The LeBron Thread

[ITGM]

Another NBA insider said Jay-Z's dream scenario would be James signing a contact with the Knicks with an opt-out after three years, then darting across the Brooklyn Bridge once the Nets are ensconced there. James would still be in his prime at 28.[/i]



Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/knicks/j ... z0oqp4BpUb

This is what I believed what would happen since the beginning.

The more I think about it, this is a win win situation for Jay-Z. Lebron comes to the Knicks and captivates NY for 3 years, then takes the subway down to Brooklyn to be with his fellow "Craftsmen" Jay-Z and takes a huge New York following with him.

[Marty McFly]

i don't like to say what I'm about to say cause its disrespectful to some people, but that would be really **** gay.

[Jstarks3]

honestly, who do you trade for lebron? i mean, what kind of package is enough? its like the shaq trade (shaq for odom and butler and etc). who do you trade for a prime-shaq and how much is enough?

[old skool]

The Celtics could send Ray Allen (S&T), Rondo, and two future picks to Cleveland - which would leave the Cavs much better off than if Lebron left for nothing. That would help Lebron transition the Celtics from the Big 3 era to a Lebron contender. The Celtics would have to sign a point guard for the MLE. They would be in better shape than they were at the start of the 2007-08 season.

Dallas could make a S&T offer. Phoenix could make an offer. The Spurs could make an offer - though their pieces are getting stale. The Magic could make an offer. Lots of possibilities - though none with the destination allure of NYC. But they could all be more attractive as a basketball move because it would allow Lebron to compete immediately.

There is also the chance that there could be a three way trade involved. Lebron's advisers have a lot of time on their hands.

Plus, the possibility of a S&T not only increases the number of potential destinations, it also increases the leverage that Lebron has over a potential free agent suitor - giving Lebron more say in roster and coaching and marketing decisions.

oLd sKool

[K_ick_God]

The Celtics could send Ray Allen (S&T), Rondo, and two future picks to Cleveland - which would leave the Cavs much better off than if Lebron left for nothing. That would help Lebron transition the Celtics from the Big 3 era to a Lebron contender. The Celtics would have to sign a point guard for the MLE. They would be in better shape than they were at the start of the 2007-08 season.

Dallas could make a S&T offer. Phoenix could make an offer. The Spurs could make an offer - though their pieces are getting stale. The Magic could make an offer. Lots of possibilities - though none with the destination allure of NYC. But they could all be more attractive as a basketball move because it would allow Lebron to compete immediately.

There is also the chance that there could be a three way trade involved. Lebron's advisers have a lot of time on their hands.

Plus, the possibility of a S&T not only increases the number of potential destinations, it also increases the leverage that Lebron has over a potential free agent suitor - giving Lebron more say in roster and coaching and marketing decisions.

oLd sKool

That Celtic team would not have a good future with LeBron, an aging Pierce and aging Garnett.

Perhaps the Magic could try to swing a deal for LeBron but with Rashard having a bad playoffs, I think it will make that impossible. I thought they would try to do a Rashard S&T deal for LeBron. They could offer Jameer, Gortat and a couple of pieces.

[old skool]

Not a great long term future, but their immediate future would be very bright.

And we have seen what happens when a team has a star like Lebron and very good veteran players - that team attracts more free agent talent willing to sign for a discount. And marginal young players like Rondo learn to play the right way and become All-Stars in the own right - in part because they can't become the focus of the opposing defense.

But I am not touting the idea of a Celtic S&T - rather that the Lebron camp can come up with any number of competing scenarios that might make sense at some point, and that the S&T possibilities really bring more "win now" strategies into play for Lebron.

oLd sKool

[kane2021]

Theres that 3 year number again. Im getting the feeling that best case 2010 is worst case long term. I got a gut feeling we will get played by this kid.

[Jay10]

Theres that 3 year number again. Im getting the feeling that best case 2010 is worst case long term. I got a gut feeling we will get played by this kid.

it will be back to sqaure one if that were to happen. the only difference would be chris bosh instead of david lee. by that time the knicks would have their draft picks

[kosmovitelli]

The Celtics could send Ray Allen (S&T), Rondo, and two future picks to Cleveland - which would leave the Cavs much better off than if Lebron left for nothing. That would help Lebron transition the Celtics from the Big 3 era to a Lebron contender. The Celtics would have to sign a point guard for the MLE. They would be in better shape than they were at the start of the 2007-08 season.

Dallas could make a S&T offer. Phoenix could make an offer. The Spurs could make an offer - though their pieces are getting stale. The Magic could make an offer. Lots of possibilities - though none with the destination allure of NYC. But they could all be more attractive as a basketball move because it would allow Lebron to compete immediately.

There is also the chance that there could be a three way trade involved. Lebron's advisers have a lot of time on their hands.

Plus, the possibility of a S&T not only increases the number of potential destinations, it also increases the leverage that Lebron has over a potential free agent suitor - giving Lebron more say in roster and coaching and marketing decisions.

oLd sKool

No way Lebron joins Boston next summer after the Celtics humiliated the Cavs in the second round. Lebron would become a loser : "if you can't beat them, join them". No way Lebron would consider that. That team wouldn't be good anyway. PP is aging and plays the same position. It's PP's team anyway. KG isn't young either. And you trade Rondo. In a couple of years that team may be worse than the Cavs of today. With so many old players on his team (Shaq, Z, Jamison, etc.), Lebron is probably looking for a long term solution (meaning a team with young players and a sidekick aged 25-28).

Dallas is a possiblity and Cleveland would love to send Lebron out west but I don't think Lebron has interest in Dallas. That team is one of the oldest teams in the playoffs (most of their players are over 30).

About Jay Z and the Nets, if Lebron signs with the Knicks, I doubt he will leave the team in 3 years. Wether he signs with NY, Chicago or another team, there's a good chance he will play there for the rest of his career.

[old skool]

It will be a bummer for any team to win the Lebron sweepstakes, but to have that victory turn out to be a short term rental.

I think that would really damage his legacy. Lebron does not want to be a journeyman, constantly drawing comparisons to Brett Favre, with the difference being that the "where next" drama would be coming at the height of his career, not in his twilight, ala Favre.

I think that the idea of a short stint in NY followed by a jump to Brooklyn is weak. It is an idea born out of indecision, not good planning. Lebron does not want to bounce around. He wants to be seen as the center of the universe, not the wandering star looking for success. To sign with a team at his age, PLANNING to leave after three seasons is tantamount to EXPECTING to lose. If Lebron was to sign with New York, win a title or two and then leave for another team - his image would be destroyed. He would be viewed as a player more interested in business than winning. His image really declines if he is not seen as a winner. A competitor. Without that, he is nothing more than a sensational physical specimen who can dominate games and make sportscenter's top plays. He might as well sign with a Euro team. Or a Chinese team. Become an exhibition player. That cannot be his strategy in his prime.

oLd sKool

[Marty McFly]

Theres that 3 year number again. Im getting the feeling that best case 2010 is worst case long term. I got a gut feeling we will get played by this kid.

i get that feeling as well.
help us evan turner.
you're our only hope........

[richardhutnik]

In the latest news, I have to see a Wiretrap (I was going to change it to wiretap, but feel that is better now) report on the (Please Use More Appropriate Word) wishes of Jay-Z. As a fantasy for Jay-Z I guess it is ok, but to think it is practical, or will happen, is (Please Use More Appropriate Word). No Jay-Z, the Knicks don't sign LeBron for three years so he can go and play for the Nets in Brooklyn. All and all I have to say this wiretrap is (Please Use More Appropriate Word).

- Rich

[richardhutnik]

Bust Obama for tampering! I say Washington has to forfeit their first round pick this coming draft to the Knicks!

- Rich

Actually, let me make sure full justice is served here. Not only does Washington have to give their first round pick to the Knicks, but the Bulls MUST do a sign and trade of Duhon involving Derek Rose and take back Curry.

Justice is served!

- Rich

[czoneny]

LOL Yet another Broussard sighting on ESPN just now.

Chicago and Cleveland are the frontrunners!
If the Cavs are open to Sign & Trade, the Lakers Mavs and Rockets enter the mix!

Nice Broussard!

Can this guy seriously just get cancer and die and go away?

[K_ick_God]

LOL Yet another Broussard sighting on ESPN just now.

Chicago and Cleveland are the frontrunners!
If the Cavs are open to Sign & Trade, the Lakers Mavs and Rockets enter the mix!

Nice Broussard!

Can this guy seriously just get cancer and die and go away?

I think it's going to backfire. LeBron is smart and he knows that people love to hate NY. He is a sports fan so he knows this well. The more a fool like Broussard keeps trying to downplay our chances, the more a guy like LeBron is going to know that NYC represents the pinnacle of sports. Hell LeBron is a Yankee fan so he knows about people hating teams from NY. By dissing NY, Broussard and others are going to make LeBron even more determined to play here.

The funny part is that this Douche is not even pretending to be basing this on anything but his hoping-against-hope hunch.

He keeps discrediting himself with this stuff about Houston -- who in their right mind thinks LeBron would go play in Texas? Not happening my friend.

[BBALLER4FR]

Oh.My.Gawd!

[mrpoetryNmotion]

I'm actually happy that Chicago is the favorite to get James now according to the ESPN "expert" speculation crew. Takes attention away from the Knicks, which is a good thing.

[GaLLo4THrEE]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5216961

Oh Chris why

[Starksfor3]

Just get hit by a car already, Broussard.

[czoneny]

Hes trying so hard to keep the Bulls in the news by making up bogus rumors now.

Anyone have Broussards email address? Imma rip him a new ****

EDIT: is this idiot on the Bulls payroll?