LeBron James
Posted: July 7, 2010 3:28 pm
LeBron James will make his decision on where to play next year public with a one-hour prime-time special tomorrow night on ESPN. Finally, our long national nightmare will come to an end! 
While it does seem arrogant and self-serving, having a "selection show", he is donating all of the proceeds from the commercial sales to the Boys And Girls Club. So, while it is a little arrogant, it is not really a selfish act.
Anyhow, I was wondering where everyone thinks he's going to end up? There are 6 suitors for his services:
Cleveland Cavaliers: POSITIVES: He's a home-town boy, born and still living in Akron, OH. He's spent years building this team up from nothing. He can get the most money staying put. NEGATIVES: People say he can't get the job done here...there isn't enough help, he'll never win a championship here.
Miami Heat: POSITIVES: It appears that both Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh will be in Miami, making the "Superteam" that has been rumored. This leads to thoughts of a dynasty. There is also no State Income Tax in Florida, so his take-home pay is better. NEGATIVES: There is only one ball to go around to the 3 Superstars. The Heat only have 2 players under contract, so there is a question about the structure of the rest of the team.
New York Knicks POSITIVES: LeBron wants to become a "Global Icon". New York is the place to do it. The Knicks also just signed Amar'e Stoudamire. NEGATIVES: The Knicks just signed Amar'e Stoudamire. He's not very popular with the other players...reputation as lazy and selfish. James would have to rebuild ANOTHER team like he did in Cleveland. He's not a broadway-glitz-and-glamor type of guy.
Chicago Bulls POSITIVES: They have money to spend, but a great core of young players...it would be easy to picture getting to the title quickly here with Derrick Rose and Co. NEGATIVES: Comparisons to Michael Jordan. Ownerships reputation for not spending where neccessary, so he might be in the same boat as in Cleveland-close but not quite. Ownership's reputation for mis-treating it's stars (look at the way Jordan, Pippen, and even Phil Jackson were treated on their way out the door)
New Jersey Nets POSITIVES: They had the worst team in the league last year, but have money to spend, and key pieces in place in PG Devin Harris and C Brook Lopez. LeBron is very close with Jay-Z, who is one of the owners of the Nets. NEGATIVES: Even with these two pieces, they were still historically bad, only winning 13 games last year. This would be more attractive if Bosh came with him, but it looks like he'll be in Miami.
Los Angelas Clippers POSITIVES: This team is more talented than they get credit for. They can afford to add good complimentary pieces if needed. NEGATIVES: You'll always be compared to the Lakers over in the other locker room...and to Kobe's legacy.
So....what do you think?
While it does seem arrogant and self-serving, having a "selection show", he is donating all of the proceeds from the commercial sales to the Boys And Girls Club. So, while it is a little arrogant, it is not really a selfish act.
Anyhow, I was wondering where everyone thinks he's going to end up? There are 6 suitors for his services:
Cleveland Cavaliers: POSITIVES: He's a home-town boy, born and still living in Akron, OH. He's spent years building this team up from nothing. He can get the most money staying put. NEGATIVES: People say he can't get the job done here...there isn't enough help, he'll never win a championship here.
Miami Heat: POSITIVES: It appears that both Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh will be in Miami, making the "Superteam" that has been rumored. This leads to thoughts of a dynasty. There is also no State Income Tax in Florida, so his take-home pay is better. NEGATIVES: There is only one ball to go around to the 3 Superstars. The Heat only have 2 players under contract, so there is a question about the structure of the rest of the team.
New York Knicks POSITIVES: LeBron wants to become a "Global Icon". New York is the place to do it. The Knicks also just signed Amar'e Stoudamire. NEGATIVES: The Knicks just signed Amar'e Stoudamire. He's not very popular with the other players...reputation as lazy and selfish. James would have to rebuild ANOTHER team like he did in Cleveland. He's not a broadway-glitz-and-glamor type of guy.
Chicago Bulls POSITIVES: They have money to spend, but a great core of young players...it would be easy to picture getting to the title quickly here with Derrick Rose and Co. NEGATIVES: Comparisons to Michael Jordan. Ownerships reputation for not spending where neccessary, so he might be in the same boat as in Cleveland-close but not quite. Ownership's reputation for mis-treating it's stars (look at the way Jordan, Pippen, and even Phil Jackson were treated on their way out the door)
New Jersey Nets POSITIVES: They had the worst team in the league last year, but have money to spend, and key pieces in place in PG Devin Harris and C Brook Lopez. LeBron is very close with Jay-Z, who is one of the owners of the Nets. NEGATIVES: Even with these two pieces, they were still historically bad, only winning 13 games last year. This would be more attractive if Bosh came with him, but it looks like he'll be in Miami.
Los Angelas Clippers POSITIVES: This team is more talented than they get credit for. They can afford to add good complimentary pieces if needed. NEGATIVES: You'll always be compared to the Lakers over in the other locker room...and to Kobe's legacy.
So....what do you think?
![[smilie=battingeyes.gif]](./images/smilies/battingeyes.gif "battingeyes"){kind=small}
![[smilie=sillyjester.gif]](./images/smilies/sillyjester.gif "sillyjester"){kind=small}