OT: He is coming...

[DeltaBrave03]

This isn't a shot at you deltabrave, because a lot of people make this argument all the time - but I am really tired of this argument. It has no merit whatsoever. Was Kobe afraid of 'following' Magic? Was Shaq afraid of 'following' Jabbar? Were either of them worried about people saying one couldn't win without the other? Was Kevin Garnett worried about not living up to the legacies of Bill Russell or Robert Parrish? Enough of this already. If people really thought this way, no one would ever play for the Lakers, Celtics, or Yankees, and no one would go to North Carolina or Kansas to play basketball, or Notre Dame to play football. Lebron may not end up in Chicago, but it won't be because he's afraid of following whatever legacy Michael Jordan still has in this city. MJ played his last game for the Bulls 12 years ago, and a large number of Bulls fans nowadays never saw him play in Chicago.

I agree with you, but isn't it more enticing to be THE man in Cleveland history rather than one of a few in Chicago. I think it comes down to whether he wants a chance to win a championship every year in chicago or whether he wants to be THE man of all time in Cleveland. I do think chicago would be more appealing to him. If you bring in the money, even though the bulls can't pay as much, the Chicago endorsement deals should could cover the differences and then some.

[BradleyBrave]

I agree with you, but isn't it more enticing to be THE man in Cleveland history rather than one of a few in Chicago. I think it comes down to whether he wants a chance to win a championship every year in chicago or whether he wants to be THE man of all time in Cleveland. I do think chicago would be more appealing to him. If you bring in the money, even though the bulls can't pay as much, the Chicago endorsement deals should could cover the differences and then some.

Had Lebron won this year, I would agree with you. But with the way the Cavs are set up, they don't project to be able to put the pieces around Lebron better than they did this year for a while. If his desire is the quickest path to a title, the shorter road is through Chicago. But, he is an Ohio guy, and that means something. I'm not sure it means as much as people think though.

Regarding money, he can make $30 million more in salary if he stays in Cleveland. However, as DC said, there are incentive in his Nike contract for playing in one of the top 3 media markets (LA/CHI/NY). That would more than offset the $30 million left on the table. It has also been mentioned that he may opt for a shorter contract, which would also offset the $30 million over 7 years that would be left on the table. Lastly, a sign-and-trade with Cleveland would get Lebron all of the $30 million, and ensure that Cleveland isn't left with nothing.

It will be interesting to follow, no doubt...fingers are crossed!

[Missouri Brave]

He stays. He's a loyal guy and Cleveland is too much a part of his life for him to skip town.

[houstontxbrave]

This isn't a shot at you deltabrave, because a lot of people make this argument all the time - but I am really tired of this argument. It has no merit whatsoever. Was Kobe afraid of 'following' Magic? Was Shaq afraid of 'following' Jabbar? Were either of them worried about people saying one couldn't win without the other? Was Kevin Garnett worried about not living up to the legacies of Bill Russell or Robert Parrish? Enough of this already. If people really thought this way, no one would ever play for the Lakers, Celtics, or Yankees, and no one would go to North Carolina or Kansas to play basketball, or Notre Dame to play football. Lebron may not end up in Chicago, but it won't be because he's afraid of following whatever legacy Michael Jordan still has in this city. MJ played his last game for the Bulls 12 years ago, and a large number of Bulls fans nowadays never saw him play in Chicago.

You are right. James respects Jordan but in now way believes Jordan is or was a better player then him.

There is a reason Calipari and Rose were sitting courtside. And James has indicated that him and his "team" have a plan.

I have my doubts about Cleveland, they can pay the most money but how can he ever get by Orlando with the cast he has around him now in Cleveland?

I like the idea of him in Chicago, I think he likes the idea of getting paid and if LA is a bonus for his payment do not discount the Clippers. They have money, a good solid center, a young solid cast and I think he wouldnt mind competeing with Kobe. It likely wont happen but dont discount the Clippers.

[SFP]

He stays. He's a loyal guy and Cleveland is too much a part of his life for him to skip town.

Right now I'd have to say I give Cleveland a 30% chance of keeping him. Loyalty these days is played out by $$$$. A large market represents a whole lot more earning potential then a small financial distress market.

[BradleyBrave]

He stays. He's a loyal guy and Cleveland is too much a part of his life for him to skip town.

How do you know he's loyal? He was drafted by the Cavaliers, it's not like he chose to play there.

This means nothing, but here's the initial thoughts of ESPN's roundtable of NBA experts -

http://espn.go.com/nba/dailydime/_/page/dime-freeagency-100514/lebron-james

And for old time's sake, here's Lebron's profile on Rivals. I can't believe BU wasn't on the list!

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/recruiting/player-LeBron-James-4019

[dogsrus]

[QUOTE=houstontxbrave;182187]Nets have no chance




TWO initials why they do.........JZ

[Beninator]

I am still trying to find a reason to care about the NBA! anyone...anyone...Buehller....

[houstontxbrave]

I am still trying to find a reason to care about the NBA! anyone...anyone...Buehller....

In a word ... fundamentals, in another 2 words... nightly effort, 3rd and lastly 3 words... NBA its fantastic.

[DUBrave5]

And for old time's sake, here's Lebron's profile on Rivals. I can't believe BU wasn't on the list!

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketb...ron-James-4019

I still think it is funny that Michigan St. was listed as only having Medium interest in him.

[Chico]

I am still trying to find a reason to care about the NBA! anyone...anyone...Buehller....

I find it hard also. Was fun watching the Suns the past few Winters, but they turned me off them last week. Though I could care less about Cleveland, I was sorta hoping for Anthony Parker to get a ring. Thought it was a shame that for all his playing time he was lucky to get 5-7 shots a game.

[Missouri Brave]

Beninator, if you read Bill Simmons "Book of Basketball" you'll love the NBA. I guarantee it.

[VeveJones007]

Looks like a winner to me...

They'll have to do a sign-and-trade with Deng for Bosh or LeBron to get two top contracts this offseason. My hope is they sign Calipari/Phil, sign-and-trade LeBron for Deng, and then sign Amare. If they still have a mid-level exemption, then grab Ray Allen as your 3-point shooting 2-guard.

[houstontxbrave]

They'll have to do a sign-and-trade with Deng for Bosh or LeBron to get two top contracts this offseason. My hope is they sign Calipari/Phil, sign-and-trade LeBron for Deng, and then sign Amare. If they still have a mid-level exemption, then grab Ray Allen as your 3-point shooting 2-guard.

I would really rather have Korver then Allen.

He is a free agent this year.

http://www.fantasysp.com/nba_player_news/Kyle_Korver/

[BradleyBrave]

I would really rather have Korver then Allen.

Agree 100%. Korver is younger and more of the role player than Allen. Ray may gripe about shots with LBJ and DR being options 1 and 2. Korver will not.