<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Denny Crane @ Dec 25 2007, 02:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I don't see LeBron leaving the Cavs. He grew up in Cleveland and was such a star in HS that they had PPV channels for his games. He has a huge following.</div> then he would have signed that max contract years ago but he signed until the 09 season, coincidence that the Nets will move to BK in 09?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jizzy @ Dec 25 2007, 12:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Mr. J @ Dec 25 2007, 12:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>The Nets being in Brooklyn won't make them a better team. Why would LeBron want to go to the Nets anyway? If anything he would rather play for the Knicks.</div> lmfao, no smiley at the end? were you serious? FYI, jayZ and LeBron and VERY close friends, Nike is pushing LBJ to play in the Ny area, the Knicks are a joke to NBA history </div> Right now they are but back then they weren't.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Denny Crane @ Dec 25 2007, 02:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I don't see LeBron leaving the Cavs. He grew up in Cleveland and was such a star in HS that they had PPV channels for his games. He has a huge following.</div> He'll gladly leave for Brooklyn if the money is right.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Bynumite @ Dec 25 2007, 04:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jizzy @ Dec 25 2007, 12:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Mr. J @ Dec 25 2007, 12:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>The Nets being in Brooklyn won't make them a better team. Why would LeBron want to go to the Nets anyway? If anything he would rather play for the Knicks.</div> lmfao, no smiley at the end? were you serious? FYI, jayZ and LeBron and VERY close friends, Nike is pushing LBJ to play in the Ny area, the Knicks are a joke to NBA history </div> Right now they are but back then they weren't. </div> ppl are going to remember this current Knicks team for many years and think about it. Say Kidd resigns here for cheap and we move RJ or VC or both, the Nets would have saved a bunch of money to offer LeBron. kidd and LeBron want to play with each other, LBJ and JayZ are practically BFFs and the Nets would have a better chance to win. why would he go to the Knicks would be in rebuilding stage and have NO money to offer him.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jizzy @ Dec 25 2007, 03:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Mr. J @ Dec 25 2007, 12:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>The Nets being in Brooklyn won't make them a better team. Why would LeBron want to go to the Nets anyway? If anything he would rather play for the Knicks.</div> lmfao, no smiley at the end? were you serious? FYI, jayZ and LeBron and VERY close friends, Nike is pushing LBJ to play in the Ny area, the Knicks are a joke to NBA history </div> Please tell me you were just kidding. One of the NBA's original franchises a joke to NBA history? The most valuable franchise in the NBA a joke? A team with NBA championships a joke? The only 8th seeded team to advance to the Finals a joke? The team that is largely responsible for the NBA's ratings a joke? The team that plays in the world's most famous arena a joke? Please rethink that. Although the Knicks are struggling, do not confuse their current state to what they have meant to NBA history.
I have to agree with Mr. J. The Knicks are either the most or second most attractive team (perhaps behind Boston), if you were to disregard personal. Come on, the Nets having even won an NBA championship.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Mr. J @ Dec 25 2007, 06:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jizzy @ Dec 25 2007, 03:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Mr. J @ Dec 25 2007, 12:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>The Nets being in Brooklyn won't make them a better team. Why would LeBron want to go to the Nets anyway? If anything he would rather play for the Knicks.</div> lmfao, no smiley at the end? were you serious? FYI, jayZ and LeBron and VERY close friends, Nike is pushing LBJ to play in the Ny area, the Knicks are a joke to NBA history </div> Please tell me you were just kidding. One of the NBA's original franchises a joke to NBA history? The most valuable franchise in the NBA a joke? A team with NBA championships a joke? The only 8th seeded team to advance to the Finals a joke? The team that is largely responsible for the NBA's ratings a joke? The team that plays in the world's most famous arena a joke? Please rethink that. Although the Knicks are struggling, do not confuse their current state to what they have meant to NBA history. </div> That's how you know the past few seasons have been awful. When people forget what kind of franchise the Knicks have been throughout history.
Now let me address those who think LeBron would prefer Nets over Knicks: Firstly, I don't think LeBron is leaving Cleveland. But if he did, and had a choice between the Nets and the Knicks, LeBron would choose the Knicks. Even when/if the Nets move to Brooklyn, they will still be a secondary team to the Knicks. They will be something like the Clippers to the Lakers. The Mets (a less important version) to the Yankees. Brooklyn is nice and all, but remember it's one borough. A mere microcosm of New York City. So basically LeBron will be a big fish in a little pond. Compare that to being the star of the whole city of New York. It will give LeBron more stardom, more money, and more fame. Compare the Izod Center to Madison Square Garden. Compare the Nets' brief history to the Knicks storied franchise of over 60 years--as long as the NBA. Jay-Z? Please. How is Jay-Z going to influence LeBron to go to Brooklyn? A couple of shout outs in his new album? He already stepped down at Def Jam, don't you think the self-proclaimed King of New York is losing some esteem? And while we're on his moniker, if LeBron played for the Knicks he will be the King of New York. He will be perhaps the biggest name in New York sports history (at least in basketball). I don't want to hear about cap space either. By the time LeBron is searching for a new deal, the Knicks will have cap space. Besides, LeBron does not need money. He has deals with Nike, Sprite, Cavs, etc. I doubt he will be chasing lucre. At the end of the day, it's where does LeBron James want to leave his legacy: in a single borough (and not even the most recognized one, either) or the whole city, better yet the entire state! What would he want a piece, or the whole cake? I wonder...
Jay Z has a stake in the Nets, IIRC. LeBron is friends with Jay Z. If it were to come to a dead tie between the two teams that might have a small effect.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (MyNetsForLife @ Dec 25 2007, 07:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Jay Z has a stake in the Nets, IIRC. LeBron is friends with Jay Z. If it were to come to a dead tie between the two teams that might have a small effect.</div> Perhaps, if it was a dead tie. But I doubt it is a dead tie. By the way, has Jay-Z ever mentioned the Nets in his lyrics? He certainly mentioned the Knicks: "I ain't hard to find, you can catch me front and center/At the Knick game, big chain in all my splendor"
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Kidd @ Dec 25 2007, 06:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Mr. J @ Dec 25 2007, 06:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jizzy @ Dec 25 2007, 03:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Mr. J @ Dec 25 2007, 12:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>The Nets being in Brooklyn won't make them a better team. Why would LeBron want to go to the Nets anyway? If anything he would rather play for the Knicks.</div> lmfao, no smiley at the end? were you serious? FYI, jayZ and LeBron and VERY close friends, Nike is pushing LBJ to play in the Ny area, the Knicks are a joke to NBA history </div> Please tell me you were just kidding. One of the NBA's original franchises a joke to NBA history? The most valuable franchise in the NBA a joke? A team with NBA championships a joke? The only 8th seeded team to advance to the Finals a joke? The team that is largely responsible for the NBA's ratings a joke? The team that plays in the world's most famous arena a joke? Please rethink that. Although the Knicks are struggling, do not confuse their current state to what they have meant to NBA history. </div> That's how you know the past few seasons have been awful. When people forget what kind of franchise the Knicks have been throughout history. </div> I think that's a testament to his youth more than anything. He probably started following the NBA in the 2000's.
Anyone who thinks LeBron wouldn't leave Cleveland for the Knicks or Nets is kdding themselves. There is a fairly large kicker in his Nike deal if he were to play in LA or New York (meaning more $). Yes, the Cavs may be able to match whatever the Knicks/Nets offer, but the extra income Lebron would get by playing in New York is too great to be ignored. Besides, who wouldn't want to play in the media capital of the world? Also, Matt Watson's blog entry last year explains why he may or may not choose the Nets over the Knicks <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>We’ve heard speculation for years that he might bolt the Cavs to sign with a New York team, if not the Knicks then perhaps the Nets. Who would want to play in New Jersey, right? Well, bear in mind, not only are the Nets are partially owned by LeBron’s good friend and childhood hero rapper Jay-Z, they’re scheduled to move into a new arena in Brooklyn in 2009. The Knicks currently have a stranglehold on the New York hoops scene, but if you don’t think the Brooklyn Nets featuring LeBron James can’t instantly become the hottest ticket in town — and therefore, the league — you’re smoking something dangerous.</div>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Mr. J @ Dec 25 2007, 07:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (MyNetsForLife @ Dec 25 2007, 07:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Jay Z has a stake in the Nets, IIRC. LeBron is friends with Jay Z. If it were to come to a dead tie between the two teams that might have a small effect.</div> Perhaps, if it was a dead tie. But I doubt it is a dead tie. By the way, has Jay-Z ever mentioned the Nets in his lyrics? He certainly mentioned the Knicks: "I ain't hard to find, you can catch me front and center/At the Knick game, big chain in all my splendor" </div> "She like it hardcore, so I grind slow Iller than Albee Square Mall back in the 9-0 My fine hoe we got some victims to catch So in a couple years baby, I'm a bring you some Nets" - Hello Brooklyn I don't get how him mentioning either team in his lyrics has anything to do with him being friends with Bron anyway.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (JCB @ Dec 25 2007, 07:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Anyone who thinks LeBron wouldn't leave Cleveland for the Knicks or Nets is kdding themselves. There is a fairly large kicker in his Nike deal if he were to play in LA or New York (meaning more $). Yes, the Cavs may be able to match whatever the Knicks/Nets offer, but the extra income Lebron would get by playing in New York is too great to be ignored. Besides, who wouldn't want to play in the media capital of the world? Also, Matt Watson's blog entry last year explains why he may or may not choose the Nets over the Knicks <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>We’ve heard speculation for years that he might bolt the Cavs to sign with a New York team, if not the Knicks then perhaps the Nets. Who would want to play in New Jersey, right? Well, bear in mind, not only are the Nets are partially owned by LeBron’s good friend and childhood hero rapper Jay-Z, they’re scheduled to move into a new arena in Brooklyn in 2009. The Knicks currently have a stranglehold on the New York hoops scene, but if you don’t think the Brooklyn Nets featuring LeBron James can’t instantly become the hottest ticket in town — and therefore, the league — you’re smoking something dangerous.</div> </div> I agree, but there's a great distinction between Brooklyn and the whole city of New York; particularly Manhattan the media capital of the world - not Brooklyn. Madison Square Garden is not only the Mecca of hoops, but the greatest stage in the world. It will never be the Izod Center. The only reason LeBron would consider going to Brooklyn is because Jay-Z is his favorite rapper. That's not even a really convincing reason either. Will that really inspire him to leave the real superstardom in New York?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (JCB @ Dec 25 2007, 07:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Mr. J @ Dec 25 2007, 07:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (MyNetsForLife @ Dec 25 2007, 07:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Jay Z has a stake in the Nets, IIRC. LeBron is friends with Jay Z. If it were to come to a dead tie between the two teams that might have a small effect.</div> Perhaps, if it was a dead tie. But I doubt it is a dead tie. By the way, has Jay-Z ever mentioned the Nets in his lyrics? He certainly mentioned the Knicks: "I ain't hard to find, you can catch me front and center/At the Knick game, big chain in all my splendor" </div> "She like it hardcore, so I grind slow Iller than Albee Square Mall back in the 9-0 My fine hoe we got some victims to catch So in a couple years baby, I'm a bring you some Nets" - Hello Brooklyn I don't get how him mentioning either team in his lyrics has anything to do with him being friends with Bron anyway. </div> It doesn't, and it wasn't a serious reason. I was just being cynical My point is that their relationship is just about the only reason he would consider playing for the Nets, and it doesn't come close to being as beneficial as playing for the Knicks.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Mr. J @ Dec 25 2007, 07:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>My point is that their relationship is just about the only reason he would consider playing for the Nets, and it doesn't come close to being as beneficial as playing for the Knicks.</div> What makes you say that's the only reason LeBron would go to Brooklyn? Ever since he signed his new contract, the rumors about him becoming a Net once it expires have been well documented (and quite numerous). And I still don't get how it's more "beneficial" for him to play for the Knicks. And don't give me the it's "New York's" team crap. Brooklyn is as much a part of the city as Manhattan is and it's sports history is outstanding. Besides, my gut tells me LeBron would rather play for the Nets' front office than the Knicks'. After all, he does care about winning, you know.
Brooklyn is about two and a half seasons from now. In two and a half years the Nets will open their 2010-2011 campaign in the NBA's grandest arena, and in the Knicks own backyard. Are the Knicks really going to fix the mess they have right now in two and a half years? They've been struggling for the last seven. If the Nets are still winning and at least making the playoffs. They have a distinct advantage, in they can provide a team that is more capable of going farther in the playoffs than the Knicks. Talk about Jay-Z losing steam, what has the Knicks been losing the past seven years? And please, don't tell me how the Nets don't have a histroy. Dr. J and the ABA in the 70's was some of the most exciting basketball ever played. The Nets had the first international superstar in the 90's, among with several other great players. Sure it's not the Knicks history. But it certainly isn't limited to 2001-present. FWIW consider this. The Knicks won two championships in the 1970's, but so did the Nets. In fact, the Nets were the last New York area team to win a major basketball championship.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Mr. J @ Dec 25 2007, 07:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (MyNetsForLife @ Dec 25 2007, 07:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Jay Z has a stake in the Nets, IIRC. LeBron is friends with Jay Z. If it were to come to a dead tie between the two teams that might have a small effect.</div> Perhaps, if it was a dead tie. But I doubt it is a dead tie. By the way, has Jay-Z ever mentioned the Nets in his lyrics? He certainly mentioned the Knicks: "I ain't hard to find, you can catch me front and center/At the Knick game, big chain in all my splendor" </div> I don't think anyone will deny Jay-Z grew up as a Knick fan in Brooklyn. Although his favorite player was Michael Jordan, so it's possible that he rooted for the Bulls too. That song was presumably recroded in early 2003 as the album was released the same time Ratner bought the Nets.
The NY Knicks are a storied franchise, but in the context of this issue their history is irrelevant unless Lebron buys himself a time machine before he signs his next contract. The rings, the monetary value, etc would be valuable in the past. However currently if I'm a Knick fan I wouldn't want to bring up the word 'championship' about a lottery team, and I wouldn't bring up their value since the team is piss poor in how they handle it (plus since when would Lebron care about the value of a franchise? He's going to play for one, not buy one).
