Jun
Tom Izzo and Lebron James?
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The most recent development in the Lebron James free agent saga is the chatter about a possible new head coach in Tom Izzo joining the Cavs next season. I had planned on waiting to write about this issue until after July 1 had rolled around but I figure now might be a good time to share my opinion the topic of Lebron and his future in the NBA. You see I have been a Lebron James fan ever since I saw him play in high school against Carmelo Anthony on ESPN when James was a junior and melo a senior, so I have a soft side for the guy but I think he might be a bit of a liar.
You see Lebron has said all along that the decision he makes will be about winning championships in the NBA, but I think we all know that money talks and bullshit walks, right? Come July 1 2010 the Cleveland Cavaliers will be able to offer James a salary in excess of 120 million dollars, whereas the most any other team could offer James is right around the 100 million dollar mark. Now in my opinion theirs nothing more that you can do with 120 million as opposed to 100 million, but then again im not spending or making that kind of money so I can only assume. Would Lebron really be willing to walk away from an extra 30 million? The jury will be out for at least another month or so, but I think not and I will tell you why.
First off we all known that Lebron was born and raised in Ohio and thus his loyalty rests with the folks of that great state. Now unless he is a complete bullshitter he is sticking to his loyalty schpiel and I honestly have no reason not to believe him. Next, you look at whats happening behind the scenes in Cleveland and you really wonder how silent of a partner Lebron really is. I mean usually when the owner comes on camera and says “This player had nothing to do with this coaches firing” it usually filters through the BS meter as “Our star though this guy sucked and now hes gone”. I would find it believe that Mr. Gilbert (Cavs Owner) is doing all this on his own and is not being given any friendly advice by Lebron. In all honesty I do not think Lebron has any true interest in leaving the team, and as long as it is molded around him and what he wants he will justify it in order to keep all of his money.
As for Tom Izzo and his possible transfer to the Cavs I think that would be as much a shame as Pete Carrol going to the Seahawks. Those are two coaches that are, or in Carrols case were staples at their institutions for many years. The prime recruiting tool for young talent, and mentors to young men many of whom are now playing at the next level. I think he should stay put, but then again its hard to snub 30 million over 5 years.
NO matter what we are talking about in sports, whether it be Lebron, the NCAA, Pete Carrol or anyone else in between it all comes down to one thing M-O-N-E-Y.
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Lebron will stay in Cleveland, watching his movie, reading thousands of articles about him he is such a loyal guy and cares more about his city than anything and the desire to bring a championship there. I believe he would take less money to stay there even than going to anywhere else. Cleveland just needs to be smart with their limited cap space and make the right moves. One that is intriguing is a sign and trade with Toronto, Chris Bosh for Antwain Jamison and J.J. Hickson. Salaries match up, Bosh loves Lebron and already stated he is signing anywhere he goes, and thirdly Toronto already knows they lost Bosh so might as well take something in return. Money does talk but for Lebron I think things will be different.
Hope I wrote it right, Cleveland can offer Lebron more money than anyone in the league, and thats why I ultimately think he will stay there.
No your correct Cleveland can offer him the most money, but I don’t think thats what it’s down to. Technically New York can offer him $100 million plus $100+ in stock of the company that owns the Knicks recent reports have shown. If he was all about the money he would bolt away for jersey sales, etc but I feel Lebron is one of the few athlete’s who is a true and honest guy and will stay with his hometown roots.
Eh, In my opinion whoever can offer him the most money is where he will end up. His legacy will never compare with Michael or Kobe if he stays in Ohio, its just a simple fact. NYC however would offer him the long term business opportunities that any athlete would crave. I have not seen those reports so im not entirely sure, and its all speculation at this point anyway. But in the end of the Cavs offer him the most, he will stay, otherwise he should be gone.
If he can get the right combo of players around him I think he can be better than Kobe and we will worry about Jordan later. Kobe was inherited to Shaq in his prime when he first was drafted. If Lebron got that luck he would have had four to five rings. Kobe has now lost two championships of three since being without Shaq and has failed two make the playoffs twice on his own with no other allstars on the team. Lebron on the other hand took his team to the finals on his own with no supporting cast, yes he showed a far superior ability. The problem with dealing with the money is the fact that it doesn’t matter because every team pretty much can only offer the same, watch his movie, documentary, and read his bio and I believe you will change your whole opinion on him going for the money.
No matter what I watch or read, I still believe that in the end it will all be about money.