I use to think the Nets had a better shot, but it could be the same as the Knicks. I read an article recently that mentioned how Lebron has been a big Cowboys fan since a kid. We already know he's been a big Yankees fan, which leaves me to wonder if he's a front runner? I guy who roots for the best teams that have a history of being champions. I would think the Lakers or Celtics would be his ideal teams, but they'll never have the ability to sign him with Kobe and KG on those teams. Am I reading too much into this or does anyone else think Lebron only likes rooting for perenial championship contenders with a history of winning?
Lebron is or was a Bulls fan. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/20...kn.lebron.sloyaltie.ap/index.html?eref=si_nba Somewhere in this article it mentions it.
I could see the Bulls getting him. Funny that isn't talked about more. I would think they are the front runners. If I'm them I'm doing everything I can to dump Nocioni's contract. And I would think about resigning Gordon.
They have inept management. I can't see the Bulls figuring out how to get out of a paper bag, let alone how to get LBJ
Lebron wants to play for a front runner Knicks have a decent shot DOES NOT COMPUTE. DOES NOT COMPUTE.
LOL... I was refering to a winning history. Teams that can be considered "America's team" like Yankees and Cowboys. Closet thing to that in basketball is the Celtics, but I don't think they can do it with their payroll so I was looking next down the list and eventually got to Knicks. But Bulls make a lot of sense too.
Well there definitely is a cultural benefit that he can have if he plays for a historic team. It's these associations that help cement his legacy as it's linked to the rich history of the franchise he plays for. See also: the tons of exposure that KG had with Bill Russell. There's a definite boost there. While I could see ABC trying to get Lebron to interview with Dr. J, I think the real advantage the Nets will have is the contemporary cultural boost: sending Lebron to the mecca of urban culture with one of its most powerful leaders.
There is a clause in Lebron's show contract that if he gets traded/signs with New York or LA, he gets more money because those cities have bigger sports markets. Although at this point in his career he already has tons of money, and an Olympic medal. The only thing missing is an NBA championship.
As Rod Thorn says, players generally sign where they can get the most money. Lebron could get the most NBA money in Cleveland and Cleveland right now will have enough cap space in 2010 to re-sign Lebron AND another of the big free agents. They just gave Delonte West a three year deal with only the first two guaranteed. That's how they've been running their operation. How they would fill out the rest of the team if they re-signed Lebron and paired him with DWade, Bosh or Amare would be an interesting, if exciting challenge. On the other hand, at least one of Lebron's endorsement deals--the biggest one, Nike--has a 15% kicker if he plays in New York, Chicago or LA. That would mean the Knicks, Nets, Bulls, Lakers or the Clippers. So while Cleveland could pay him more money in NBA salary, it's likely he could get more money in New York...or Brooklyn. If the Brooklyn deal collapses, Ratner will be forced to sell and I suspect it will be to the highest bidder, since the team is so leveraged with debt. Jay-Z is not likely to remain a Nets owner. So all of this Lebron speculation will be meaningless if Brooklyn doesn't happen.
Interesting rundown. So, if Jay-Z buys the Cavs and moves them to Brooklyn, then LeBron will be the big winner.
I do believe that if the Knicks are under the cap; they have a better chance at Lebron. The opportunity to be THE Man that turns around a franchise like the Knicks? Sell out MSG every night? I think Lebron would want that. Let's face it. As much as I hate them... the Knicks are and probably will forever be the most prestigious team in that area. We are the Clippers, they are the Lakers. Moreso now with the move to Brooklyn. The only chance we would have is the Jay-Z connection. But I think the allure of being the man to turn around one of the top 3 NBA franchised (value), playing in the Garden, wearing a Knicks jersey and playing for D'Antoni is more appealing.
That pisses me off to no end. That franchise hasn't won a God damn thing in 30 years and yet they are considered to be a premiere franchise of the NBA. Technically, the Nets have won a championship more recently than the Knicks have. I still fail to understand that logic. I understand the Lakers/Clippers thing because the Lakers have had multiple dynasties. What has that franchise won? Pisses me off to hear Knicks fans talk crap about the Nets.
^ABA championships don't count But I agree with your assessment. I always believed the Knicks would be favored over the Nets because of their history and the fact they represent more of New York. While the Nets (if they do even move) will just represent Brooklyn. I actually used that very Clipper/Laker example several months ago discussing this very topic. I think the "Jay-Z factor" is the only thing the Nets have going for themselves right now. That and apparently Brooklyn is LeBron's favorite borough. To quote Max Kellerman: "What does LeBron know about Brooklyn other than what Jay-Z raps about?"
Also, keep in mind the Clippers weren't always the L.A. Clippers. Lakers orginally weren't from L.A. either, but they have a much longer history than the Clips do in LA. Hell, the Nets may be called something different for all we know too.
