LeBron James

[tink1970]

I like LeBron. The "decision" thing didn't bother me...pro sports are a business and he (or his advisors) are smart enough to know that the body wears out sooner or later. I'm glad he returned to the Cavs, but my bet is also on LA.

 

[nkereina]

I don't know much about him or basketball, but I have heard that he's taking his family's thoughts into consideration. I would imagine his kids are in a good spot in Cleveland having been there for a few years, used to the schools, having extended family nearby. I know money and another championship will be the driving factor, but it seems like he'd really be uprooting his kids to make the move to LA.

 

[Hikergirl]

 

[pryncess527]

I know it's a longshot, but I'd like to see him stay in Cleveland

 

[tex1989]

While I have no strong opinion one way or another but live in the Houston area I can tell you that some guy here in Houston has rented several billboards around town courting LeBron to come to Houston. Not sure if he will ever see the boards but they are here.

 

[soccerdad72]

While I have no strong opinion one way or another but live in the Houston area I can tell you that some guy here in Houston has rented several billboards around town courting LeBron to come to Houston. Not sure if he will ever see the boards but they are here.

Philly did that as well, but billboards in Cleveland.

Going off gut feeling - LA

 

[neverlandsky]

Not a die hard fan, yet follow the NBA headlines. I think he’s going to the Lakers. With Magic Johnson being the President of the Lakers makes sense to obtain that Lebron James talent.

 

[lisaviolet]

98 percent of the Board hates him or could careless but for the few that do, where do you think he will sign.


here in Akron where so many people are close friends with family and friends (Im not one of them) but they are usually fairly reliable. Like when he left Miami the nations sportscaster said no way he comes back to Cleveland but here in Akron we know it was about100 percent he coming back . So saying all that here is what Im gathering from listening

80 percent Lakers
20 Percent Cleveland

He doesnt want to play in Philly or Houston ( I personally like them teams and city but he doesnt) . Only way Cavs get his is if they end up with Leonard or George , but both them want to go to LA

It seems like your 80% is bang on low-key. But how I would love a surprise.

 

[soccerdad72]

Well your 20% is now gone. It seems like your 80% is bang on low-key. But how I would love a surprise.

Just because LeBron didn't exercise his option clause doesn't mean he won't resign with the Cavs. Today's move was inevitable - even when he signed the original contract, it was assumed he would always opt out of the option year. He's done it everytime - it's a pure business decision.

 

[lisaviolet]

Just because LeBron didn't exercise his option clause doesn't mean he won't resign with the Cavs. Today's move was inevitable - even when he signed the original contract, it was assumed he would always opt out of the option year. He's done it everytime - it's a pure business decision.

Yes. I realized he could sign for a year. And had edited already.

Still would be surprised if Cleveland is still on the table. But honestly with some changes in the roster would be happy to have him remain there.

Who knows. I am sure his family's well being is a big part of the puzzle. Lebron seems like that kind of man.

 

[Capang]

LA. Which makes me sad. I’ll miss him here.

When he left I hated him, solely because I felt he made such a production of kicking a city that was already down.

But the he wrote that letter (I refer to it as the, “I’m sorry baby, I’ve changed” letter) and I was so excited to get him back.

I won’t be angry when he leaves, he did what he promised and brought a championship here to Cleveland.

Pretty sure he will play in Cali. Can’t blame him.

 

[lisaviolet]

Love LeBron. Wherever he goes may he have consistent support. Normal to see the greatest players put everything out there. But this season was too much.

 

[soccerdad72]

Who knows. I am sure his family's well being is a big part of the puzzle. Lebron seems like that kind of man.

His family is a going to be a huge part of his decision - I know that his son's high school basketball career is a big factor right now - he's going into 8th grade, so they're really thinking hard about his best option. Unfortunately, I don't think it's Cleveland, either.

 

[lisaviolet]

Heck so curious if he is waiting for puzzle pieces to play out himself. Kyle Lowry's name is being talked about in squaring up LA. Insert big fat sigh on that rumour. Must be nice to be a fan in a city where so many want to be, outside of their basketball lives.

LeBron could sign back and we could all be here again in a year. Don't think so but so many possibilities.


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OT ---

All this All Star talk but I am even more on the future of Fred VanVleet here. From undrafted to Sixth Man Of The Year nominee/finalist. So tired of grit and skill leaving Toronto.

On a positive note it should be an interesting season, with so many 'new' teams on the rise.

 

[MrVargas]

I'm a big Lebron fan, I followed him back in high school and the pressure that he has had is crazy. I doubted he would ever live up to the hype he had but actually surpassed it and he's not a bad guy at all. As for where he is going, my money is on LA. LA has become the summer destination of the NBA and it would also go perfect with his post-basketbal career. It's also his best chance at another championship. However, I wish he would stay in Cleveland. He likely will never win another championship in Cleveland but I miss the old days where players stayed with their franchises and became the identity of that team (i.e. Karl Malone & Stockton with the Jazz, Ewing with the Knicks, Reggie Miller with the Pacers, Jordan with the Bulls, Magic with the Lakers, Bird with the Celtics, Isiah & Lambeer with the Pistons, etc.).

 

[low-key]

His family is a going to be a huge part of his decision - I know that his son's high school basketball career is a big factor right now - he's going into 8th grade, so they're really thinking hard about his best option. Unfortunately, I don't think it's Cleveland, either.

Hi Steve a couple thoughts about Lebron, he is the best basketball player alive, he alone could win your team a championship, if it wasnt for Golden St super team Cleve would have more championships. the only negative I could think of, with Lebron its like being married to a women who once a year says show me how much you love me by getting me everything you can . You have ot mortgage the future you cant developed players and finally when other teams are better he leaves you. Alson word on thew streets here, is he wanted his son to go to St V, but he had a fallen out with coach, and he already in rolled in a private School in LA. And his father in law is telling people he will play in LA. BUT FOREVER I WILL REMEMBER THE CHAMPIONSHIP, AND THE LETTER STILL MAKES ME PROUD TO BE BORN AND STILL LIVES IN AKRON



Before anyone ever cared where I would play basketball, I was a kid from Northeast Ohio. It’s where I walked. It’s where I ran. It’s where I cried. It’s where I bled. It holds a special place in my heart. People there have seen me grow up. I sometimes feel like I’m their son. Their passion can be overwhelming. But it drives me. I want to give them hope when I can. I want to inspire them when I can. My relationship with Northeast Ohio is bigger than basketball. I didn’t realize that four years ago. I do now.

Remember when I was sitting up there at the Boys & Girls Club in 2010? I was thinking, This is really tough. I could feel it. I was leaving something I had spent a long time creating. If I had to do it all over again, I’d obviously do things differently, but I’d still have left. Miami, for me, has been almost like college for other kids. These past four years helped raise me into who I am. I became a better player and a better man. I learned from a franchise that had been where I wanted to go. I will always think of Miami as my second home. Without the experiences I had there, I wouldn’t be able to do what I’m doing today.

I went to Miami because of D-Wade and CB. We made sacrifices to keep UD. I loved becoming a big bro to Rio. I believed we could do something magical if we came together. And that’s exactly what we did! The hardest thing to leave is what I built with those guys. I’ve talked to some of them and will talk to others. Nothing will ever change what we accomplished. We are brothers for life. I also want to thank Micky Arison and Pat Riley for giving me an amazing four years.

I’m doing this essay because I want an opportunity to explain myself uninterrupted. I don’t want anyone thinking: He and Erik Spoelstra didn’t get along. … He and Riles didn’t get along. … The Heat couldn’t put the right team together. That’s absolutely not true.

I’m not having a press conference or a party. After this, it’s time to get to work.

When I left Cleveland, I was on a mission. I was seeking championships, and we won two. But Miami already knew that feeling. Our city hasn’t had that feeling in a long, long, long time. My goal is still to win as many titles as possible, no question. But what’s most important for me is bringing one trophy back to Northeast Ohio.

I always believed that I’d return to Cleveland and finish my career there. I just didn’t know when. After the season, free agency wasn’t even a thought. But I have two boys and my wife, Savannah, is pregnant with a girl. I started thinking about what it would be like to raise my family in my hometown. I looked at other teams, but I wasn’t going to leave Miami for anywhere except Cleveland. The more time passed, the more it felt right. This is what makes me happy.

To make the move I needed the support of my wife and my mom, who can be very tough. The letter from Dan Gilbert, the booing of the Cleveland fans, the jerseys being burned -- seeing all that was hard for them. My emotions were more mixed. It was easy to say, “OK, I don’t want to deal with these people ever again.” But then you think about the other side. What if I were a kid who looked up to an athlete, and that athlete made me want to do better in my own life, and then he left? How would I react? I’ve met with Dan, face-to-face, man-to-man. We’ve talked it out. Everybody makes mistakes. I’ve made mistakes as well. Who am I to hold a grudge?

I’m not promising a championship. I know how hard that is to deliver. We’re not ready right now. No way. Of course, I want to win next year, but I’m realistic. It will be a long process, much longer than it was in 2010. My patience will get tested. I know that. I’m going into a situation with a young team and a new coach. I will be the old head. But I get a thrill out of bringing a group together and helping them reach a place they didn’t know they could go. I see myself as a mentor now and I’m excited to lead some of these talented young guys. I think I can help Kyrie Irving become one of the best point guards in our league. I think I can help elevate Tristan Thompson and Dion Waiters. And I can’t wait to reunite with Anderson Varejao, one of my favorite teammates.

But this is not about the roster or the organization. I feel my calling here goes above basketball. I have a responsibility to lead, in more ways than one, and I take that very seriously. My presence can make a difference in Miami, but I think it can mean more where I’m from. I want kids in Northeast Ohio, like the hundreds of Akron third-graders I sponsor through my foundation, to realize that there’s no better place to grow up. Maybe some of them will come home after college and start a family or open a business. That would make me smile. Our community, which has struggled so much, needs all the talent it can get.


In Northeast Ohio, nothing is given. Everything is earned. You work for what you have.


I’m ready to accept the challenge. I’m coming home.

 

[lisaviolet]

Low-key, I am guessing that you are thinking that he is showing a lack of integrity by posting his words. Or simply wishing he would stay. On one hand, I agree with Mr. Vargas and the old days of sticking by a team. Heck without the years of Bulls and Jordan, well Stockton and Malone would have had a different outcome in their careers. But around and around we go as Jordan and the Bulls did exist and were THE team.

Regardless I smiled with every single player/team combo listed. I really do miss it. Now it's hard for me to simply keep up on every roster.

Thing is years back players could give their heart and soul to a team (as they should) and be traded in an instant. No control on their own future. Two sides, two viewpoints.

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The goal should always be to win. Of course. But players at every level will say that the hardest thing is when teammates don't put their best out there with you. Not putting it all on the floor.

An example of this ---

Who knows what will happen here in Toronto but the players have been pretty content in the last couple of years - despite frustrating seasons and frustrating losses. And I believe that is because the majority of the team puts it all out on the floor day in, day out. Putting it all out brings hope, even if it is completely delusional.Hope is an underrated feeling for both players and fans. It is hope that makes it feel like it all could be right around the corner.

I believe that is what it is for LeBron, a lack of hope for a winning team for whatever reason. Not a lack of dedication to the process. Well my opinion. Again who knows, all these rumours could be wrong.

Whatever he does, you know I just adore him. On and off the court. We have seen straight magic in his play for years on end. I too feel like he has surpassed any thoughts of how great he would become.

 

[rajak73]

How can Lebron go to LA? Isn't that Ball the next greatest thing? Is La Var going to let Lebron play on the same team? LOL

 

[declansdad]

I would think the Lakers would need to bring in more than Lebron for him to agree to go there. If he wanted to play for a mediocre team he could stay in Cleveland.

 

[low-key]

Low-key, I am guessing that you are thinking that he is showing a lack of integrity by posting his words

no no no no,you misread, I said despite him leaving he gave us a championship and "the letter" still gives me a sense of pride. You assumed that on your own cause it does seem a bit conflicted reading it today. But that was not my intention, if I were in his shoes I too would go live in the bright lights of LA