The Top Five Reasons Why Lebron James Will Stay in Cleveland

MVP or not, LeBron James is arguably the most coveted player in the NBA right now.

If you asked owners and general managers which current player they would most want as the cornerstone of their team, James would probably be the one most frequently named.

For schmucks who are lucky enough to nab the first overall pick in a fantasy draft, he's the guy they're most likely to choose.

Therefore it's no wonder that so many people like to suggest that LeBron James would choose to snub Cleveland in order for the chance to play for whoever their favorite team happens to be.

Such arguments are usually centered around the premise that James will eventually become so frustrated with the apparent lack of talent surrounding him that he'll feel the need to go elsewhere to pursue his goal of an NBA championship.

Fans of other teams will point to his associations with certain celebrities or hip-hop moguls as a rationale for LeBron's supposed desire to play elsewhere. They may also suggest that LeBron could supplement his endorsement income by playing in a city with a larger market.

Though fans can dream of LeBron James signing with their team when he reaches unrestricted free agency in 2010, it's still only that; a dream. The reality is that there is no good reason to believe that LeBron would not re-sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Here's why:

5. LeBron is not that frustrated. Contrary to popular belief, LeBron is not upset with how things are going in Cleveland; not enough to want to leave, at least.

After all, the Cavaliers have had four straight winning seasons and just made the playoffs for the third year in a row. Though LeBron's supporting cast may be plagued by inconsistency, the Cavs have been doing quite well compared to other "one-man" teams such as the Raptors during the Vince Carter era or the post-Shaq Lakers.

If LeBron is frustrated, he hasn't really expressed it. He's been asked many times about rumored trades and signings and, generally, he always responds with the same basic statement.

"I think it'd be great to have (player) on my team. They could really contribute, so I think we should consider them. Still, even if we didn't, I'm confident that we would still be successful with the current roster."

Notice the key word; "consider." Many so-called journalists will take the liberty to  interpret such statements by James to suggest that he is pressuring Cleveland's front office to get a deal done. This simply isn't the case.

Never has LeBron James openly criticized GM Danny Ferry for making (or failing to make) a roster change, nor has he openly challenged Ferry to make a certain deal. LeBron understands the way trades work and how the Cavaliers are in no position to make a blockbuster trade.

This team, as ugly as it may look sometimes, has been relatively successful. Though LeBron doesn't have his Championship yet, he knows that it's not realistic to expect it right away. Even Michael Jordan had to wait until his 7th season to get his first ring.

4. LeBron knows that the Cavaliers are committed to winning.

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