Not to nit-pick, but Gilbert's lack of competence doesn't prove he didn't care. If LeBron had said he left because he had no faith in the way the organization was being run, I suspect people would have reacted differently.
This is why he could never win a ring as the main guy. I mean he is going to play with a guy that did that in D Wade.
Masbee is really enjoying the devil's advocate in this thread. The fact is, Gilbert would have paid Lebron the maximum deal, which is a larger contract than he eventually got. To suggest that "Gilbert never cared" after he offered the largest contract any team could possibly offer, is ridiculous.
If anything, Gilbert gave Lebron too much control. Lebron had too much in terms of say in the front office, in terms of how he should act, and in terms of how much he wanted to practice. It's like the guy who showers his girlfriend with money and yes to every question until the girl finds someone new and just as rich that she can latch onto.
I think he means he'll play for beer, food and lodging ... As to the whole issue of whether or not Gilbert "cared" or not, I think it's immaterial. What it does however is tell me a lot more about Lebron and his daddy issues -- having never known his own father.
I would not call James a prima donna because that would be an insult to prima donnas. First, employers generally do not "care" about employees. I'm well treated (not on NBA scale of course) and I also know if I don't produce or if the company hits hard times they won't hesitate to let me go. Second...cry me a river! We should all suffer like he did. I agree with Sir Charles, a real superstar wins, not whines. (sarcasm)
Lebron obviously needs to keep his mouth shut. The more he talks the more he shows his lack of maturity. He is not getting the proper guidance from his "team" of whatever the hell they are. He will be fine in a year if he just shuts up. Nike needs to step in with some PR advice. (Hopefully better than they did with Tiger)
