Many national media honks seem fairly convinced that LeBron James will be departing from the Cleveland Cavaliers when his contract expires three years from now.
Hometown honks in Cleveland, on the other hand, seem to be putting their faith in LeBron staying. After all, he is semi-hometown boy—James grew up in Akron roughly 45 minutes south of Cleveland.
James made a statement after the draft that made some nervous. When he was asked how it felt to be playing in his hometown, he responded, "It’s not my hometown. I'm from Akron."
Well, like most Akron natives, he's at least grown up a Cavs fan, right?
Wrong.
LBJ grew up rooting for the Chicago Bulls and his hero Michael Jordan—the Cavaliers’ nemesis who, in all probability, cost a few great Cavs’ teams shots at titles.
For that matter, LBJ was not a fan of any Cleveland teams. His football team was Dallas.
Many will also remember the spectacle when, during the playoffs, LBJ showed up at an Indians’ game against the Yankees, sporting one of the evil empire's lids. That’s right, he is also a Yankees fan.
Okay, so this hometown theory is complete garbage and is simply wishful thinking, right?
Not completely.
He just had a custom built home constructed in Bath, Ohio, equipped with bowling alleys and studios. He has a couple of children now, and he may not be interested in shipping them off to a new city.
His family and friends can attend virtually every game. Plus, James has made it no secret that he wants to become a billionaire one day, and Cleveland can pay him more money than any other team.
I’m also not so sure that LBJ is going to be quick to become the most hated man in the state of Ohio, in which he was born and raised. Make no mistake about it, if he were to leave he would become the most hated athlete in Cleveland history, regardless of what he accomplishes while there.
That is not a possibility. It's a fact.
Now, all that being said, it's also no secret that LeBron James and rapper Jay-Z are extremely tight. Jay-Z is a partial owner of the Nets.
The Nets will be in Brooklyn when James becomes a free agent, and there will be some serious buzz supporting the big New York market behind the team.
Another one of James’ good friends, Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade, will be a free agent as well that year.
Just imagine what kind of team Brooklyn could have immediately. With those two acquisitions, any team in the NBA would become a instant contender.
It seems to be a perfect storm. Brooklyn Nets jerseys would instantly become number one selling items.
Being a Cleveland native myself, I would never think of sporting an LBJ jersey if my city’s name did not appear across the front. A Wade jersey, though, might sneak its way into my closet.
In theory, those two playing together for the Brooklyn Nets could become the greatest tandem ever.
Yes, ever.
I see the blogs beneath this soon-to-be-completed article reminding me of the famous Jordan-Pippen duo. But I unfortunately feel these two together could spell longtime doom for the NBA's other participating teams.
LBJ and Wade originally agreed to only sign three year contracts with their teams because the new bargaining agreement would be agreed upon that season, causing the two to reap the benefits of free agency with a brand new max cap.
It was said to be a great business move on their parts, but was there more to the decision than appeared on the surface?
Are Jay-Z, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade planning to build a franchise in Brooklyn and an instant empire?
The record-breaking revenue, records, and worldwide recognition would truly be one heck of a way for a franchise to begin.
I suppose there is no way to know for certain if this is simply a cool new rumor or the future of the NBA.
But I do know this: I personally will be paying pretty close attention to the Nets’ cap in the next few years to see if they will be making room for two max contracts in the year 2011.
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7 months ago
Another stupid article by a loser.
7 months ago
I've been saying for a while now that Lebron is probably going to go to the Nets. I don't know about Wade though. I'd pass on Wade right now until he gets his body healthy...that's if he does.
7 months ago
I thought LBJ was going to make out with JayZ at the Knicks game. They were talking the whole game.
7 months ago
I totally disagree with you. LBJ will be a legend, and he really understands that all the basketball legends all stayed on one team when they got the "shiny" stuff. He knows that pretty well, plus the more he's dominating this team, the more he will grow as a legend. And just because LBJ talks a lot during games to Jay-Z doesn't mean that he's gonna move to Brooklyn, not enough evidence at ALL!
from 4 months ago
You really don't disagree with me at all. If I had to bet my life on it, I'd say he stays as well. Never in this article did I say the evidence meant he was leaving. I simply put the facts out their, and made arguments for why he both may stay, and could leave.
7 months ago
Jay Z owns less than 5% of the Nets. Stop talking like it's his team!
7 months ago
Lebron is an overrated ballhog, stat whore who pads his numbers by holding on to the ball for 90% of the time. He's all brute and muscle without the beautiful skills of basketball. I wouldn't be surprised if he's on Steroids. He is not the best basketball player, he is the best powerhouse player...huge difference.
He needs to involve his teammates more, and get his FG attempts to 5 less per game, at least. His assists are a natural result of holding the ball the entire time, and gets them by default. It's not a system offense. It's a run through LBJ ball-hog system. it's boring. And his defense is all passing lane gambles, and weakside blocks. His man to man defense is less than average STILL, and his lateral movement is worse now than his first season.
LBJ is NOT your MVP, nor the best player.
7 months ago
Do you just cut and paste the same comment to every article about LeBron, you jackass?
7 months ago
Kobe fears LeBron.
LeBron owns Kobe.
Kobe won't surpass MJ but LeBron has now surpassed Kobe.
7 months ago
LeBron fears Kobe.
Kobe owns LeBron.
Lebron won't surpass MJ and LeBron won''t surpass Kobe.
7 months ago
Yankees, Cowboys, and Bulls, eh? And he's from Ohio? LeBron is a bandwagon fan!
3 months ago
Lebron to nets
2 months ago
Man, that would be WAY better then having Pierce, Allen, and Garnett. They'd instantly become a top team in the East.
1 day ago
Wow if lebron and wade both go to da nets, then they will win many championships, but now, its time for t-mac to get his. Rockets!!!
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