Wiretap: Lebron James Tells Ariza He'll Stay With Cavs

[Luffy]

The Cleveland Cavaliers made a last ditch effort to recruit Trevor Ariza away from the Houston Rockets on Sunday, but they may have got some good news for their failure.

According to Chris Broussard from ESPN The Magazine, LeBron James told Ariza he would remain with the Cavaliers past 2010.

Even that wasn't enough to get Ariza, who verbally committed to join the Rockets last Thursday, to change his mind and go to Cleveland.

"Trevor asked LeBron if he would be in Cleveland after next season," the source said. "And LeBron said, 'I'll be there. Of course, I'll be there.'"

Cavs general manager Danny Ferry and head coach Mike Brown flew to Los Angeles and met with Ariza on Sunday, according to several sources with knowledge of the situation.

Ariza, according to the article, received calls from both James and Shaquille O'Neal, but was less than convinced that James will definitely stay in Cleveland.

"He thought it was just a recruiting tool," the source said. "LeBron definitely said it, but until he signs the contract it doesn't mean much."

http://basketball.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/60381/20090707/source_lebron_james_tells_recruit_hell_stay_with_cavaliers/

Wow Lebron. Talk about false advertising. Sign a contract extension before you say you'll stay after 2010.

[jdeej777]

yeah read that.. LBJ getting desperate lol.

[96 Til Infiniti]

If I was a Cavs fan I wouldn't consider that a significant sign that he's staying. If he said he hadn't decided yet, why the hell would Trevor want to sign there.

[YiYaoYue]

I bet Lebron had his fingers crossed.

I don't even think Lebron knows if he is staying or not.

[lakersfanatic]

Wow, props to Ariza for not caving in. I know deep down inside he doesn't want to slap L.A in the face like that. Plus he wouldn't get a starting role right away.. I'm glad his loyalty standards are still high... i don't have any kind words for his agent though, the guy is a moron.

Anyways, LBJ im pretty sure he won't resign if they don't get the championship next year... he's only using that as a recruiting tool like what the you guys mentioned.

Sad to see Ariza go.. (still hurtin inside) but what can we do.. maybe in the future.. he's only 24yrs old right? hehe

[Optms]

I bet Lebron had his fingers crossed.

I don't even think Lebron knows if he is staying or not.

Think of it as LeTreval's way of attempting to lure in key free agents. He knows very well, if things don't work out at next season (In my opinion: Fall short of a championship) then he's out. I honestly can't see him remaining with Cleveland after all the moves they've made to win it all. But as for him contacting Ariza saying he's staying. It's all just words simply to lure in Ariza.

[Minhee]

Now wiretap is reporting that LeBron DID NOT tell Ariza he is staying in Cle.

Some of u guys are too quick to judge the situation, nobody knows what Lebron told ariza except for Lebron himself and Trev. Thus far neitherguy has went on record telling us what was said.

Moral of the story, let's not believe everything the media attempts to report unless it's breaking news with credible sources. For all we know it could have been somewho who saw Trevand Bron together and that person made it up.

[Luffy]

Now wiretap is reporting that LeBron DID NOT tell Ariza he is staying in Cle.

Some of u guys are too quick to judge the situation, nobody knows what Lebron told ariza except for Lebron himself and Trev. Thus far neitherguy has went on record telling us what was said.

Moral of the story, let's not believe everything the media attempts to report unless it's breaking news with credible sources. For all we know it could have been somewho who saw Trevand Bron together and that person made it up.

Both players will never come out and say it because they expose themselves that way, hence they are using their close friends as a way to get the information out (in Ariza's case) or to protect their friend's reputation (in LeBron's case).

LeBron James did not tell Trevor Ariza he would stay in Cleveland past 2010, according to sources close to the Cavaliers' superstar -- contradicting what a person close to Ariza said Monday night.

You should try reading the ESPN story a little more thoroughly. Basically, Chris Broussard is saying a person close to Ariza said Lebron made that promise, while a person close to LeBron said he never made that claim. Obviously, one side is lying. I'm betting it LeBron's, because Ariza really has nothing to lose revealing the attempted recruiting ploy by LeBron James. On the other hand, LeBron looks a little shady for trying to convince Ariza to come when he himself might not stay. The source close to LeBron is trying to protect LeBron's reputation. I believe in Ariza's close source.

[lakersfanatic]

updates on the news stated that LBJ never said it.. only that he'll stay for awhile which put even more doubt in the Cavs that he may opt out and go to another team 2010. That 2010 season will be a rumble season. Heads will roll. franchises will implode, franchises will be contenders. The world will look upon the NBA league and see where our super free agents will shift to hehe