LeBron Free Agency 2010

[dice]

Lebron is going to take a long hard look at the Cleveland team and ask the question "can i win with this guys". At this point the sad truth is the answer is No.

absurd. that's like flipping a coin and thinking that because it comes up tails it could never come up heads. the cavs had the best record in the league this year and were favorites to win it all as of FOUR DAYS AGO. they didn't rise to the occasion in game five (lebron especially) and couldn't sufficiently bounce back in game six. that is it and that is all

it doesn't matter where lebron decides to spend the next five years. that team will likely win a championship or two

extrapolating the bodog odds, cleveland has a 40+% chance of keeping him right now, w/ chi/NY at 20%+ each

i would be thrilled w/ dwade (or even bosh) coming to chicago and you guys keeping lebron. wouldn't want the hard luck sports town of cleveland suffering its worst loss to date

[boogydown]

Lebron is going to take a long hard look at the Cleveland team and ask the question "can i win with this guys". At this point the sad truth is the answer is No.

absurd. that's like flipping a coin and thinking that because it comes up tails it could never come up heads. the cavs had the best record in the league this year and were favorites to win it all as of FOUR DAYS AGO. they didn't rise to the occasion in game five (lebron especially) and couldn't sufficiently bounce back in game six. that is it and that is all

it doesn't matter where lebron decides to spend the next five years. that team will likely win a championship or two

extrapolating the bodog odds, cleveland has a 40+% chance of keeping him right now, w/ chi/NY at 20%+ each

i would be thrilled w/ dwade (or even bosh) coming to chicago and you guys keeping lebron. wouldn't want the hard luck sports town of cleveland suffering its worst loss to date

There are 3 guaranteed teams that are vastly better than the Cavs being the Celtics, Magic, and Lakers with a few teams just slightly below them. With some players changing teams this year, there should be more competitive teams in the league starting next season. With the Cavs aging, there is no way you can guarantee that Lebron will win a title in Cleveland or not.

[dice]

Lebron is going to take a long hard look at the Cleveland team and ask the question "can i win with this guys". At this point the sad truth is the answer is No.

absurd. that's like flipping a coin and thinking that because it comes up tails it could never come up heads. the cavs had the best record in the league this year and were favorites to win it all as of FOUR DAYS AGO. they didn't rise to the occasion in game five (lebron especially) and couldn't sufficiently bounce back in game six. that is it and that is all

it doesn't matter where lebron decides to spend the next five years. that team will likely win a championship or two

extrapolating the bodog odds, cleveland has a 40+% chance of keeping him right now, w/ chi/NY at 20%+ each

i would be thrilled w/ dwade (or even bosh) coming to chicago and you guys keeping lebron. wouldn't want the hard luck sports town of cleveland suffering its worst loss to date

There are 3 guaranteed teams that are vastly better than the Cavs being the Celtics, Magic, and Lakers with a few teams just slightly below them. With some players changing teams this year, there should be more competitive teams in the league starting next season. With the Cavs aging, there is no way you can guarantee that Lebron will win a title in Cleveland or not.

i certainly wouldn't guarantee it. i just think it's likely. would he have a better shot elsewhere? yeah, probably

[Ballah]

Lebron is going to take a long hard look at the Cleveland team and ask the question "can i win with this guys". At this point the sad truth is the answer is No.

absurd. that's like flipping a coin and thinking that because it comes up tails it could never come up heads. the cavs had the best record in the league this year and were favorites to win it all as of FOUR DAYS AGO. they didn't rise to the occasion in game five (lebron especially) and couldn't sufficiently bounce back in game six. that is it and that is all

it doesn't matter where lebron decides to spend the next five years. that team will likely win a championship or two

extrapolating the bodog odds, cleveland has a 40+% chance of keeping him right now, w/ chi/NY at 20%+ each

i would be thrilled w/ dwade (or even bosh) coming to chicago and you guys keeping lebron. wouldn't want the hard luck sports town of cleveland suffering its worst loss to date

What happened to us this year didn't happen in a vacuum. We've had the best record in the league the last two years, both times we've lost to the first good team we've faced in the playoffs. Saying the only thing wrong is that we stunk it up in one game is just blinding yourself to the truth. Mo, Jamison, Shaq simply did not rise to the occasion, for Mo this is two years in a row he sucks in the playoffs. If Lebron stays he needs a completely different supporting cast around him.

[Mongoose]

Chicago is a great city, and I dont know what exactly thier tax situation is, but with the pols there I would have to believe taxes are quite high there as well. And Chicago while having young talent like Noah and Rose, they dont have anyone to match up with Dwight either. If Lebron stays east whether it is here or Chicago there is still that problem to consider.

Illinois has a flat 3% state income tax. Not exactly back breaking, considering it's about half of what LeBron would pay in Ohio with his tax bracket.

[Chi Dynasty12]

And Chicago while having young talent like Noah and Rose, they dont have anyone to match up with Dwight either. If Lebron stays east whether it is here or Chicago there is still that problem to consider.

...and what other teams in the East have somebody that is better than Noah to guard Dwight? You'd be hardpressed to name them; Noah is going to be an all-defensive second, maybe first team, caliber player next season.

[DEEP3CL]

Cavs fans stay strong and for your own sanity don't get sucked into the media hype. This is an emotional time for your franchise and city. As you guys know we went through this in the summer of 07, what made it worse was that Kobe asked to be traded. Which is the worse feeling to know that your best player doesn't want you anymore.

In LJ's case he's free to take off, being an old school ball guy I don't want LeBron to leave. I'm asking myself what good will it do him ? If he goes somewhere else he still has to start over. Smart guys know it isn't about money, hell LeBron can make a ton of money anywhere in the USA.

In reality the Cavs are close, why would LJ dump that chance for the unknown ? I don't get it, he turned the Cavs into a known team........I don't get why he would leave. Leaving isn't the problem solver. The Lakers had many disappointments before they won, but people forget they kept getting dumped on by the Jazz and Spurs in the early 90's. It takes time, you gotta crawl before you walk.

I know what you guys are feeling, I've been there when the Lakers had a 12 year drought of doing nothing but getting beat when it counted.

Pat Riley said it best years ago......."You gotta be scared before you win big", LeBron will take this and it's going to make him even better. It's going to turn him into the assassin he said he couldn't be. I always remembered that quote by him, and I said he won't win until he becomes one. One this sinks in he's going to wreck everybody in his path........all we'll be able to do is witness it. But nobody is stopping it.

[Darth Celtic]

And Chicago while having young talent like Noah and Rose, they dont have anyone to match up with Dwight either. If Lebron stays east whether it is here or Chicago there is still that problem to consider.

...and what other teams in the East have somebody that is better than Noah to guard Dwight? You'd be hardpressed to name them; Noah is going to be an all-defensive second, maybe first team, caliber player next season.

perkins and the celtics say 'hi'

[The Skyhook]

Cavs fans stay strong and for your own sanity don't get sucked into the media hype. This is an emotional time for your franchise and city. As you guys know we went through this in the summer of 07, what made it worse was that Kobe asked to be traded. Which is the worse feeling to know that your best player doesn't want you anymore.

In LJ's case he's free to take off, being an old school ball guy I don't want LeBron to leave. I'm asking myself what good will it do him ? If he goes somewhere else he still has to start over. Smart guys know it isn't about money, hell LeBron can make a ton of money anywhere in the USA.

In reality the Cavs are close, why would LJ dump that chance for the unknown ? I don't get it, he turned the Cavs into a known team........I don't get why he would leave. Leaving isn't the problem solver. The Lakers had many disappointments before they won, but people forget they kept getting dumped on by the Jazz and Spurs in the early 90's. It takes time, you gotta crawl before you walk.

I know what you guys are feeling, I've been there when the Lakers had a 12 year drought of doing nothing but getting beat when it counted.

Pat Riley said it best years ago......."You gotta be scared before you win big", LeBron will take this and it's going to make him even better. It's going to turn him into the assassin he said he couldn't be. I always remembered that quote by him, and I said he won't win until he becomes one. One this sinks in he's going to wreck everybody in his path........all we'll be able to do is witness it. But nobody is stopping it.

Wise words Deep. I can't disagree. Hopefully Cavs fans can understand where you're coming from.

[cam2win]

And Chicago while having young talent like Noah and Rose, they dont have anyone to match up with Dwight either. If Lebron stays east whether it is here or Chicago there is still that problem to consider.

...and what other teams in the East have somebody that is better than Noah to guard Dwight? You'd be hardpressed to name them; Noah is going to be an all-defensive second, maybe first team, caliber player next season.

perkins and the celtics say 'hi'

Andrew Bogut and the Bucks say 'hi' to Noah and Perkins

[Gordon Bombay]

And Chicago while having young talent like Noah and Rose, they dont have anyone to match up with Dwight either. If Lebron stays east whether it is here or Chicago there is still that problem to consider.

...and what other teams in the East have somebody that is better than Noah to guard Dwight? You'd be hardpressed to name them; Noah is going to be an all-defensive second, maybe first team, caliber player next season.

no offense but varejao was a second team defender this year and dwight howard threw him around like a rag doll last season (and would have done the same thing this season as well). going up against dwight in series is whole different animal compared to playing him at 4 seperate times in the regular season. over the course of a 7 game series, noah would get completely dominated

[gflem]

Chicago is a great city, and I dont know what exactly thier tax situation is, but with the pols there I would have to believe taxes are quite high there as well. And Chicago while having young talent like Noah and Rose, they dont have anyone to match up with Dwight either. If Lebron stays east whether it is here or Chicago there is still that problem to consider.

Illinois has a flat 3% state income tax. Not exactly back breaking, considering it's about half of what LeBron would pay in Ohio with his tax bracket.

Thanks for the facts. How is city tax in Chi town? I really dont know, and kind of stated as much. And yeah, Ohio isnt a bed of roses tax wise either unfortunately for us. **** weather 1/2 the year and high taxes. If Lebron leaves the winters will really suck again around here.
I was more commenting on peripheral factors in regards to where Lebron might go. And No, Noah cant guard Dwight Howard. One game here or there maybe, and this is not to diminish Noah, he really impressed me in our series with the bulls this year but Bynum is the only guy who I think has a chance to contain him.
Perkins doesnt score enough to put Howard in foul trouble, and that allows Howard to play more help D which allows him to dominate both sides of the game. So, all that doesnt mean Lebron wouldnt go to Chicago, but I am sure he knows all of this and will factor it into his decision ultimately.

[Benedict_Boozer]

Late to this thread - but at this point if Lebron leaves, I say we get what we can in S&T and look to shed some salary and rebuild through the draft.

I'm not even that stressed about it anymore, if he bails it is what it is. The franchise was here before Lebron and it will be here afterwards. It's not like Lebron was here racking up rings (and no, I am not blaming that solely on Lebron - just sayin)

[Knicksick]

Although , as a Knick fan, I believe that the chances of Lebron leaving increased after the last two playoffs I still think there is a decent chance he might just stay in Cleveland. I don't think that media,money,attention play into his decision ultimately---I believe that he'll first look at the basketball situation. The one problem for Cleveland seems to be that you guys aren't really flexible to improve the team in the immediate future as far as I can tell so Lebron would have to beleive that he can win with this team--which seems kinda unlikely at this point. On the other hand he has won a lot of games and sometimes unlikely trades happen (Gasol trade) etc. so there is always hope. I just think that the "unfinished business" part is the biggest reason to stay. Before the playoffs I gave the Cavs a 90% chance to keep Lebron---but even today I think they have a decent chance to keep him (I'd say 50%).

[Triumph36]

Although , as a Knick fan, I believe that the chances of Lebron leaving increased after the last two playoffs I still think there is a decent chance he might just stay in Cleveland. I don't think that media,money,attention play into his decision ultimately---I believe that he'll first look at the basketball situation. The one problem for Cleveland seems to be that you guys aren't really flexible to improve the team in the immediate future as far as I can tell so Lebron would have to beleive that he can win with this team--which seems kinda unlikely at this point. On the other hand he has won a lot of games and sometimes unlikely trades happen (Gasol trade) etc. so there is always hope. I just think that the "unfinished business" part is the biggest reason to stay. Before the playoffs I gave the Cavs a 90% chance to keep Lebron---but even today I think they have a decent chance to keep him (I'd say 50%).

I think the complete opposite, actually, heh.

IMO, especially based on recent events, LeBron is out for himself and only himself. Basketball isn't priority #1, but rather a vehicle to reach his true goals - not basketball related, business related. A means to an end, so to speak.

That's not to say he'd go to some complete trash team just because they're in a prime market or something, but I just think his business goals are of greater importance to him than his basketball goals.

[spectrec130]

I agree with everything but the end. Supposedly people in LBJ's inner circle claim he doesn't care about the whole MJ's shadow thing. Whether that's true or not...I dunno. But I think you're only thinking about one side of LeBron's ego. Consider the opposite. He goes to Chicago, pairs with a young team, and leads them to six championships over his career. With his HUGE ego and selfishness, winning as many titles as MJ IN MJ's city would honestly be the best possible turnout for his career. Better than leading Cleveland to their first championship. Better than leading the Knicks turnaround. He may look at it as a challenge, and I DO think the Bulls are a legit suitor for him.

But everything else you said was spot on. We aren't going to trade him for Deng. Or James Johnson. Or whoever else the Bulls would offer.




Miami Heat Fan here....If Lebron brought a title to NEW YORK, it would catapult him beyond ANYTHING he could do in Chi-town, Cleveland or whatever potential destination. That is the lure that comes with going to the number 1 media market with ESPN HQ'ed right next door. Jus get one of the big FA to sign with him and so it begins.

Though would like to see em stay in Cleve, but he's as good as gone IMO....

[kiwibrindle]

Lifelong Clevelander here. I hope the best for Bron. He made it interesting here for sure over the last 6 years. The Cavs made some roster and coaching mistakes but made an honest effort to make him happy here.

I'd love to see him stay but I long ago lived and died on Cleveland Sporting Teams! (mostly if not completely Died). Therefore have no faith at all.

I really expect Bron to leave. He had that look on his face in Game 5 at home against Boston like he did not care the same way as he did before. As a result of what I saw that game I know it was over for the Cavs this year and hardly watched 5 minutes of Game 6.

The only thing I know is that if he leaves I hold no grudge and will support Dan Gilbert's team because he has tried to win for my town unlike any other owner since Dick Jacobs for the Tribe in recent history.

I just hope one message is sent by Clevelanders and fans everywhere to LBJ if he does leave. NOONE SHOW UP THE NIGHTS HE COMES TO TOWN. That's it. That's all I hope the NBA fans here would do. Forget all the hating like we tried to tell Boozer in past visits. JUST DON'T COME TO SEE THE KING IF HE LEAVES. PERIOD

Its not hate its just a statement to the players in this league who the true customers are. No way this really happens but I'd love to see it not just here but every away game Bron plays at if he leaves. He can play for the crickets. WE ARE THE CUSTYOMERS WHAT WE THINK SHOULD COUNT. But we are all sheep.

I just hope he stays. My thought is he's already gone.

[#1 pick]

This wasn't my original thread title.

[Baseline Runner]

I've always liked Lebron and I would still root for Lebron if he went to NYC (thought still a Cavs fan first). I always liked the Knicks going back to the Oakley/Ewing/Starks/Mason days. However I can't stand Chicago as a city and have hated the basketball team since Jordan beat us so many times. If Lebron goes to Chicago that will be the ultimate backstab for Cleveland and I will dislike him as much as I do Kobe Bryant presently.

[cavsfan_osiris]

What if that fat bastard Curry plays a role in LeBron not signing with the Knicks? Even if LeBron doesn't end up in Cleveland how awesome/funny would that be?