tOfficial "2014 LeBron James" Superthread

[trojanfan12]

Yeah, I think the immediate impact would be more money if he changed teams... but there could be a longer-term endorsement impact based on his image. I, personally, don't think it could be hurt that much, but I would understand an argument that it could.

As for the criticism, it definitely does seem to bother him and could be a big factor. Long-term, I don't think it will have as much of an impact as some people think. Jordan had huge critics all throughout his career.

A couple decades go by and you'd think he won the title every season he played, by sweeping every series and hitting a game winning shot in every game

I also think that the criticism etc. wouldn't be quite as bad as the 1st time because I don't see him making the same mistakes. I don't see him doing "The Decision 2.0" or being involved in some "After Party" either.

I think that many NBA fans are realizing that things are changing in the NBA and guys are more willing to try and "team up" than in the past. Even "throwback dinosaurs" like Kobe seem to be realizing that this is just how it is now. Word is that he's had conversations with 'Melo and if he's spoken with 'Melo, it would seem likely that he has spoken to Lebron a time or 2 as well.

Whatever happens, it's going to be an interesting few weeks getting through the draft and the FA period.

 

[Kinzu]

I actually think image wise it would be a huge boost to him to return to Cleveland and play out the rest of his career. He got what he wanted in Miami. If he were to go back to Cleveland now it would win back a ton of his former fans and a lot of public opinion.

Heck even going to the Bulls would win him over more with public opinion as the Bulls are a much more beloved team than the Heat.

 

[gpm1976]

Because passing to someone on the bench would result in a turnover.

Lebron/heat fans all have more shit than a Christmas goose. Lebron seems to start off on fire, then as the game goes on he winds down and does next to nothing. This is not what great players do. They get their team going then they take it home down the stretch. Miami has a great cast of players, they just don't have the chance to get involved... and you know whose fault that is.

 

[TurnUpTheHeat]

Basics of supply and demand only on the demand side. It's a new market for him. The "Heat Market" is already about capped out. How many Lebron jerseys and t-shirts are people really going to buy? Especially when many of them already have Lebron jersey's, t-shirts, etc.

If he goes to a new team, he gets a huge chunk of that fanbase buying Lebron related gear, plus many of the "Lebroniacs" who will follow him to that new team will also be buying Lebron gear from that new team.

There would simply be much more demand for Lebron gear with the new team than with the Heat.[/QUOTE]



If he was that concerned about that...he could just change his jersey number again.

 

[Retroram52]

Calm down. Lebron James opting out could simply mean he is going to take less money to make room for Carmelo Anthony.

This.

 

[Shanemansj13]

So there's no available player(s) or combination of players/draft picks to explore trading Kyrie for?

I humbly disagree.

I see his upside, but he is flawed (and injury prone).

Injuries are what worries me, but he is 22. 22!

 

[TurnUpTheHeat]

Is there any Heat fan here who wasn't expecting the opt out, or thinks it's not a great thing to have happened?

 

[trojanfan12]

If he was that concerned about that...he could just change his jersey number again.

As I pointed out earlier, sure there would be a bump because some fans would pony up the cash for the new jerseys, but that's still fairly limited compared to a whole new fanbase buying his jersey.

When Kobe changed to #24, he sold a lot of new jerseys, but there were also a lot of fans who just stuck with #8. It was a nice bump to his sales, but not near what it would likely have been if he had gone to a new team.

 

[gordontrue]

If LeBron wants to leave Miami... his first course of action would be to opt out.
If LeBron wants to stay in Miami... his first course of action would be to opt out.

So yeah... the opting out doesn't signify anything.

 

[Retroram52]

Precisely Gordontrue!

 

[LeBronMonsterDunk]

Opting out to make room for Carmelo?

 

[TurnUpTheHeat]

As I pointed out earlier, sure there would be a bump because some fans would pony up the cash for the new jerseys, but that's still fairly limited compared to a whole new fanbase buying his jersey.

When Kobe changed to #24, he sold a lot of new jerseys, but there were also a lot of fans who just stuck with #8. It was a nice bump to his sales, but not near what it would likely have been if he had gone to a new team.

I saw that read after I posted.

All I can say, is that of course money matters...but he has more than he could ever spend. He just banked 30M for walking around in headsets.

He loves living in Miami, and if Riley shows him that he will compete for championships, there is no reason to leave.

One thing James has been consistent about it that winning is the most important factor as to where he will play.

 

[tlance]

You know, whatever LeBron's decision does to his popularity and image isn't just a matter of him "wanting to be liked".... its a serious $$ issue.

LeBron makes more than $50 million every year on endorsements. Obviously that's more than twice his NBA salary. How much of an impact a particular move could have on that figure, if any, is debatable... but at the very least its a factor.

Well, LeBron couldn't have messed up "the decision" any worse and he is arguably the most hated player in the league as a result. His jersey sales are still doing just fine anyway. As long as LeBron continues to play at a high level, I don't think his image is going affect his $ negatively.

Also, the LBJ joining others negatively affecting his legacy is crazy. This is a different era and players are now more free than ever to change teams. Just because other greats before LeBron did not change teams, that does not make LeBron less great. At the end of his career, his legacy will be about how many rings and MVPs he has, not how many jerseys he has worn. Anywhere he goes, he will be the alpha dog.

 

[Demonjoe93]

Sources are telling ESPN that the Hawks are gonna try to get him and Anthony. Boy, I wouldn't mind seeing a team with LeBron, Carmelo, and Al Horford.

Too bad it probably won't happen.

 

[TurnUpTheHeat]

ESPN text alert just came across that Ray Allen is likely returning.
Ray was just on vacation with James in the Bahamas last week.
Ray would only return to compete for a hopeful championship.

Do the math.

 

[anotheridiot]

There is nothing special happening here, they all took the deals that would allow them to sign for more money when they opted out. LeBron clearly is the best player, Wade and Bosh would be doing the heat a huge favor by opting out because I doubt either gets resigned.

 

[Heatles84]

First off, the Cavs haven't even drafted Wiggins yet. Some think they may draft Jabari Parker. No one really knows.

Also, Lebron does well playing with perimeter players as this opens the floor for him. Who does Cleveland have that can space the floor? The Cleveland front office has not shown they're competent enough to put together a championship roster. They had 7 years to do it and they failed....miserably. Every year Lebron's been in Miami, he's went to the Finals and won half the time. I laugh my ass off everytime I hear Cleveland is the best shot to win a title. Irving is injured more than Wade is and there's horrible chemistry over there. Also, Cleveland has went to the Finals once and the time they went they got swept by the Spurs.

There are plenty other free agents that Miami can add - Lowry, Gortat, etc. Lebron will always have haters. It's funny that some know Lebron cares about his image like they talk to him all the time. From what I hear, Lebron wants to be in the class of Magic and MJ - which means winning more rings.

 

[Jims_Doors]

 

[dirtboy068]

the best fit and always has been is Chicago (with or with out rose).


the only reason he went to Miami IMO, is because the big three made a pac to get together on one team and dominant. Wade and Bosh forced James hand when they signed in Miami " you in or out James" so to speak.

 

[RobToxin]