Apparently The King walked off the floor without congratulating any of the Magic players. He didn't even stay to talk to the media. With all the hoopla next season going to be about LeBron's contract year, do people think he took another step out the door of Cleveland? The Cavs have a pretty old team with their role players. Mo Williams showed he's not going to bring it in the big time. Ilgauskas got abused down low. I'm leaning 65-35 right now that LeBron's looking ahead to leaving for the big stage of New York or New Jersey in summer of 2010. http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2009/05/james_leaves_orlando_defeated.html
He's a competitive mofo, this doesn't change a thing regarding 2010 ... now if they take an early bow next post-season and don't seem to be progressing then I think it becomes much more likely that he walks. A looooooooong time between now and next July; tons can and will happen.
It's all on Danny Ferry this offseason to get LeBron some help. I think you'll see a completely different Cleveland team next year but they certainly have no money to offer, and they're stuck with Ben Wallace for $14 mil. It probably is still early to speculate, but I'm guessing we won't hear the end of it from ESPN for the next year.
The thing about Ben Wallace.. next year is his last year on that 14 mill contract. Thats an even bigger expiring contract than RLEC, not as sweet cause no insurance, but that could be a big BIG trading chip for a major 2nd fiddle to Lebron. And leaving Mo Williams as a really good 3rd option.
I've lost faith in the whole expiring contract being able to bring in a big-time player. I don't think any team is going to trade Cleveland a big-time player to complement LeBron for an expiring. And the Cavs don't have any other young pieces to offer other teams. It's a good idea in theory, but hard justifying to some team's fans by giving up a great player for nothing unless you're Chris Wallace and you're a complete idiot.
I agree with you mostly.. I guess it just depends on how those smaller market teams who arent as financially fortunate are doing, if the economy still worsens, it sure is possible though. We'll just have to do the wait and see method. edit. I guess I shouldnt have said MAJOR 2nd fiddle. When you have someone the talent level of Lebron, a lower tier semi all star can be had, kinda like Gasol over in LA. (not knocking his talents, he's just not a "perennial" all star.)
I wonder how secure Mike Brown's job is after this defeat. He didn't exactly stand out in the series and basically put his faith in LeBron James being able to make plays and shoulder all the burden. The Orlando Magic have a chance to dominate the Eastern conference if they keep their core intact. Howard, Shard, Hedo & Nelson are all young still. Hell they're in the Finals even without Jameer Nelson being healthy. Howard is only going to get better and has barely scratched the surface of his potential on offense. I'm not sure what Cleveland can do to improve their odds of beating Orlando.
Lebron is a loyal guy, he will want to stay in Cleveland unless the team is total crap. Cleveland only has Mo's contract on the books next offseason, so they could potentially sign Wade and another huge FA (Bosh?) plus resign Lebron.
I agree that he tends to be loyal, but that only goes so far. He has everything a player could want excpet the one thing that separates the greats from the greatest players- championships. If Cleveland isn't poised to make several title runs with a good supporting cast, he'll walk for sure. For players like him, it's all about the rings.
I wouldn't discount New Jersey that fast with their owner talking about breaking ground on a new arena this summer in Brooklyn in time for the 2011-12 season, and you see Jay-Z congratulating LeBron on the court after the games. But yeah, if I had a preference, I'd like to see LeBron go to NY. That'd be one big circus.
Lebron leaves and the coach just got the kiss of death the sad thing is that his and nate's offense is the same..
Minstrel said "Portland can make a lopsided deal, after all." I'm just curious. What would you guys offer for LeBron?
Roy and LA Roy or LA + Batum, and Joel thats with all of 2 seconds of thought, but thats as close to realistic as I can get off the top o me head STOMP
