Everyday I hear rumors about LeBron James playing for the New York Knicks in 2010, and frankly I am sick of hearing about something that may or may not happen two years from now.
James isn't helping this news story go away by not completely refuting it and in a way embracing it.
I am a big LeBron James fan, but he isn't behaving like a team leader and the face of his franchise.
Although James said in a pregame news conference on Tuesday, "I just want to continue to just to focus on what I have at task now, being with the Cavs and us getting better every day to compete for an NBA championship," he isn't completely shying away from talking about his future.
James said "I am flattered (by) the rumors going around that they would love me to be part of their team (The Knicks). I can't sit up here and say I'm not flattered by that or like the fact that it's happening."
Then after the Cavaliers beat the Knicks 119-101 on Tuesday, James once again fueled the rumors:
"I don't know if it's going to happen," said James. "I'm so focused on this season and what we have at task with the Cavs that it's hard for me to even think about that date. But at the same time, you have to stay open-minded if you're a Knicks fan."
Instead of talking about his future and hinting his departure, he needs to tell reporters that he would rather not address his future right now.
I'm not sure if James is being a distraction to his team or not but he isn't acting like a team leader.
I can't Imagine Michael Jordan not only allowing a distraction like this to continue, but fueling it as well. The Cavaliers are much improved and are currently second in the east with a 11-3 record.
James needs to stop worrying about what he is going to do in the future and worry about contending for an NBA championship this year.
I still haven't quite figured out King James yet. Earlier this year he said he wouldn't rule out playing in Europe in 2010 for $50 million a year.
Now he's saying there’s a chance he could go to New York’s sinking franchise in 2010. From eveything I've heard from James, I can't tell if he cares more about winning, money, or fame.
Even though Jordan made a lot of money in his career and received worldwide fame, it was clear to me that Jordan's legacy was the most important thing to him.
Why would James want to go to a team who most likely in two years will still be losing if he cares about winning titles and cementing his legacy?
Obviously he wants the fame associated with playing in New York City. However, James needs to realize that the more championships a player gets, the more money and fame go along with that as well.
The right thing for James to do in 2010 will be to continue playing for his hometown team in Cleveland that have essentially put their franchise on his back and try to cement his legacy there.
Imagine the state of the Cavaliers franchise if James does decide to leave. It will be reminiscent of what happened to the Orlando Magic when Shaq left early in his career.
The Magic are just starting to recover 11 years after Shaq’s departure and who knows how long it will take for the Cavaliers to do so if James leaves.
Although I hope James doesn’t abandon his city, he should weigh his other options in 2010 to see what other opportunities could help him win a championship.
However, if King James decides to go to New York City, he’ll not only be abandoning his hometown city, he'll be abandoning his throne.
You can’t be king, if you never get a ring.
33 comments Last one added 7 months ago — Leave a Comment
Jeff Smirnoff 7 months ago
No matter what he says there is going to be speculation. The NBA changes so rapidly over 2 years there really is nothing for him to say because it could be irrelevant by 2010. I don't blame him for being non-committal at all.
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Ari Horing 7 months ago
Ya but he is definitely fueling the speculation. If I lived in Cleveland, I wouldn't be too happy with what James has been saying.
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Jeff Smirnoff 7 months ago
I do and I have no problem with it. The man plays 100% each night. I disagree that he is fueling the speculation, the media is. It's two years away. If he's doing nothing to dispell rumors about something that is two years away I don;t see anything wrong with it. It's two years away. Long time. I'd kep my options open, too.
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billy caudill 7 months ago
I really believe that Lebron is gonna stay a Cavalier. The reason he might be doing this is to get Dan Gilbert to get another superstar like Bosh, Stoudemire, etc. Before the Cavs game last week against the Knicks, he said that these big market teams need to watch out for their players in 2010 because the Cavs are going to be coming after their players after resiging Lebron. I don't know if you seen the list of free agents in 2010, but it is filled with alot of big time names and i wouldn't be suprised if we get one or more of them.
New York needs to chill out with their hopes of getting the King. We will have 133 million dollars freed up compared to their 100 million. so who has the better chance of getting him and another superstar? You tell me because I think that the Cavaliers are gonna be scarey good in the next few years.
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james pettigrew 7 months ago
The media is the source of all this James to New York hoopla. You cant fault him for saying he will consider his options when his contract is over. He has stated he wants to win a championship with his current team, he has carried his team this far and without him they would be worst than the New York Knicks, whats wrong with competeing in a city with a larger fan base for more money? I have missed the memo where it sates you must play for your home team. His home team wasnt the one putting in all the hours of practice, nor were they tere putting food on his table as a child, therefore i believe a person should play wherever they feel.
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Waleed Ershad 7 months ago
Good point Ari. LeBron shouldn't be talking about this stuff if he wants to win in Cleveland.
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Andrew Ungvari 7 months ago
Is it better for LeBron to say that he isn't going anywhere and then leave? I think he's handling things perfectly. The more non-committed he sounds the more Danny Ferry realizes that the only thing that will keep LeBron from leaving is if Ferry surrounds him with a team capable of winning a championship.
New Jersey went through it with Jason Kidd, Sacramento went through it with Chris Webber and the Lakers went through it with Kobe. In all three cases, the player re-signed.
The more I think about it the more I think LeBron might decide to sign a three-year extension with Cleveland and give them more time to put a contender in place. Don't forget that he's only 23. At 25 or 28 he's still going to get a max deal for max years.
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Samuel Bell Jr 7 months ago
I co-sign with Andrew. I knew somebody would have the guts to write the whole "LeBron isn't saying enough about 2010 so he isn't being a leader may bail on Cleveland" nonsense, not true at all. The man is just trying to be honest when saying he doesn't know what's going to happen...he doesn't want to proclaim things he doesn't know, then if he leaves you guys will crucify him like ya did Nick Saban...Bron's doing right in his responses and he can't please everyone.
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Ari Horing 7 months ago
Danny Ferry doesn't need LeBron talking about leaving Cleveland in order to know that surrounding James with talent is important. In fact Ferry has trying to do just that. That's why they signed some big free agents during his first year as G.M. (Even though, those were mainly bad signings).
He then made that blockbuster trade with the Bulls last year to try and fix his bad signings. He then acquired a great PG in Mo Williams this year which has been his best move so far. Ferry's not done yet, and will try to get James his own version of Pippen before 2010.
But even Kobe, Kidd, and Webber never talked about leaving two years before they were free agents.
LeBron will be the most treasured free agent possibly ever, but there is no reason for him to be addressing it at all right now.
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Andrew Ungvari 7 months ago
I didn't say that Danny Ferry needs to surround LeBron with talent. I said Danny Ferry needs to supply LeBron with a team capable of winning a championship. Who cares what Ferry is trying to do? It's what he actually does that counts and what he hasn't done is provide LeBron with a team that looks like it could beat the Celtics, regardless of taking them to a Game 7 last season.
You said it yourself. His first big chance he had and he signed Donyell Marshall, Larry Hughes and Damon Jones. Time to size up your rings, boys! They worked out so well that all three are gone.
Then he trades two of them for an overpaid, past his prime center, a three-point shooter who has been voted the league's worst defensive player by the entire NBA and a nice role player in Delonte West. Then he flips Joe Smith into a shoot-first point guard who hasn't won anywhere else he's been and has only played in five playoff games in five seasons.
This team is where it's at because of LeBron. Imagine how good they would be if they actually had talent. The problem is that Marshall, Hughes and Damon Jones are the biggest name free agents in Cavs history. Who else is on the list? Lee Nailon, Robert Traylor, Scott Williams, Lucious Harris, Alan Henderson, Scot Pollard, David Wesley, Devin Brown, Tarence Kinsey. Did I leave anyone off?
So the onus is on Ferry to either a) figure out a way to lure top free agents to Cleveland over every other team with cap space in 2010, including Miami and New York. Or b) make a trade for someone that can actually put this team over the top. Who is this year's Pau Gasol? Who is the great player on a bad team looking to rebuild?
The problem is that Grizzlies GM, Chris Wallace, took so much flak for the trade he made that no GM will ever make a trade without at least getting back a young stud, something the Cavs just don't have. There's no Al Jefferson or Devin Harris on the Cavs.
Whose out there to be had with Wally's expiring deal? Brad Miller, Chris Wilcox, Chris Kaman, Nazr Mohammed, Udonis Haslem, Darko Milicic, Kenyon Martin and possibly Andrei Kirilenko.
LeBron is relinquishing any blame by letting it be known that title contention is his number one priority. I love it and I'm not even a Cavs fan. If he leaves, he's saying, it will only be for a better chance to win a ring somewhere else.
Kobe, Kidd and Webber never talked about leaving but they never slammed the door on exploring their options or committed to their teams either. LeBron never said anything about leaving. He says he'll address it at the time but he wasn't going to commit to staying. That's just good business.
I've got a Verizon phone with a two years left on my contract. Should I vow to re-up with Verizon right now or should I wait until 2010 and see what AT&T and T-Mobile will do for me? Maybe there's a free car charger or bluetooth headset for me if I'm willing to make the switch.
Decisions, decisions. It's tough being wanted by everybody. Sprint puts something in my mailbox every day.
I feel you, LeBron.
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Steven Resnick 7 months ago
Lebron James plays in a different NBA now. Superstar contracts have ballooned over the years and even one year wonders get to be rewarded by their play in free agency. For example Erick Dampier he never did that much in Golden State until it was time to get his money and then he went out and averaged a double double. Was given a huge contract by the Dallas Mavericks and has never played with any passion or any justification why the Mavs should have spent that much money on him.
It wouldn't matter if James kept on telling the media he doesn't want to talk about his future. They still would be doing the same thing. Why shouldn't Jame feel flattered that the Knicks really want him it's not a stab at James it's just a fact any team in the NBA would want James. There's a huge different in what James says to the media and what he tells his teammates.
James has said he wants to be on a team that's going to contend for the championship. The Knicks are not the franchise that's even close to a championship. Even if the Knicks do sign James and then sign another big name free agent in 2010 such as Chris Bosh. Guess what? They have to get use to each other as well as chemistry.
If Michael Jordan was playing in the NBA now you'd be hearing the same thing. Where is Jordan going to go? You would see Nike throw tons of money at him, but just look at Jordan. Jordan's first contract with Nike was 5 years and 2.5 million dollar contract plus royalties. Jordan's rookie season he made $550,000 but before Jordan retired the first time his average salary with the Bulls was around 3.2 million dollars.
Look at Lebron James immediately after high school he signed a 7 year contract for 90 million dollars before even stepping foot in the NBA. James was set for life rigth there. James first 6 years in the league he's averaged 5.305 million dollars per year. So James almost has doubled Jordan's salary during his dominant plus 12.86 million from Nike each year.
If James just plays his game and the Cavs show that they have additional scorers who can take over while James is out and they do well in the next two season whether it's get to the finals, win a championship which would be the ideal situation for the Cavs, or at least make it to the conference finals, I think James would have a hard time leaving.
Considering the fact that the Knicks have just sacrificed this season but next year as well. Is James acting like a team leader well he hasn't let the media or the rumors effect his game. So, I'm going to say as long as he's competing every night and giving the Cavs wins he's being a leader.
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Grant Hanrahan 7 months ago
LeBron James cares about fame. That's it. He fueled the fires of playing overseas earlier this year and now he is fueling these fires. In an interview with Steven A. Smith on ESPN yesterday, James said "we have to remember this is a business." While he is correct, worrying about something 2 years away is selfish. All he has to do is tell reporters a few times he doesn't want to discuss it and they will back off. But no, instead he wears the Nike Big Apple Zoom last night in MSG, sparking more talk and debate. Anything LeBron can do to keep himself in the news and keep teams clearing cap space 2 years in advance is fine by him, even if it comes at the cost of his current team.
As for him leaving the Cavs, I will find it funny. The Cavs tanked their season to get him (which no one seems to have a problem with). Also, all of my friends who are sports fans didn't give two shits about the Cavs until Lebron and after he joined them, they were all suddenly the biggest, die-hard, life-long fans of the suffering Cavs. It's really pathetic. I want to see them stay loyal after LeBron bolts for the Big Apple.
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Steven Resnick 7 months ago
Grant you're being naieve Lebron James sat down and talked about it in an interview about how he would consider a contract from a European team when he becomes a free agent because it's just a possibiliy. He never said he would sign over there that he would just consider it because it is a business.
You have got to be kidding me all he has to say to the media is to backoff I don't want to dicuss this. What planet are you living on? The sports media would be asking him every single day for the next 2 plus years until he signs the contract with whatever team he signs with.
What did Lebron James say about the team he would like to sign with? He clearly stated he wants to be on a team that will give him the best chance of winning a championship. So how can you really believe that Lebron is fine with what the Knicks did to clear out cap space? The answer he is not signing with the Knicks.
The Knicks have just sacrificed their next two seasons. Does that say we're winning a championship? Nope. Does it show Lebron that they want to be winnners? Nope. It just shows that they have the money to offer a contract to Lebron, but they just shot themselves in the foot.
Wow! Talk about your last statement being a over generalization. The Cavs may have tanked their season last year with the trade they pulled off, but this year they have been playing great. The Cavs are a extremely deep team now they have the pieces to make a nice run into the playoffs and could possibly win the championship this year.
The Knicks nowhere near that. They'll be lucky to make the playoffs. If D'Antoni is the coach still James is in trouble because unlike the Cavs where defense is preached, the Knicks will not be playing a lick of defense. It means no championship chance in New York.
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Grant Hanrahan 7 months ago
Steven -
I have seen plenty of people say (maybe numerous times) that they will not discuss a topic and the media eventually gives it up. Completely, no...but they will back off if he keeps saying he will not discuss it now and he wants to focus this team, this year. He is fueling the fire by even discussing it TWO YEARS IN ADVANCE!
Also, I said they tanked their season to get LeBron in the draft. I didn't say anything about last year. The running joke the year he was drafted was how the Cavs were dropping games they should win and not even being competitive. It wasn't an overgeneralization when I talk about the people I know who are Cavs fan, which is quite few. Trust me, they didn't care until he arrived, then they were the biggest, life-long fan ever.
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John Lorge 7 months ago
I think LeBron is being a man for acknowledging the facts. He could be cliche and say "I dont really think abotu it" or "I dont pay attention to the rumors" but then he would be lying. I don't think Bron is letting his teammates down, if you watch how he plays, he plays to win, he gets his teammates involved and he has great interactions with them.
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Shane H. 7 months ago
what is wrong with someone speaking the truth? I am happy he is honest enough to say he is flattered. Any normal person would be.
I always hate how superstars say what they are supposed to say and not what they want to say. Tell me you signed for the money, tell me that you are pissed that you weren't featured more, tell me the truth. You are human, you are entitled.
LeBron is still focused on winning, don't be fooled. He wants to win in Cleveland because he is competitive and wants to win wherever he is.
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tony starks 7 months ago
Let me make sure I have your order straight: That's one Lebron Beef, fries EXTRA salty, and a big cup of haterade right? Coming right up!
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joe namath 7 months ago
Basically, it's about the ring(s)...nothing personal to Cleveland, but if Ferry doesn't bring some real talent in...he's gone. Reality is what it is, why hate the guy for nicely saying "I want to win it all."
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O'Dell Isaac II 7 months ago
If I were a Cleveland fan, this situation would tick me off a little. But it's not LeBron's fault. He's ultimately going to be judged for how many rings he wins, and he knows that. If Cleveland wants him to stay, they have to provide him with a little more ammo.
The problem for Danny Ferry is that the 2009 free agent crop is going to be weak. Kobe Bryant is going to stay in L.A., and even if he were considering leaving, it wouldn't be for Cleveland. Ferry doesn't have an ex-teammate in a position to engineer a mega-deal in his favor (a la Danny Ainge and Kevin McHale), so where is he going to get the complementary players LeBron needs?
Meanwhile the Knicks are making moves to open up a load of salary-cap money. They're not saying the dough is for LeBron, but they don't have to say it; everyone already knows it.
You're right, LeBron's not helping the situation, nor is he making any effort to defuse it. But he didn't create it.
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Amanda Robertson 7 months ago
trust me, Im sick of all this BS too.
It's not 2010 LeBron, focus on your cavs. You are a Cavalier, not a Knick.
He's rather leaving open doors and throwing it up in the air.
Its almost like he wants us to talk about him. Oops, thats exactly what he wants.
Claim your crown in Cleveland, James.
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Robert Henry 7 months ago
The blame should be put on the media. If somebody asks him a question should he not give a true answer. People kill me on one hand they want players to be honest and then when they are the same people knock them and say they are selfish when they say what they think. Last time i looked LeBron James is not a writer, he is a Basketball player. He cant help what the reporters think is a good question to ask him. Now that being said if i was a cleveland fan i would be jumping on the front office to get him some real help. Not some role players but some real help. He has not had a team mate that he could count on the whole time he has been on the team. The Cavs should stop crying make some cap space and make a run at the other big names that are coming up in 2010.
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sean pillowersa 7 months ago
`The guy only cares about money. He could careless about winning. I really doubt he ever leads a team to a ring. He just doesn't have the drive. Cav's fans should be happy to get rid of the cancer who shoots his team out of series. I am so glad we don't have to worry about this in miami. our guy wants to stay,and oh did I mention he already has a ring?
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mark atkinson 7 months ago
How about everyone enjoy now and watch how good this team is looking now! You can all speculate on what might happen in the future all you want, but you are just wasting your breath and our time. Who cares about 2010? This team for 2008-2009 is really fun to watch, so go enjoy it. How long has it been since a Cleveland team really looked this good? We don't control the future or other people so stop worrying about it so much.
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Trevor Newsome 7 months ago
Well written but it might as well have been playjurised.
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Ari Horing 7 months ago
are u kidding me?
I wrote this before anyone.
I wrote this on tuesday.
Charles Barkley said this after me.
you have no idea what your talking about.
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Jonny Solovy 7 months ago
The reason that sets Lebron apart from Kobe, Jordan, Magic etc. is his lack of WANT to win. You hardly see him excited about a team win etc. I almost feel like he is just going through the motions sometimes... and this is why at the end of games he is not clutch, can;t make free throws, can't make big shots... he doesn't have that special characteristic that makes him a leader and a winner. He is a phenomonal talent but until he acts like a leader, he won't play like one either.
If this was kobe, people would be all over him harassing him and making it a huge deal...
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Michael Hurley 7 months ago
I loved that Barkley spoke out against Lebron. Last night Lebron responded with "He's stupid. That's all I have to say about that." I totally agree with Sir Charles though. Lebron is fueling this speculation, he needs to focus on this year. Not that he isn't, he is playing out of his mind and the Cavs are in my mind one of only seven teams with a legit shot at the Championship. It's just I agree that it is disrespectful to speculate on your future while still playing for the Cavs. To say the Knicks fans need to stay open-minded is awful.
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dom latella 7 months ago
1st I agree-----shutup and wait till that year to talk squash it-2nd, what people forget is lebron and wade are best friends. 3rd, Mia also has a ton of space in 2010,. 4th, in july, at zo's summer groove, they both stated thed love to play together and win rings 5th, if you were lebron, going to NY in 10 is like being in CLE again when he was drafted, no one else their and takes years to build. IF, he goes to Miami, with wade, a 3rd yr Mike Beasley, and a much deeper roster, especially if marion signs for less, AND HE LOVES MIAMI and its a big city/market, where would you go?
Wade and a talented roster?
Stripped down ny or nj teams?
Stay in cle.
If he wants multiple championships, dwayne and him would be unstoppable, especially with a deep roster and future 3rd superstar in beasley. I am calling it here. they want 7 rings, then he will go to miami
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Lou Albrigo 7 months ago
Miami is a big city/market? ROFLMAO Ok is that why your baseball team always gets rid of salary? because it's a big city. LOL Hey if you don't know Cleve. will have cap space also in 2010 to sign a top FA too. (Not a mid level). Let's see, Nike has gave LeBron 92 million as a 17 year old kid. What would LeBron command now, PLUS no other team in the NBA can offer more money to LeBron than the Cavs. He though I know you believe in Santa Claus and I hear Santa will be going to Miami in 2010 too!!!! LOL
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Ryan Callahan 7 months ago
The Knicks have cleared so much cap space that they could possibly land LeBron James AND Chris Bosh AND Dwayne Wade. Either one of those guys alone along with LeBron is immediately a contender and will be better than the Cavs, but you could you even imagine all three of them on the same team? It will be like the Celtics Big 3 except 3 times better.
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John Twigg 7 months ago
Shut-up about 2010, the cavs are having a great start to 2008. And they do have some young talent coming off the bench , so think about this year you dumb####! I,m a true Bulls fan, lived in Chicago could'nt even win 13 games, it takes time and there will be ups and downs. Just shut up and enjoy, stop being ass holes!
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John Twigg 7 months ago
Where you at idiots?????
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John Twigg 7 months ago
Where you at idiots?????
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