, they are a playoff team and just a guy or 2 away from being championship contenders.

3. No argument here. He really seems like he loves being in NE Ohio and he seems loyal for the most part

1. What makes NY or LA more appealing? What can LeBron do in those cities in this day and age that he can't do in Cleveland?

2. I would say that LeBron on the Knicks or Nets is probably a playoff team, but I'd say a 6-8 seed. Though it's true that they could eventually build a team around him, how long would he want to wait?

3. This is the biggest point IMO. The all-time greats don't bail on their cities. LeBron knows that.

krazie45 wrote: 1. What makes NY or LA more appealing? What can LeBron do in those cities in this day and age that he can't do in Cleveland?

2. I would say that LeBron on the Knicks or Nets is probably a playoff team, but I'd say a 6-8 seed. Though it's true that they could eventually build a team around him, how long would he want to wait?

3. This is the biggest point IMO. The all-time greats don't bail on their cities. LeBron knows that.

1. What about LA or New York isn't more appealing than Cleveland haha? Is that a serious question? Big time markets for a superstar. 41 games in Madison Square Garden or Quicken Loans Arena? And besides what the cities offer themselves, I am one of those that feel LeBron would certainly have more endorsement opportunities in either locale.

2. How long does he have to wait in Cleveland? haha. Cleveland seems like it is going in the wrong direction. 5-4 at the start of the season. Father Time playing center and an overpaid PF whose best attribute is flopping on defense.

(I'm a Cavs fan but and I hope Lebron comes back, but this is just my opinion.)

jordo212000 wrote:

krazie45 wrote: 1. What makes NY or LA more appealing? What can LeBron do in those cities in this day and age that he can't do in Cleveland?

2. I would say that LeBron on the Knicks or Nets is probably a playoff team, but I'd say a 6-8 seed. Though it's true that they could eventually build a team around him, how long would he want to wait?

3. This is the biggest point IMO. The all-time greats don't bail on their cities. LeBron knows that.

1. What about LA or New York isn't more appealing than Cleveland haha? Is that a serious question? Big time markets for a superstar. 41 games in Madison Square Garden or Quicken Loans Arena? And besides what the cities offer themselves, I am one of those that feel LeBron would certainly have more endorsement opportunities in either locale.

2. How long does he have to wait in Cleveland? haha. Cleveland seems like it is going in the wrong direction. 5-4 at the start of the season. Father Time playing center and an overpaid PF whose best attribute is flopping on defense.

(I'm a Cavs fan but and I hope Lebron comes back, but this is just my opinion.)

Wrong direction? For a fan you should at least know their record... 5-3... unless you are predicting a loss tonight.

Father time looked pretty effective against Superman last night. People knew it'd take some time to gel.

That game last night seems to indicate the opposite of what you think (going the wrong direction). And how can you not like Varejao? Ya, he's not the greatest, but he is definitely a good piece on this team.

I'm sure he is. And my crap smells like rainbow sherbet.

I say look no further than Peyton Manning as a comparison. Peyton is also a great player, plays in a small market, is a big endorsement guy, and fell short in the playoffs early in his career. Peyton didn't feel the need to go to a bigger market, and is one of the most recognizable players in the NFL (despite playing in lowly Indy) and eventually got a ring with a great chance to win another one this year.

LeBron also would not get the same treatment from the fans and local press in NY or LA that he gets in Cleveland. Also ask Larry Brown how living out his dream of 41 games in MSG worked out for him. I'm not saying that it won't happen, but I just don't see any reason why LeBron would go to another team.

Varejao brings intangibles to this team and his offensive game has improved every year....not to mention the fact that Hickson has been starting who has played well this season despite being a 20 year old second year player. He has a high ceiling and could be a big piece of the puzzle down the road.

Not trying to stir the pot, I just think that the Cavs need to make some roster moves. I still don't see a PF that can match-up with Rasheed Wallace or Rashard Lewis. That's the key for the Cavs IMO. Sure they'll make the playoffs, and sure they'll probably win their 1st round matchup but I have my doubts about the later rounds.

Smart move, but it won't stop the questions. They'll just stop getting answers. No more will we have to make a thread about the littlest comment taken out of context from LeBron.

Those who think the Cavs being able to offer more than any other team don't get it.

Lebron's money isn't in his NBA contract, it's in his endorsements. He can afford to take the pay cut on his NBA salary if he goes somewhere else, because his endorsement deals will grow.

And we are talking about Cleveland, Ohio. I'm from Ohio, but give me an option of Chicago, LA, New York and several other cities and it's a no brainer. It's not like he can't afford to bring his friends along with him.

thedynasty1998 wrote: Those who think the Cavs being able to offer more than any other team don't get it.

Lebron's money isn't in his NBA contract, it's in his endorsements. He can afford to take the pay cut on his NBA salary if he goes somewhere else, because his endorsement deals will grow.

And we are talking about Cleveland, Ohio. I'm from Ohio, but give me an option of Chicago, LA, New York and several other cities and it's a no brainer. It's not like he can't afford to bring his friends along with him.

Explain how his endorsement deals will grow....He can get every endorsement deal in Cleveland that he can get anywhere else. He is also a big enough star that he can name his price to his endorsement companies. The endorsement argument is really overrated IMO and there is no mythical Nike clause that pays him more if he goes to a bigger market. Even if there was, he could simply demand that money in Cleveland and Nike would give it to him....Much like when Tiger restructured his deal a few years ago.

JMO but I think he's gone already and it doesnt have as much to do with the money or playing close to home as it does with being out of a small market into one that can maximize his earning power and talents apart from basketball.

Many superstars, regardless of sport, seem to make more outside money than they do with their team contract (see Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods), and LeBron no doubt sees the potential being greater in a larger market. If I am right it will have nothing to do with his "Max" NBA contract and more to do with other earning potential.

Lebron may stop talking, but the media will continue to ruin what should be a fun season.

les_diables_bleus wrote: JMO but I think he's gone already and it doesnt have as much to do with the money or playing close to home as it does with being out of a small market into one that can maximize his earning power and talents apart from basketball.

Many superstars, regardless of sport, seem to make more outside money than they do with their team contract (see Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods), and LeBron no doubt sees the potential being greater in a larger market. If I am right it will have nothing to do with his "Max" NBA contract and more to do with other earning potential.

You've completely ignored my question....what exactly can LeBron do in endorsements in this day in age in New York that he can't in Cleveland? Peyton Manning is the NFL's biggest endorsement grosser and he plays in Indianapolis. This is a flawed argument.

For those of you who think LeBron can make more endorsement money, where is your proof on this?

I mean LeBron has been playing in Cleveland his whole career and is already out earning superstars in big markets in all sports.

LeBron and the Cavs will announce a 4 to 6 year extension....just before the playoffs start.

He ain't goin nowhere.

I think LeBron signs a 3 year extension near the end of the season.

Cleveland has young talent surrounding LeBron and they will have money to go out and get some FA's in the offseason. Not to mention I think Z gets traded for a young guy (Dice scenario last season) and then he comes back.

Bottom line, for the last time:

LeBron, playing in Cleveland, stands to make (again) more money in endorsements than Derek Jeter, ARod, and Peyton Manning do COMBINED.

Two of those play in the big market of NYY for perhaps the biggest sports franchise in the world and another one is a highly marketable NFL QB....

In this day and age with all the technology, it doesn't matter what market you play in.