Official Offseason News and Rumors

[Shanemansj13]

Why?
If James picks Cavs he's not looking for best chance to win next year.

Four years ago he said it was always about best chance to win now.

It seems like ( if he leaves) that is would have become all about trying to win a championship in Cleveland in a lame attempt to change the perception of his legacy.

What he's forgetting, is that if he wins in Cleveland, nobody outside of a Cleveland fans will care, so how does that change his place in history?

People seem to like to look at numbers. Even though that 2-3 Finals record isn't his fault, it appears he's trying to run from it, and try to have people judge him by a different standard.

I'm talking about Melo, best chance to win is the Bulls.

 

[Heatles84]

I have to disagree strongly with the bold. If he wins in Cleveland, it will change his place in history greatly. And you know the media will turn it into a spectacle.

No it wouldn't. So if he wins in Cleveland, I guess we can vault him over MJ, Kobe, Magic, Kareem, etc. If Lebron won a title, whether it be in Miami or Cleveland; it would still only be his 3rd. Rings aren't worth more in some cities than others.

 

[Jakology]

Why?
If all he can do is try to create a recruited, traveling all star team, he should be expected to win....not be elevated to some plateau like he accomplished something out of the ordinary.


As a Heat fan, I really didn't care about his legacy or reasons the the Heat won, it was just fun and entertaining.

People hated him for stacking the deck here, but they're suddenly going to praise him for winning if it's the same type of situation there?

Its not the same situation. Its not like LeBron, Melo, and Bosh are teaming up in Cleveland like LeBron, Wade, and Bosh did in Miami. This is LeBron going back and doing what must be done to maximize his legacy. Yes, this Cleveland team will be much better than what LeBron had in the past, and they will be expected to win, but this isn't even close to teaming up with 2 other HOF caliber players.

 

[Jakology]

No it wouldn't. So if he wins in Cleveland, I guess we can vault him over MJ, Kobe, Magic, Kareem, etc. If Lebron won a title, whether it be in Miami or Cleveland; it would still only be his 3rd. Rings aren't worth more in some cities than others.

Of course. Its not the cities that matter, its the situation. And yes, he needs more than 3 rings obviously. I'm just saying, going back to Cleveland and doing it there will look better on him than staying in Miami.

 

[Heatles84]

Four years ago he said it was always about best chance to win now.

That was then and this now. Then it was all about winning a championship. Now it's all about cementing his legacy as a player. Is he the guy that turned his back on his hometown to win championships or the guy that returned to win just one?

It seems like ( if he leaves) that is would have become all about trying to win a championship in Cleveland in a lame attempt to change the perception of his legacy.

That's exactly what it would be about. One Title in Cleveland would be worth 6 in Miami when it comes to his place in history, and how people will remember him. Another 5 years in Miami trying to win 4 or another 5 years in Cleveland trying to win 1?

By Cleveland's standards that's how it would turn out. Lebron was a free agent at the time he went to Miami. He never owed Cleveland a title. No player in their contract has that they owe their team a title. If Lebron won 4 more titles in Miami, he'd have 6. At that point, serious comparisons to Jordan's resume can be made. Striking lucky once in Cleveland doesn't over value what Kobe accomplished in LA, what MJ did in Chicago in the 90's, and certainly what Tim Duncan has done for the last 17 or so years in San Antonio. You feel this way because it's a feel good story. But when it comes to the all-time greats, it comes down to resumes and the amount of titles you won. Winning 1 in Cleveland doesn't mean shit, but just one title to try to get closer to the legends.

 

[Kinzu]

Why?
If all he can do is try to create a recruited, traveling all star team, he should be expected to win....not be elevated to some plateau like he accomplished something out of the ordinary.


As a Heat fan, I really didn't care about his legacy or reasons the the Heat won, it was just fun and entertaining.

People hated him for stacking the deck here, but they're suddenly going to praise him for winning if it's the same type of situation there?

Lebron is a different animal than most guys in the NBA if not all. Every player in the league has a hometown team or favorite team when they were growing up, and they are certainly not looked at or expected to go to those places and win.

Lebron however is different. He was drafted #1 overall by his hometown team, and Lebron very proudly proclaims Akron, OH as his home. All you have to do is visit his website where it says right on the front page "Just a Kid from Akron, OH." He has been seen as a messiah for the city of Cleveland since day 1 in the NBA by not just them but the entire world pretty much. That is a creation of his own doing propelled further by the media. When he left the city of Cleveland the way he did it pretty much came across like Brutus stabbing Ceasar in the back. It was not just Cleveland fans wondering how he could do that. It was pretty everyone and that is why he went from a beloved star everyone wanted to see succeed to the guy everyone hated and wanted to see fail.

I'm pretty sure no other player in the league has that cloud hanging over their head nor do they have those kind of expectations on their career.

 

[Jakology]

Four years ago he said it was always about best chance to win now.

That was then and this now. Then it was all about winning a championship. Now it's all about cementing his legacy as a player. Is he the guy that turned his back on his hometown to win championships or the guy that returned to win just one?

It seems like ( if he leaves) that is would have become all about trying to win a championship in Cleveland in a lame attempt to change the perception of his legacy.

That's exactly what it would be about. One Title in Cleveland would be worth 6 in Miami when it comes to his place in history, and how people will remember him. Another 5 years in Miami trying to win 4 or another 5 years in Cleveland trying to win 1?

This is what I'm trying to convey. Its obvious that a title in Cleveland would mean so much more to his legacy than multiple titles with the Heat.

 

[trojanfight]

Its not the same situation. Its not like LeBron, Melo, and Bosh are teaming up in Cleveland like LeBron, Wade, and Bosh did in Miami. This is LeBron going back and doing what must be done to maximize his legacy. Yes, this Cleveland team will be much better than what LeBron had in the past, and they will be expected to win, but this isn't even close to teaming up with 2 other HOF caliber players.

I think if kyrie irving left or they didn't get gifted number 1 pick lebron wouldn't even consider going to Cleveland. Ring chasing at its finest

 

[Davis_Mike]

No it wouldn't. So if he wins in Cleveland, I guess we can vault him over MJ, Kobe, Magic, Kareem, etc. If Lebron won a title, whether it be in Miami or Cleveland; it would still only be his 3rd. Rings aren't worth more in some cities than others.

If he wins a ring in Cleveland, you can definitely vault him over Kobe in my book if he continues on his statistical trajectory.

 

[Heatles84]

If he wins a ring in Cleveland, you can definitely vault him over Kobe in my book if he continues on his statistical trajectory.

Why? Why is a ring in Cleveland more than 5 rings in LA? Cleveland better win the title. Look at their draft lottery success in the last 4 years - 3 #1's and and #4 pick (or something similar). If any other competent franchise had that, they'd have a dynasty forming without Lebron.

Sorry, but I defended Lebron to no end against Lebron haters as well as Lakers fans. But I always stood by Kobe had the better career if we're to go by rings. Sorry, but you can't go team hopping repeatedly into better situations where guys like Duncan and Kobe stayed in one place. I understand that Lebron left Cleveland because it was poorly managed, but what's the excuse if/when he leaves Miami?

 

[Heatles84]

Of course. Its not the cities that matter, its the situation. And yes, he needs more than 3 rings obviously. I'm just saying, going back to Cleveland and doing it there will look better on him than staying in Miami.

What if Lebron wins another 3 titles in Miami over the next 5 to 6 years. You can claim that you had a dynasty in a city that you were the main catalyst of. I don't see a dynasty forming in Cleveland. That takes competent front office management to pull off.

 

[Shoveyjoe]

I think if kyrie irving left or they didn't get gifted number 1 pick lebron wouldn't even consider going to Cleveland. Ring chasing at its finest

This doesn't even make sense.

 

[TurnUpTheHeat]

This is what I'm trying to convey. Its obvious that a title in Cleveland would mean so much more to his legacy than multiple titles with the Heat.

So the obvious comes out this morning.
James still pissed and isn't sure he can get past Gilbert's Letter.
That's the holdup.


James was the most vocal player when the Sterling debacle erupted, citing players shouldn't play for Sterling.
Easy to say when the situation doesn't affect him.

He'll sell his soul to the devil, and turn his back to anything if he feels it benefits him.

 

[tlance]

So the obvious comes out this morning.
James still pissed and isn't sure he can get past Gilbert's Letter.
That's the holdup.


James was the most vocal player when the Sterling debacle erupted, citing players shouldn't play for Sterling.
Easy to say when the situation doesn't affect him.

He'll sell his soul to the devil, and turn his back to anything if he feels it benefits him.

Which brings up an obvious point. Why in the hell hasn't Gilbert issued a public apology? Taking the letter down after 4 years is not enough. If LeBron re-signs, he instantly doubles the value of the team.

 

[TurnUpTheHeat]

Four years ago he said it was always about best chance to win now.

That was then and this now. Then it was all about winning a championship. Now it's all about cementing his legacy as a player. Is he the guy that turned his back on his hometown to win championships or the guy that returned to win just one?

It seems like ( if he leaves) that is would have become all about trying to win a championship in Cleveland in a lame attempt to change the perception of his legacy.

That's exactly what it would be about. One Title in Cleveland would be worth 6 in Miami when it comes to his place in history, and how people will remember him. Another 5 years in Miami trying to win 4 or another 5 years in Cleveland trying to win 1?

I don't understand the logic.

If that one title in Cleveland has such a higher importance multiplier, then why leave the Cavs at all?

Seems like he wasted 4 years/ opportunities in his prime to try to win there.
By going now, he has that many less chances if that was his now spoken ultimate goal.


Anyway, like I pointed out yesterday, if the Heat would have been going for a 4peat next year he wouldn't be going anywhere.

If Wade was still a Wade, he wouldn't be going anywhere.


So, this isn't about having or needing to back to Cleveland because it is some right thing to do, he's going because he feels it is best for him.....which is fine.......but just say so.

 

[starbigd]

Which brings up an obvious point. Why in the hell hasn't Gilbert issued a public apology? Taking the letter down after 4 years is not enough. If LeBron re-signs, he instantly doubles the value of the team.

This is my problem with him going back. NO WAY should he allow Gilbert to profit off his talent and skill.

I know he would love to win for the fans.......but Gilbert should not be there if/when it happens. If he has any dignity or pride he wouldn't even consider going to a team Gilbert owns.

It's not even JUST the letter......its the fact Gilbert fought against him in the last CBA, attempting to stop players from doing exactly what Lebron did. He wanted complete control over player movement. You can't work for THAT guy.

I think I'd lose respect for Lebron if he did in fact go back to Cleveland in this scenario. Fuck Gilbert.

 

[TurnUpTheHeat]

Which brings up an obvious point. Why in the hell hasn't Gilbert issued a public apology? Taking the letter down after 4 years is not enough. If LeBron re-signs, he instantly doubles the value of the team.

I've said all along that Gilbert's rant would be the only reason he would never go back.

I never envisioned a man with his pride and ego able to ever let that go.

If he wants to now go, then go, but if I see some contrived fake double apology all of the sudden, then all respect for James will have been lost.

 

[TurnUpTheHeat]

This is my problem with him going back. NO WAY should he allow Gilbert to profit off his talent and skill.

I know he would love to win for the fans.......but Gilbert should not be there if/when it happens. If he has any dignity or pride he wouldn't even consider going to a team Gilbert owns.

It's not even JUST the letter......its the fact Gilbert fought against him in the last CBA, attempting to stop players from doing exactly what Lebron did. He wanted complete control over player movement. You can't work for THAT guy.

I think I'd lose respect for Lebron if he did in fact go back to Cleveland in this scenario. Fuck Gilbert.

James should treat the Sterling and Gilbert situations as equal.
Otherwise, he's a hypocrite.
Play for the Cavs, fine....but not for Gilbert.

 

[avalon2423]

I have posted that exact same thing Turnup... The sterling and Gilbert issues are the same. He would be a hypocrite to go back. Sterling said what he did in the privacy of his house and then apologized for it. And yet Lebron bashed him, telling players not to play for him, etc. Gilbert bashed Lebron publicly and has never apologized, and if he did now it would only be so LBJ comes back, it wouldnt be sincere.

 

[Shanemansj13]

I have posted that exact same thing Turnup... The sterling and Gilbert issues are the same. He would be a hypocrite to go back. Sterling said what he did in the privacy of his house and then apologized for it. And yet Lebron bashed him, telling players not to play for him, etc. Gilbert bashed Lebron publicly and has never apologized, and if he did now it would only be so LBJ comes back, it wouldnt be sincere.

It would be an act of forgiveness, basically Lebron is the better man. Then if he wins a title for Cleveland, it would look even better. This has little to do with Gilbert, more to do with legacy and the roster.