The War of 2010: Battle of LeBron James

 There are countless sports analysts and fans who speculate on how LeBron

James will be heading to a larger market like New York to make more money off his endorsements, to gain more exposure, and apparently to move away from his friends here to be closer to 1.47% Nets owner Jay Z. (Apparently the economics of flying to hang out with each other has gotten much too expensive for both, due to rising gas prices)

 We all know one of his goals is to be the first billionaire athlete, and with his Nike escalators, these arguments do make sense. However, I have never read any articles that actually tried to break the situation down. Nobody has tried to use any real logic. Unfortunately, the only articles I find repeat exactly what ESPN reported after he signed his three year deal. That trickled down to the sports columnists, who in turn put their own little spin on it, but all wanting James in a new market.

Reportedly, the stipulation is always his decision will be made on whether or not Cleveland wins a championship by 2010. To do so Danny Ferry needs to sign a “Scottie Pippen”, if you will, for scoring help. Apparently, other than James, the Cavaliers are full of scrubs. Never mind these same scrubs carried him through seven games in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals against the Celtics this year, but that’s an argument I won’t get into. All teams are always looking to improve.

 Is LeBron better off in a larger market?  

 In my opinion, the answer is no. If he wants to go, he’s going to go. But unless the franchises clearing room for him have not put together at least a .500 team by then, he’ll be in the same if not worse situation he’s in now. I’m sure Nike would prefer that their investment play in a city like New York or L.A. (again the escalators), but 2010 holds the same anxiety for Nike as it does Cavaliers fans. His Nike contract is also up in 2010.    

 Some say the 2008 Olympics in Beijing will have a dramatic effect on the outcome of the situation. With the exposure associated with the Olympics, a great performance by James, and a Gold Medal, Nike will be forced to give him a more lucrative contract. In reality, Nike is going to have to give him larger contract regardless of what happens. They do not want to let their investment sign with another shoe company. Whatever amount of money LeBron wants from Nike, he will get. Regardless of what market he plays in.

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