The LeBron James Thread

[Altimus]

Re: The Official "Where is LeBron going?" Thread

He already has a few billboards in NY. I mean, a few billboards more maybe, but to suggest that he goes to NY he becomes an instant billionaire is crazy.

The Cavs have never really had a big time trading chip. They have turned bad players with expiring contracts into decent players with bad contracts. I could see someone like Philly biting on an Iggy trade or maybe even Toronto biting on a Bosh Sign and Trade for Hickson, West/Williams or both, maybe even Jamison.

The thing is, if they don't have the talent chips, they will take on more money than any team in the NBA. Hell, they took on that albatross of a contract in Shaq for average production, they knew he wasn't going to live up to his contract. I'm not sure another team would take on that money.

The long and short of it is, the Cavaliers will not let money or a lack of aggression stand in their way of a title. I would think this offseason more than any, they'll be extremely aggressive trying to get a player or two to ensure LeBron comes back to Cleveland.

I never suggested he would be billionaire status or close to it. Not sure if anyone else did.

I just don't know how much more money you can take on with this economy and the CBA which might (gulp) equal a lock out. Brown will be fired soon. That would also mean the Cavs would be paying two coaches salaries next season. If LBJ was to stay then I would doubt that second coach would come cheap. It would have to be a big name.

As far as Iggy, Sixers love that guy and between overpaying Brand and having Speights there as well, I doubt they would go for Hickson. One thing for certain is that sign and trades are very difficult to get done based on history. However, anything can happen.

[OSUFan_88]

Re: The Official "Where is LeBron going?" Thread

I never suggested he would be billionaire status or close to it. Not sure if anyone else did.

I just don't know how much more money you can take on with this economy and the CBA which might (gulp) equal a lock out. Brown will be fired soon. That would also mean the Cavs would be paying two coaches salaries next season. If LBJ was to stay then I would doubt that second coach would come cheap. It would have to be a big name.

As far as Iggy, Sixers love that guy and between overpaying Brand and having Speights there as well, I doubt they would go for Hickson. One thing for certain is that sign and trades are very difficult to get done based on history. However, anything can happen.

Gilbert is making plenty of money with LeBron on the team. Paying Brown and another coach would not matter. Gilbert even addressed it in his press conference the other day "You have to spend money to make money." Money is no object to him, especially with him bringing in the casino business to Cleveland, he won't be hurting for money anytime soon.

The Cavaliers also have other parts. West has a 1 million dollar buyout and some team might take a flier on him, although he's obviously not nearly as valuable as he was last year. Jamison could be attractive to a contender, just like Williams could be if they wanted to bring him off the bench. Unfortunately, most of the teams the Cavaliers would be dealing with would not be willing to give up a big piece.

I will say that I think the Cavaliers will push for a PG and wouldn't be surprised if they try and get Tony Parker. Ferry is very familiar with him from his SAS days, the Spurs seem to be wanting to get rid of him. Williams or Jamison could give them some good play from the bench and Hickson could be groomed to take over after Duncan or even play PF with Duncan at Center. He's not likely at all, considering the Spurs would want more than just Hickson and Williams, they need to go and get a player like Parker.

I'm just saying, Ferry is going to be aggressive *assuming the Cavaliers do retain him.* That is what he does and the Cavs one thing they stated in their press conferences was that they need to become a better playoff team. I'd expect a pretty big roster overhaul.

[Altimus]

Re: The Official "Where is LeBron going?" Thread

What did you expect him to tell the fan base? That it's over? He wants those season ticket holders to reup.

I don't think Cleveland needs another PG. They don't even need a good one. Just one that is a good quick defender and can hit the open shot. That is one conflicting problem I have about a possible James and Rose combination. Both players need the ball in their hands to dominate and there is only one ball.

Don't think Pop is taking Jamison. He's already learned the hard way with Jefferson.

If the Cavs can someway land a good wing player or a big man like a Bosh or Amare then I don't see how LBJ wouldn't come back.

If the Cavs rosters remains as is around July with no talk about upgrading, I'd find it hard to believe he comes back. Which kind of sucks because the Cavs are in this place because of him. They did everything possible to keep him happy and keep him here.

Can't let Andy leave or else he might be upset
Trade for Shaq
Make a move at a deadline to upgrade

Cleveland deserves props for all they have done either way.

[OSUFan_88]

Re: The Official "Where is LeBron going?" Thread

What did you expect him to tell the fan base? That it's over? He wants those season ticket holders to reup.

I understand that, but the track record for Gilbert is there. He is going to spend what it takes to get a title in Cleveland, even if LeBron leaves.

Everything else I agree with, which is why I'd be upset if LeBron left. This team was made because that's the way LeBron wanted it. I think it's time for LeBron to realize that he sucks as a GM and should let the GM do what the GM wants to do and not be held hostage by LeBron.

LeBron could make a great coach one day, but if he ever becomes owner/GM, be afraid for your franchise...

[ehh]

Re: The Official "Where is LeBron going?" Thread

No one knows if LeBron will make more money if he goes to NYC. Opinions vary from him making $20 million more per season to it not mattering at all. We all need to stop talking like it's fact one way or the other (or anywhere in between) because none of us know how it'll turn out financially if he does go there.

[ehh]

Re: The Official "Where is LeBron going?" Thread

And Dan Gilbert has the 3rd highest payroll in the NBA and looking to add more to it.

Let me ask you this, would you rather have Gilbert as an owner or James Dolan? This Russian dude has no track record other than being totally insane and having a bazillion dollars.

Dolan is out of the picture these days, he's letting Walsh stick Walsh's plan.

[Altimus]

Re: The Official "Where is LeBron going?" Thread

I understand that, but the track record for Gilbert is there. He is going to spend what it takes to get a title in Cleveland, even if LeBron leaves.

Everything else I agree with, which is why I'd be upset if LeBron left. This team was made because that's the way LeBron wanted it. I think it's time for LeBron to realize that he sucks as a GM and should let the GM do what the GM wants to do and not be held hostage by LeBron.

LeBron could make a great coach one day, but if he ever becomes owner/GM, be afraid for your franchise...

I'm not doubting Gilbert, just looking at it as a business statement. True or false.

[Rocky]

Re: The Official "Where is LeBron going?" Thread

No one knows if LeBron will make more money if he goes to NYC. Opinions vary from him making $20 million more per season to it not mattering at all. We all need to stop talking like it's fact one way or the other (or anywhere in between) because none of us know how it'll turn out financially if he does go there.

Well, there is the fame factor. He would be playing in front of celebrities and millionaires every night. To Lebron's over-inflated ego, that's like Christmas 41 days a year.

[OSUFan_88]

Re: The Official "Where is LeBron going?" Thread

Dolan is out of the picture these days, he's letting Walsh stick Walsh's plan.

Well, Dolan also allowed Isaiah to stick to his plan.

There are good and bad parts to that. I don't think Walsh is going to be nearly what Isaiah was, though.

Walsh will get it turned around, with or without LeBron. Too much knowledge not to get it turned around.

[ehh]

Re: The Official "Where is LeBron going?" Thread

Well, Dolan also allowed Isaiah to stick to his plan.

Yeah, I mean Walsh isn't the greatest GM in the world but he's a thousand times better than Zeke who's obviously one of the worst in the history of the NBA. Walsh gets his franchises to the post season (not that it's hard since half the damn league makes it) and keeps them in good financial situations. His personnel decisions are nothing amazing though.

Anyway, point is, Dolan isn't a detractor for the Knicks.

[Jesus]

Re: The Official "Where is LeBron going?" Thread

Im calling it

Sign and trade and Lebron goes to the Lakers

Cleveland gets Andrew Bynum, Ron Artest and Lamar Odom

Lakers get Lebron and filler

Phil Jackson coaches until he's either blind, alzhiemers takes hold or the Reaper comes knockin lmao.









Disclaimer: Dont take this seriously

[Anavar]

Re: The Official "Where is LeBron going?" Thread

People can talk all they want about how much more money LeBron will make in New York City. And maybe that is true, but the fact still remains that his best chance to win multiple championships is in Chicago.

Just like Simmons said: If he wants to become immortal, he'll go to NYC. If he wants to become a legend with multiple championships, he'll come to Chicago.

I don't think money has anything to do with it. This guy is not stupid. He knows his legacy is nothing without more than one ring.

[OSUFan_88]

Re: The Official "Where is LeBron going?" Thread

People can talk all they want about how much more money LeBron will make in New York City. And maybe that is true, but the fact still remains that his best chance to win multiple championships is in Chicago.

Just like Simmons said: If he wants to become immortal, he'll go to NYC. If he wants to become a legend with multiple championships, he'll come to Chicago.

I don't think money has anything to do with it. This guy is not stupid. He knows his legacy is nothing without more than one ring.

I think if LeBron leaves there will always be a "yeah but..." after they mention the titles he has won.

If he leaves Cleveland without a title, it'll scar his legacy a little bit. Certainly enough to make him not comparable to MJ.

[ehh]

Re: The Official "Where is LeBron going?" Thread

People can talk all they want about how much more money LeBron will make in New York City. And maybe that is true, but the fact still remains that his best chance to win multiple championships is in Chicago.

Again, I just don't see how this is true at all given the current supporting casts. Neither NYC or Chicago has the pieces in place to win a title with Bron (unless Chi can somehow get Bosh which I maintain has about .0000001% chance of happening). Bron, Rose, Noah, Deng and Hinrich is not a championship team. Where does the "multiple championships" assumption come from? That's no less foolish than saying he'll win multiple championships in NY because he'll get Bosh with him this summer and then another stud FA next summer with the cap space the Knicks will have from Curry's giant expiring contract (or can trade it for a good player mid 2010-11).

The NBA is so unpredictable, who knows where those two teams will sit 2-3 years from now. The Knicks have more cap space next summer while the Bulls are still tied up with Deng and Hinrich's contracts and will have to resign Noah. Again, without Bosh, I just don't see how the Bulls will be championship contenders.

[USF11]

Re: The Official "Where is LeBron going?" Thread

Again, I just don't see how this is true at all given the current supporting casts. Neither NYC or Chicago has the pieces in place to win a title with Bron (unless Chi can somehow get Bosh which I maintain has about .0000001% chance of happening). Bron, Rose, Noah, Deng and Hinrich is not a championship team. Where does the "multiple championships" assumption come from? That's no less foolish than saying he'll win multiple championships in NY because he'll get Bosh with him this summer and then another stud FA next summer with the cap space the Knicks will have from Curry's giant expiring contract (or can trade it for a good player mid 2010-11).

The NBA is so unpredictable, who knows where those two teams will sit 2-3 years from now. The Knicks have more cap space next summer while the Bulls are still tied up with Deng and Hinrich's contracts and will have to resign Noah. Again, without Bosh, I just don't see how the Bulls will be championship contenders.

The Bulls are going to add 1 max and 1 3/4 Max. And can still keep everyone. Add Lebron and a SG and they are set.

Deng and Hinrich coming off the bench makes alot more sense. Both are role players.