First off let me start by stating I am from Cleveland, Ohio.
For the last two weeks I have had to listen to tons of my friends talk about LeBron leaving Cleveland.
We all know that is false.
LeBron is the face of the Cavaliers franchise; there is no way the Cavaliers would ever let him go. If you take away James the Cavaliers will fall into a recession like they did in the '90s before they had LeBron.
There are too many reasons LeBron will stay in Cleveland and stay our little bit of hope. He single-handedly saved Cleveland sports from falling off the map.
OK, let me take you through the reasons LeBron will remain in Cleveland for many years to come.
1.) The Image—LeBron is the most well known athlete in Cleveland since Jim Brown. If LeBron is no longer in the champagne and wine fans will leave the seats, and there will be no more "witnesses." He is the face of the franchise and sales will fall; he is a cash cow along with an amazing basketball player.
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2.) Family—Nothing is more important to LeBron then his family. He is not going to transfer his son to one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, especially Brooklyn. Another part is his mother who raised him in Akron and wanted nothing more then for her son to play for Cleveland. I cannot see LeBron leaving his mother behind along with the rest of his family to go play in the murder capital.
3.) Fear—The mass amounts of pressure that would be on him to establish a brand new franchise would be too much to handle. For example, take the Charlotte Bobcats. They have done nothing so far and they even have the expertise of Michael Jordan on their side. There is no way that LeBron would have any kind of career in a Brooklyn uniform.
4.) The money and options—The Cavaliers will offer him the max offer they can which will be more then Arenas. He will get more in guaranteed money along with bonuses. Also, the Cavaliers are not stupid; they know LeBron wants a ring, and to get one he needs counter parts which will help him. The Cavs are good they just lack another star with James to produce a championship.
Don't expect LeBron to go anywhere after 2010. He is a Clevelander and will remain one.
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about 1 month ago
I agree with you that Lebron will stay because of his impact on the franchise and the city itself. Playing in Brooklyn doesnt mean that he lives in Brooklyn. This is New York we're talking about. Manhattan's not far. Also, New york is not Murder capitol. Not by a long shot...Id be willing to bet it's not many places in front of Cleveland which is by no means a safe place. Dc holds that title currently....No career in a Brooklyn uniform? When quickens loans arena sells out and when madison square garden sells out theres a big difference. New York is just different...period. Lebron wants to stay in cleveland, no doubt...if they dont get him sufficient help by 2010 him leaving is certainly not out of the question going into his 8th year as a pro.
about 1 month ago
Sorry, but this sounds like wishful thinking. You're basically arguing that he can't leave Cleveland because it would really suck if he did. First of all, Cleveland can survive without him. The Browns and Indians will see to that. Second, I think the second richest athlete on the planet can make sure his kids stay safe in the "murder capital" that probably has less crime per capita than C-town. Ever been to Brooklyn? It rocks!
Sorry to sound disagreeable, but, hey, I disagree.
about 1 month ago
Lebron is the icon in cleveland and he knows it, he would not be the icon in NY, there are alot of athletes in NY, and come on they are all terrible. NY athletes get paid to much and cheat. LeBron has to high of character to want to be in NY. Plain and simple dont expect LeBron in NY.
about 1 month ago
James, LeBron will be leaving Cleveland. LeBron doesn't only want to win a championship, he wants to have that New York Market surrounding him too. Come on, what kind of market is there in Cleveland?Face the music. New York is way better than Cleveland. Speaking of New York being dangerous is silly because, Cleveland is just as dangerous, if not more. I understand you want LeBron to stay in Cleveland and personally I would want any athlete to finish his or her career with the team that they were drafted by. However, we have to look at the bigger picture here. LeBron and Jay-Z are like brothers and with Jay-Z being one of the Greats in New York, he will lure LeBron to him and become one of those Greats. I'm sorry to say this, but New York is a winner and Cleveland is a loser not only when it comes to sports, but everything else as well.
about 1 month ago
Kalan: JayZ is NOT in James' Fave Five. Trust me, the names that are in there are family and friends from Akron Ohio. Lebron didn't even go to JayZ's wedding, though he had that night off.
As to market: Lebron can live anywhere and have access to the media market. He's done the ESPYs and SNL, all while living in Cleveland. Look at Peyton Manning: endorsements, TV, you name it -- and he lives in Louisiana.
Lebron's decision will come down to one thing: where is he happy playing ball. And that will depend on the team around him. Give the guy some credit.
about 1 month ago
LeBron is not an idiot he knows that fans will neer be as true to him as we have. New York is not ideal for him, he has enough endorsments as it is, they will not go up moving to NY. Cleveland is on to big things, cleveland has finished higher then both NY teams why would he want to go to a broken franchise. The Cavs have been in the playoffs he has been to the finals, they have another shot this coming year. We took the celtics to a game 7.
about 1 month ago
I'm from Cleveland.. & speaking as a native of Cleveland.... LeBron isn't going anywhere, Brooklyn just wants LeBron for money purposes & plus Cavs GM Danny Ferry just signed Daniel "Boobie" Gibson to a 5 year contract & LeBron loves Boobie... Jay-Z needs to find his own star player. LeBron to the Nets?? Nope! LeBron to the Knicks?? HELL NO!!!!! come on, the Knicks & Nets both had losing seasons this past year... Sure... NYC has the most famous arena in the world but who cares!! they're team sucks! & the Nets... i'm not going to get started on them. LeBron wants to be an icon, not a loser... i'm ot saying LeBron will stay with the Cavs all hi career, but LeBron will be with the Cavs MOST of it. LeBron & the Cavs are going to get they're ring... very, very, very soon...... all Danny Ferry needs to do is sign a second All-Star along to play with LeBron.. somebody like..... Dwyane Wade or T-Mac.. "We are not going o get T-mac, but it's the NBA so anything can happen!!!"
LEBRON IS STAYING WITH CLEVELAND, DON'T EXPECT HIM TO GO ANYWHERE FOR QUITE AWHILE!! JAY-Z, FIND YOUR OWN STAR PLAYER!! DON'T STEAL OURS!
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