Anyone gonna watch the Lebronathon tonight?

Demiurge

GoBigBlue wrote: »

I've already gone to my PS3 and NBA 2k10 and sent LBJ and Bosh to Miami. It's almost not fair.

lol!

Demiurge

leroyjr1 wrote: »

Well, the Bucks are a different story. They tend to let good players go and they keep and over pay the scrubs.:)

Yes...this is true.

*sigh*

cnoat

^^^^ Exactly

Demiurge

Dude seriously needs to stop talking:

Cavs owner: LeBron quit during playoffs

CLEVELAND -- Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert says LeBron James "quit" during the playoffs and should be accountable for his actions.

Gilbert, who posted a letter to Cavs fans on the team's website shortly after James announced he plans to sign with Miami, tells The Associated Press late Thursday night that he feels "personally betrayed" by James and that it's "accountability time."

In a phone interview with the AP, Gilbert says "people have covered up for [James] for way too long. Tonight we saw who he really is."

Gilbert says James quit on the Cavs during their second-round series against the Boston Celtics, who rallied from a 2-1 deficit to eliminate Cleveland.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5365793

This Gilbert guy is only making LeBron's leaving Cleveland all the more justifiable.

Knucklehead

cnoat wrote: »

Your right.Front office should have done more.I just thought Lebron was better than this.Like I said earlier Chicago would of been good.Even New York with Stoudimier.To me IMO to build somethig around his talent would have been special.

I see where your coming from cnoat, I really do, I just though that Cleveland gave LeBron everything they were capable of giving him the last 7 years, like it was said before, certain players didnt want to play for Cleveland. If James had gone to one of the other Teams mentioned, who knows how long it would have taken to "build" a great team, he didnt want to deal with that crap all over again. He's played pro for 7 years, I seriously cant blame him for the move.

Knucklehead

Demiurge wrote: »

Dude seriously needs to stop talking:



http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5365793

This Gilbert guy is only making LeBron's leaving Cleveland all the more justifiable.

Wow...people are pissed huh? keep feeding LeBron that motivation to embarass the hell out of the owners.

Demiurge

What do comments like that say about Dan Gilbert? Why didn't he say that stuff about the playoffs before LeBron chose to go elsewhere?

We all know why.

He holds ONE man accountable. No wonder Cleveland never won a championship with LeBron.

I understand those comments from fans, but not the owner.

Knucklehead

Demiurge wrote: »

What do comments like that say about Dan Gilbert? Why didn't he say that stuff about the playoffs before LeBron chose to go elsewhere?

We all know why.

He holds ONE man accountable. No wonder Cleveland never won a championship with LeBron.

I understand those comments from fans, but not the owner.

BINGO!!!! Hell they havent even removed his name from the 10-11 team roster.

GoBigBlue

Knucklehead wrote: »

BINGO!!!! Hell they havent even removed his name from the 10-11 team roster.

He didn't sign a contract tonight, did he? So, technically he's still part of the Cavalier's organization--sorta. If I were the Cavs, I would want LBJ's name on my roster for as long as possible.

AsSiMiLaTeD

Gilbert is some kind of dumbass, that's for sure. For the record I actually don't have a problem with the decision at all. it's not like the guy's breaking a contract or something, and Cleveland really hasn't done much to get the guy some help the last couple years.

It's the whole media even from this evening and how the whole thing was handled that i take issue with, it's truly ridiculous.

I'm gonna go on the record now as saying that I don't think Miami will win a championship next year with these 3 guys. Getting 3 superstars on a team doesn't guarantee a championship, the Yankees demonstrated that for much of the past decade. You need a group that plays well together and need at least some talen on the bench. The real question is what kind of position Miami is going to be in after spending all their cash on these 3 guys?

I think that, if no more moves are made by either team, the Lakers are still the best team in the league, even given the new Miama team.

PSOVLSK

I would have considered myself a LeBron fan, but this whole made for TV event really turned me off. Still, you kind of have to like the decision unless you're a Cavs fan. I understand the whole hometown thing, but the guy walked away from $30 million because he felt like it gave him the best chance to win. Name the last player to leave $30 million on the table...in any sport.

Demiurge

AsSiMiLaTeD wrote: »

Gilbert is some kind of dumbass, that's for sure. For the record I actually don't have a problem with the decision at all. it's not like the guy's breaking a contract or something, and Cleveland really hasn't done much to get the guy some help the last couple years.

It's the whole media even from this evening and how the whole thing was handled that i take issue with, it's truly ridiculous.

I'm gonna go on the record now as saying that I don't think Miami will win a championship next year with these 3 guys. Getting 3 superstars on a team doesn't guarantee a championship, the Yankees demonstrated that for much of the past decade. You need a group that plays well together and need at least some talen on the bench. The real question is what kind of position Miami is going to be in after spending all their cash on these 3 guys?

I think that, if no more moves are made by either team, the Lakers are still the best team in the league, even given the new Miama team.

These guys all played together in the Olympics and this is when this whole thing was hatched. LeBron, Bosh, and Wade all expressed interest in playing on the same team together again. Wade already has a championship, and as professional athletes go, he's got a great head on his shoulders.

If ever a supergroup were assembled that should win its these three. Of course, no, it isn't guaranteed. There's no guarantee these three egos can get through an entire season.

The team that surrounds them will be interesting. Having three guys like that on your team can compel others to play for nothing (as far as the NBA is concerned) if they think they have a shot.

I agree with you about the circus. The whole charity thing was as hollow and shamelessly self-aggrandizing an act I have witnessed in a while. Apparently all his pals were part of his 'team' and making demands of all the teams that approached LeBron. Ridiculous. Of course, I haven't had my **** kissed constantly since I was a teenager, so who knows how I would act.

Demiurge

PSOVLSK wrote: »

I would have considered myself a LeBron fan, but this whole made for TV event really turned me off. Still, you kind of have to like the decision unless you're a Cavs fan. I understand the whole hometown thing, but the guy walked away from $30 million because he felt like it gave him the best chance to win. Name the last player to leave $30 million on the table...in any sport.

I think Bosh, Wade, and LeBron are all under endorsements with Nike right now. His marketing profile just went waaaaay up and he goes to a state where he doesn't play income taxes (that is HUGE).

He won't be missing any meals in this move.

zombie boy 2000

Like I mentioned previously... I don't think you could wipe the smile off Jordan's face right now. Lebron's "legacy" was tainted in two ways last night. A cheap (probable) championship and a refusal to get one with his original team.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/michael_rosenberg/07/08/lebron.event/index.html?eref=sihp

And yes... most NBA fans were disgusted when the Celtics won their "championship".

kevhed72

I'm waiting for the Brett Favre TV special on ESPN...

PSOVLSK

Demiurge wrote: »

I think Bosh, Wade, and LeBron are all under endorsements with Nike right now. His marketing profile just went waaaaay up and he goes to a state where he doesn't play income taxes (that is HUGE).

He won't be missing any meals in this move.

No doubt. Still, most athletes are about getting the most money and being the highest paid. It's like they don't even consider things like state income tax, cost of living, etc. They just want the contract that has the most zeroes in it. My personal opinion is, "What can you do with $110 million that you can't do with $80 million?"

I respect Bosh and Wade even more. I'm pretty sure they both took less money also...but they did it without all the self-indulging drama.

AsSiMiLaTeD

PSOVLSK wrote: »

My personal opinion is, "What can you do with $110 million that you can't do with $80 million?"

"Two chicks at the same time"





...I got nuthin'

GoBigBlue

^^^^^
yes.

KrazyMofo24

I think the main reason why this is such a big deal is, because he decided to do a one hour special to announce it.

He was going to get crap for his decision, but it's a lot worse now since he decided to do it this way.

KrazyMofo24

If we look at baseball I get the feeling that he's going to be viewed more like A-rod instead of Griffy in his prime.

PSOVLSK

I know it's not exactly the same, but as a Mavs fan I'm trying to think how I'd feel if Dirk had taken less money to sign with the Heat. While I'd be disappointed, I couldn't really blame him for going where he thought he could win a championship. As a matter of fact, I think you kind of have to respect it.

This whole this is such a contradiction. LeBron's ego has him come up with this whole LeBronathon idea which surely turned many people off, yet he was selfless in taking less money to try and win a championship.

Demiurge

PSOVLSK wrote: »

I know it's not exactly the same, but as a Mavs fan I'm trying to think how I'd feel if Dirk had taken less money to sign with the Heat. While I'd be disappointed, I couldn't really blame him for going where he thought he could win a championship. As a matter of fact, I think you kind of have to respect it.

This whole this is such a contradiction. LeBron's ego has him come up with this whole LeBronathon idea which surely turned many people off, yet he was selfless in taking less money to try and win a championship.

I don't begrudge LeBron for one second, but you keep saying he's taking less money. In salary, yes, but he will make up for it all and then some in endorsements. The no income tax deal is HUGE and while he might not have thought of it, he employs people who's job it is to think of such things.

Trust me, he knows. Millionaires still like to make more money.

Zitro

I had a nice long rant but my internet connection **** out and it didn't send. I'm too lazy to type it all, but that link does sum up my feelings pretty well. I don't care where he goes, if he wins rings, etc. I lost the little respect I had for him over the last few years with his ego inflating and everyone kissing his ****. When 2 years ago when my Magic wiped the floor with him in the Eastern Conference Finals and he left the floor like a **** without congratulating anyone. When I can't watch a game without the commentators licking his ****$ the whole game and the refs letting him get away with every call under the sun. And now the fact that he needed a 1 hour special to announce his decision finished it off for me. I love Dwyane Wade; the man is a true talent but is down to earth and can share the spotlight. I hope he teaches this little punk some humility.

I understand him leaving Cleavland, but I completely disagree with how he did it. And I don't want to see some 3 superstar team, I would have rather seen a Wade/Bosh vs James/Boozer. Oh well.

SPOVLSK, that point was in my last post but Demi hit it before I could retype it. He's not losing any money. He's not that self-less; he's already stated he wants to become the worlds first billionaire athlete. The endorsements more than make up for the drop in salary, not to mention the renown attention he will be receiving. He's not giving up anything.

Zitro

Ok, that kinda ended up being another long rant anyways lol. But I hate seeing this in sports, and in general. Most people probably will not care about his ego and still "love" him because we put stars on a pedestal and warship power, but I for one can't respect him and his fat head. I hope Wade talks him down before it explodes. And if they do win a ring (which, as a Magic fan, I'm not as worried as you might think), I hope it's Wade doing the heavy lifting and gets the most credit.

PSOVLSK

Demiurge wrote: »

I don't begrudge LeBron for one second, but you keep saying he's taking less money. In salary, yes, but he will make up for it all and then some in endorsements. The no income tax deal is HUGE and while he might not have thought of it, he employs people who's job it is to think of such things.

Trust me, he knows. Millionaires still like to make more money.

I understand that he could play for free and still be a mega-millionaire based on endorsements and I agree with probably everything you've said. My point is that athletes egos do not normally allow them to take less salary regardless of endorsements, income taxes, cost of living, etc. They want to see their name at the top of the Highest Salaries list.

I'm not sure about the people he employs. I can't remember which owner or general manager said it, but after negotiations they said that it became clear they were dealing with 25 year olds based on the questions that LeBron and his "people" were asking. I thought that was pretty funny.

KrazyMofo24

Dirk actually took 16 million less to try to give the Mavs more of a chance to sign another player.

It bothers me more that he chose Miami with Wade and Bosh. Well next season is going to have a weird feel to it. Also Boston's move is similar but not to this degree. They may not get enough players this year, but some of those rookies turn out to be good players they'll be unstoppable.

KrazyMofo24

Zitro wrote: »

I understand him leaving Cleavland, but I completely disagree with how he did it. And I don't want to see some 3 superstar team, I would have rather seen a Wade/Bosh vs James/Boozer. Oh well.

I agree the league would have been more balanced and competitive if he would gone to any of the other teams. Chicago would have been the favorites if he chose them, but it would allow Miami to form a team around Bosh and Wade.

That's why I hate that he chose Miami.

zombie boy 2000

I'd like to remind everyone how Durant handled his 5-year extension with OKLAHOMA CITY. You know... the top scorer in the league last year. With class, genuine excitement and much loyalty to his fan base.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/frank_hughes/07/09/durant.thunder/index.html?eref=sihp

Demiurge

....and?

Now, to be fair, Durant was not in the same situation as LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. Without the extension, Durant would have been a restricted free agent in the summer of 2011, meaning the Thunder had the right to match any offer he would have received from rival teams. He did not have an opportunity to tour America in search of his next destination, or sit on his throne and have the minions come bow at his feet.

Good for Durant, though.

PSOVLSK

Thanks for the link zombie boy, I hadn't read that.

Durant is probably my favorite player in the league.