The LeBron Thread

[Striders]

Just from an observational standpoint, KnicksGod, it sounds like you're the only person on this forum trying to psych yourself out of believing that the Bulls do in fact have a chance at getting Lebron. I don't know why that is really to be honest. You take everything about the Bulls and find a way to make it negative, but twist everything about the Knicks and turn it into a positive.

Er...he'd be the first one to admit to that. He said as much when Cavs fans used to post here all the time.

It's kinda nice for the board. Keeps us optimistic.

[K_ick_God]

Just from an observational standpoint, KnicksGod, it sounds like you're the only person on this forum trying to psych yourself out of believing that the Bulls do in fact have a chance at getting Lebron. I don't know why that is really to be honest. You take everything about the Bulls and find a way to make it negative, but twist everything about the Knicks and turn it into a positive.

Nevertheless, I'm curious to know what your thoughts are about this video with Larry King. To me it doesn't sound like the Bulls are out of the picture. If anything, it seems like he admires what MJ accomplished and considers how popular he made the Bulls around the world. Do you not believe that Lebron sees how him playing for the Bulls would only increase their already huge fanbase and his popularity around the world? I take it as LBJ picturing himself in the same shoes as MJ as a franchise player on the Bulls. Ever think that him being a Bulls fanatic growing up might play a part in his decision? I mean now he has the opportunity to really "be like Mike." Play in the same building, wear the jersey, win multiple championships, be adored and celebrated around the world....just like MJ. Honestly, LBJ says he wants to join a good team. He's played against the Bulls in the regular season and in the playoffs and he knows that the team is competitive and can win. I feel like he thinks that if he can come to the Bulls he can help them get over the hump and be contenders, not wait a couple of years for his teammates around him to develop.

Finally, this argument about D.Rose being ball dominant is off base. He had to play that way because no one else had the balls to step up every night and lead the team. Everyone else deferred to him. In fact, Kobe TOLD him that he should play that way for the team to be able to win. If D. Rose had his wish he would rather be a distributor rather than a "ball dominant guard."

Here's the video http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5238743

I'm looking at the facts. There is nothing to substantiate the Bulls stuff. If it were true, ask yourself why LeBron is talking about teaming up with another free-agent?

He knows the Bulls only have one slot available. If he was so into the Bulls -- and had called Rose and was planning on playing with him -- he wouldn't have talked more than once about playing with another free-agent from this summer.

In fact nothing he said or hinted at in that interview seemed to confirm any of the suspicions that he's interested in Chicago. In fact, that Rose phone call thing is completely inconsistent with his remarks from yesterday. Why do I mention the Rose phone call? Because it was the only actual "evidence" that a Bulls fan could cite. You have "He called Rose and expressed interest" and a whole lot of speculation by ESPN (mostly).

What he showed in that interview was, imho, that he's not got some secret Bulls plan. I really think it's not high on his list (if it even makes his list) as we were led to believe by an idiot like Chris Broussard.

[K_ick_God]

Just from an observational standpoint, KnicksGod, it sounds like you're the only person on this forum trying to psych yourself out of believing that the Bulls do in fact have a chance at getting Lebron. I don't know why that is really to be honest. You take everything about the Bulls and find a way to make it negative, but twist everything about the Knicks and turn it into a positive.

Er...he'd be the first one to admit to that. He said as much when Cavs fans used to post here all the time.

It's kinda nice for the board. Keeps us optimistic.

Yes and no. I do look on the bright side. But on this Bulls thing, I'd actually be shocked if he's interested. I'm dead serious on this one. I think it's a total non-starter for LeBron to play with a ball dominator and in MJ's shadow.

[Striders]

Yes and no. I do look on the bright side. But on this Bulls thing, I'd actually be shocked if he's interested. I'm dead serious on this one. I think it's a total non-starter for LeBron to play with a ball dominator and in MJ's shadow.

I do sorta think it's a little odd how the Bulls are suddenly "in the picture now" when it looked like their fanbase and front office were gunning for Wade all season long.

[K_ick_God]

I have a question for people that is slightly OT:

Whether LeBron is in Cleveland or NY next year -- or another city we didn't expect like Orlando or something -- do you think he'll do all the pre-game ritual stuff (and some in-game ritual stuff) or do you think he'll be all about business and winning the title ... and put away (or take a break from) the celebratory aspects?

[Striders]

If he's in New York or Cleveland he'll DEFINITELY do the chalk throw.

He'll want to take in the energy of New York if he's here as a Knick. Shoot, I get goosebumps right now thinking about how the Garden will erupt when he does the chalk throw for the first time. He would love that.

If he goes to some team that was already kind of a contender, like Orlando, then I don't think he'll do it. He'll probably be way more focused, even with Dwight on the team. It will DEFINITELY be all about winning then.

[stillalive]

Just from an observational standpoint, KnicksGod, it sounds like you're the only person on this forum trying to psych yourself out of believing that the Bulls do in fact have a chance at getting Lebron. I don't know why that is really to be honest. You take everything about the Bulls and find a way to make it negative, but twist everything about the Knicks and turn it into a positive.

Nevertheless, I'm curious to know what your thoughts are about this video with Larry King. To me it doesn't sound like the Bulls are out of the picture. If anything, it seems like he admires what MJ accomplished and considers how popular he made the Bulls around the world. Do you not believe that Lebron sees how him playing for the Bulls would only increase their already huge fanbase and his popularity around the world? I take it as LBJ picturing himself in the same shoes as MJ as a franchise player on the Bulls. Ever think that him being a Bulls fanatic growing up might play a part in his decision? I mean now he has the opportunity to really "be like Mike." Play in the same building, wear the jersey, win multiple championships, be adored and celebrated around the world....just like MJ. Honestly, LBJ says he wants to join a good team. He's played against the Bulls in the regular season and in the playoffs and he knows that the team is competitive and can win. I feel like he thinks that if he can come to the Bulls he can help them get over the hump and be contenders, not wait a couple of years for his teammates around him to develop.

Finally, this argument about D.Rose being ball dominant is off base. He had to play that way because no one else had the balls to step up every night and lead the team. Everyone else deferred to him. In fact, Kobe TOLD him that he should play that way for the team to be able to win. If D. Rose had his wish he would rather be a distributor rather than a "ball dominant guard."

Here's the video http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5238743

I'm looking at the facts. There is nothing to substantiate the Bulls stuff. If it were true, ask yourself why LeBron is talking about teaming up with another free-agent?

He knows the Bulls only have one slot available. If he was so into the Bulls -- and had called Rose and was planning on playing with him -- he wouldn't have talked more than once about playing with another free-agent from this summer.

In fact nothing he said or hinted at in that interview seemed to confirm any of the suspicions that he's interested in Chicago. In fact, that Rose phone call thing is completely inconsistent with his remarks from yesterday. Why do I mention the Rose phone call? Because it was the only actual "evidence" that a Bulls fan could cite. You have "He called Rose and expressed interest" and a whole lot of speculation by ESPN (mostly).

What he showed in that interview was, imho, that he's not got some secret Bulls plan. I really think it's not high on his list (if it even makes his list) as we were led to believe by an idiot like Chris Broussard.

Huh? If that were true why in the WORLD would Larry King say that he thinks it's between the Cavs and Bulls? The guy was sitting right in front of him interviewing him and picked up on his sentiments. We don't even know if Lebron elaborated further about some things. They will only air and release what they want.

I don't know all about the Rose phone call. Rose isn't even the type of person to get involved in all of the hype hoopla. The guy doesn't even like to be referred to as an All-Star. He even said that Noah should probably have more input on choosing a coach than himself. It's not rocket science to think that Rose wouldn't want Lebron to play with him and vice versa.

For you to STILL say that the Bulls aren't high on Lebron's list is just ignorant (no offense). MJ went on record saying that Lebron should play for the Bulls. I can almost guarantee that Lebron got that message. The Bulls are on his list whether you like it or not.

[RHODEY]

How close are Lebron and Bosh? How close are Lebron and D'antoni compared to other NBA coaches?

[livintoolive]

I'm saying it. I would rather see Lebron James paired up with Rajon Rondo than Derrick Rose. I think Rose is the better player, but Rondo is the better match.

And you know i'm not lying because i'm a New Yorker and a Knick fan rooting for a Boston player. All hating aside, Rose is just not a great fit. He's also not in the plethora of players like Dwayne Wade who I would pair James with at the end of the day because he's just so damn good.

[stillalive]

Just from an observational standpoint, KnicksGod, it sounds like you're the only person on this forum trying to psych yourself out of believing that the Bulls do in fact have a chance at getting Lebron. I don't know why that is really to be honest. You take everything about the Bulls and find a way to make it negative, but twist everything about the Knicks and turn it into a positive.

Er...he'd be the first one to admit to that. He said as much when Cavs fans used to post here all the time.

It's kinda nice for the board. Keeps us optimistic.

Yes and no. I do look on the bright side. But on this Bulls thing, I'd actually be shocked if he's interested. I'm dead serious on this one. I think it's a total non-starter for LeBron to play with a ball dominator and in MJ's shadow.

I think it would be better to go into it with a feeling of glass half-empty, that way you won't be disappointed if it doesn't happen. That's how Bulls fans look at it all.

The MJ shadow "theory" is BS. Lebron created the shadow himself. Big Nike deal, #23, pre-game chalk throw, global star, endorsement deals. He's driven by the challenge, he doesn't back away from it. Reminds me of the Bulls scrubs, I mean bench players, egging on Lebron telling him he can't shoot and he ended up shooting like a mad man. I say keep it up. Tell Lebron that he'll always be in MJ's shadow if he plays for the Bulls and will never be as good...see what happens.

[Knicks_Fan2]

lol to Larry King basing his opinion on LBJ possibly going to the Bulls on the fact that LBJ was a Jordan fan as a kid...really?!

[K_ick_God]

When did Larry King say he thinks it's between the Bulls and Cavs?

[Wilson Chandlaa]

I think it would be better to go into it with a feeling of glass half-empty, that way you won't be disappointed if it doesn't happen. That's how Bulls fans look at it all.

The MJ shadow "theory" is BS. Lebron created the shadow himself. Big Nike deal, #23, pre-game chalk throw, global star, endorsement deals. He's driven by the challenge, he doesn't back away from it. Reminds me of the Bulls scrubs, I mean bench players, egging on Lebron telling him he can't shoot and he ended up shooting like a mad man. I say keep it up. Tell Lebron that he'll always be in MJ's shadow if he plays for the Bulls and will never be as good...see what happens.

or keep telling him that the knicks suck and he wouldn't be able to win there and then see what happens

[Wilson Chandlaa]

When did Larry King say he thinks it's between the Bulls and Cavs?

on sportscenter but he clearly doesn't know much about the NBA

[K_ick_God]

When did Larry King say he thinks it's between the Bulls and Cavs?

on sportscenter but he clearly doesn't know much about the NBA

He's admitting it's not based on anything but him being a Bulls fan growing up. And not that we need to refute Larry King but LeBron specifically said "growing up."

The Bulls thing is DOA.

[KnicksScholar24]

If LeBron James does sign with the Knicks I'll make a "King James" mix with this song.

[stillalive]

I think it would be better to go into it with a feeling of glass half-empty, that way you won't be disappointed if it doesn't happen. That's how Bulls fans look at it all.

The MJ shadow "theory" is BS. Lebron created the shadow himself. Big Nike deal, #23, pre-game chalk throw, global star, endorsement deals. He's driven by the challenge, he doesn't back away from it. Reminds me of the Bulls scrubs, I mean bench players, egging on Lebron telling him he can't shoot and he ended up shooting like a mad man. I say keep it up. Tell Lebron that he'll always be in MJ's shadow if he plays for the Bulls and will never be as good...see what happens.

or keep telling him that the knicks suck and he wouldn't be able to win there and then see what happens

Who is saying that? For 2 years people have been saying Lebron should go to the Knicks or assumed that he would. Unlike KnicksGod, I'm not counting out the Knicks with some sort of insecure theory on why he won't consider them. It's not my fault that Chicago is now in the running. I think that upsets some people, but it is what it is. No one complained about the Lebron to NY hype train that's been going on since 08. People only start to complain when the attention isn't focused on them (see Wade's recent comments on the Bulls)....it then becomes a conspiracy theory against the Knicks or any other team.

[stillalive]

When did Larry King say he thinks it's between the Bulls and Cavs?

on sportscenter but he clearly doesn't know much about the NBA

He's admitting it's not based on anything but him being a Bulls fan growing up. And not that we need to refute Larry King but LeBron specifically said "growing up."

The Bulls thing is DOA.

LOL come on now. Larry King could have EASILY said Lebron loved the Bulls growing up, but doesn't see them as a team he wants to join. However, he didn't say anything close to that. Yes growing up, but to think that Lebron is ignorant to the fact that the Bulls are a good team now...I can't know what to say It's not like people running with the idea of Lebron being a Yankees fan and alluding to the belief that he wants to play for the Knicks. Totally different. If he were a baseball player, I'm sure the Yankees would be high on his list.

[K_ick_God]

I think it would be better to go into it with a feeling of glass half-empty, that way you won't be disappointed if it doesn't happen. That's how Bulls fans look at it all.

The MJ shadow "theory" is BS. Lebron created the shadow himself. Big Nike deal, #23, pre-game chalk throw, global star, endorsement deals. He's driven by the challenge, he doesn't back away from it. Reminds me of the Bulls scrubs, I mean bench players, egging on Lebron telling him he can't shoot and he ended up shooting like a mad man. I say keep it up. Tell Lebron that he'll always be in MJ's shadow if he plays for the Bulls and will never be as good...see what happens.

or keep telling him that the knicks suck and he wouldn't be able to win there and then see what happens

Who is saying that? For 2 years people have been saying Lebron should go to the Knicks or assumed that he would. Unlike KnicksGod, I'm not counting out the Knicks with some sort of insecure theory on why he won't consider them. It's not my fault that Chicago is now in the running. I think that upsets some people, but it is what it is. No one complained about the Lebron to NY hype train that's been going on since 08. People only start to complain when the attention isn't focused on them (see Wade's recent comments on the Bulls)....it then becomes a conspiracy theory against the Knicks or any other team.

There's nothing to support the idea that he has any interest in Chicago at all.

Not even a little something.

Well, now you have the opinion of an elderly broadcaster who said the Bulls have a "big shot" right after he said that he thinks LeBron could play for the Bobcats AND right before he said that he thinks LeBron will sign for less than a Max contract. Oh, Larry also thought that this was the first time LeBron had ever said he was a Bulls fan growing up. So he made a ton of misstatements that we know are false and one thing that we don't (yet) know is false. Think about that.

Consider your source here, and the other (Please Use More Appropriate Word) things Larry said right around giving the Bulls a shot. I guess he could be right about JUST that one thing because we know he's dead wrong about everything else.

If that's your evidence, you've got a pretty weak case.

I honestly think there's nothing to the Chicago thing. But maybe I'll be proven wrong.

[Childs2Dudley]

I must say one thing: I'm Greek and I have the Greek TV package on Time Warner Cable that I watch sometimes.

The most popular sport in Europe is soccer followed by basketball. Soccer dominates the sports talk whenever it is on TV but sometimes the nightly news will discuss other happenings outside of Greece, like basketball in the USA.

It is yesterday night when I saw the Greek news discussing the possibility of Lebron signing with the Knicks. Keep in mind the news never discusses the NBA unless they give you playoff news or if they tell you who won the NBA Finals. But yet they made it a point to discuss LeBron's free agency and New York. That's how important the subject is. Do you honestly think they would make the same big deal if this was Chicago or Cleveland?

When the Knicks first cleared cap space for the 2010 free agent bonanza, it was again mentioned on the Greek news. Do you think if a team like the Sacramento Kings or Milwaukee Bucks did this it would get on the air? No, it wouldn't. New York is still the media capital of the world and people don't want to accept that. People in other countries are interested in seeing LeBron James sign in New York, or at least are intrigued by the idea. That's good enough for me.