The LeBron James Thread

[Darkeus]

Re: LeBron James Signs With Miami Heat

I don't think there's any other way you can slice it. LeBron leaving Cleveland is just a bad sports story.

Think of Michael Jordan being from Chicago and leaving the Bulls in 91 or so. I think it's kind of like that. You have this city that's been the brunt of jokes, heartbreak, etc. It had arguably the No. 1 player in the sport, and not just that but the player was a hometown talent.

Then he leaves.

I don't think any other story of an athlete leaving a franchise is worse than this one.

Yes, I'm a Cleveland fan, but it gives me some perspective. I'm not really mad at LeBron. I'm mad at his decision, but I'll keep his jersey that I bought in 2005. I'll keep it because I'll cherish the seven years I got to watch him -- years I said having LeBron James in Cleveland makes all the past Cleveland sports heartbreaks worthwhile.

It felt like karma to finally have a sports savior like LeBron James in town. Now it feels like "wow, there's no hope. If even the hometown guy isn't staying where's the hope?"

That is why you burn the jersey. Trust me, it will make you feel better.

[roadman]

Re: LeBron James Signs With Miami Heat

I just lost respect for Cleveland fans tonight...It's really too bad everyone in that town is going nuts (to be expected)

I don't see it that way. You have to let some fans vent in their own way.

LBJ did his way, why can't the fans do it their way?

Just lost their native son and arguably one of the best players in the league and everyone expects Cavs fan to shut up and do nothing?

[NC State-31 UNC-27]

Re: LeBron James Signs With Miami Heat

I think Cleveland fans are kind of milking this with the whole burning of the jersey and what not.

[ProjectRipCity]

Re: LeBron James Signs With Miami Heat

That is why you burn the jersey. Trust me, it will make you feel better.

Lebron James is the best player to wear a Cav's jersey...Instead of burning it...They should retire it.

[roadman]

Re: LeBron James Signs With Miami Heat

Lebron James is the best player to wear a Cav's jersey...Instead of burning it...They should retire it.

Not now, let time heal, man.

[phenom1990]

Re: LeBron James Signs With Miami Heat

I am just curious because I refuse to turn on ESPN for the next couple days outside of 1st and 10, what have they said on Lebron?

[Gotmadskillzson]

Re: LeBron James Signs With Miami Heat

Retire it ????? I don't think so.

[OSUFan_88]

Re: LeBron James Signs With Miami Heat

Cavs owner says LeBron James quit in playoffs


CLEVELAND — Angered and betrayed by LeBron James’ decision to leave for Miami, Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert accused the NBA’s MVP of quitting during the playoffs.

Gilbert, who posted a letter to Cavs fans on the team’s website shortly after James announced his plans to sign with the Heat, told The Associated Press late Thursday night that it’s “accountability time” for James.

“He has gotten a free pass,” Gilbert said in a phone interview with The AP. “People have covered up for (James) for way too long. Tonight we saw who he really is.”

Gilbert feels James quit on the Cavs during their second-round series against the Boston Celtics, who rallied from a 2-1 deficit to eliminate Cleveland.

“He quit,” Gilbert said. “Not just in Game 5, but in Games 2, 4 and 6. Watch the tape. The Boston series was unlike anything in the history of sports for a superstar.”

The Cavaliers were beaten by 32 points in Game 5. During the game, James appeared distracted and uninterested, often glaring at Cleveland’s coaches as the Cavs tried to foul to get back into the game in the second half. James also made some puzzling postgame comments, saying he had “spoiled” people with his play over seven seasons.

Gilbert also said he believes James quit on the Cavs in Game 6 of their series in 2009 against Orlando.

“Go back and look at the tape,” he said. “How many shots did he take?”

Gilbert, who has owned the Cavs for five years, said he was most disappointed by James’ behavior in the months leading up to the superstar’s announcement that he is going to Miami to play with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. Gilbert said James never returned a single phone message or text since the end of the season and that the Cavs were not informed of James’ decision until he went on the air.

Gilbert said Rich Paul, one of James’ business partners, called the Cavs moments before the announcement.

“LeBron James needs to go to another team with two superstars already so he can win a championship,” Gilbert said. “We will win a championship before (the Heat) do.”

Gilbert said he now wishes he had done some things differently with James, who spent seven seasons with the Cavs.

“It’s not about him leaving,” Gilbert said. “It’s the disrespect. It’s time for people to hold these athletes accountable for their actions. Is this the way you raise your children? I’ve been holding this all in for a long time.”

This is from the AP

http://blog.taragana.com/business/20...layoffs-77317/

[ehh]

Re: LeBron James Signs With Miami Heat

Great article.

Props also to calling out ESPN and Jim Gray.

Great article, I agree....

But James does not have the heart of a champion. He does not have the competitive fire of Jordan, the bull-headed determination of Kobe Bryant, the quiet self-confidence of Tim Duncan, the willful defiance of Isiah or the winning-is-everything hunger of Magic Johnson.

He is an extremely gifted player who wants the easy way out.

Hit the nail on the head.

[OSUFan_88]

Re: LeBron James Signs With Miami Heat

Lebron James is the best player to wear a Cav's jersey...Instead of burning it...They should retire it.

You have gotta be insane. We should RETIRE his jersey? Really?

[ProjectRipCity]

Re: LeBron James Signs With Miami Heat

Retire it ????? I don't think so.

He spent 7 years with the Cav's that is almost a decade...It does not seem like a lot because he is still young. Nobody that wears #23 for the Cavs will ever be as good as the King.

[Leon Sandcastle]

Re: LeBron James Signs With Miami Heat

I am going to Ebay and buying his Jersey! They are selling for mad cheap! Woot Woot

[Scoop 24]

Re: LeBron James Signs With Miami Heat

Lebron James is the best player to wear a Cav's jersey...Instead of burning it...They should retire it.

Are you serious right now??? Retire his Jersey for what ?

[DW3]

Re: LeBron James Signs With Miami Heat

SMH at the ungrateful Cavs fans. His seven years obviously were not good enough for them

[Altimus]

Re: LeBron James Signs With Miami Heat

Miller joining Los Angeles would be just as ridiculous as Miller joining Miami.

____ joining Los Angeles would be just as ridiculous as ____ joining Miami.

Your hate for LA is strong so I can't argue that.