well, the cavs are out, where will LeBron be in 2011?

[Martti.]

my hope is that if LeBron does leave cleveland, he goes to miami... and takes Shaq back there with him.

Oh god no. He went to the Suns, the Suns didn't make the Playoffs, now they're eliminated. With Wade and James, you just need a good defender/rebounder, who Noah would be if both of them go (Hope not) to the Bulls.

Haslem would be good, but they would need an upgrade at the C. Joel Anthony would be good, but I don't think he's a 35+ mpg guy on a regular basis. Even Hakim Warrick could do the trick.

[NovU]

Joel Anthony would be good, but I don't think he's a 35+ mpg guy on a regular basis. Even Hakim Warrick could do the trick.

Obviously 35 mpg of Joel will be an overkill. It'll be like Dwight/Lebron/Wade, only better.

[benji]

I heard that Mike Brown might have just been fired as the Cavs coach, but there are reports that dispute it. I don't think it's true, you just don't fire a coach from a team that has been to the finals and had the best record the past two seasons.

[Andrew]

I'm starting to hate Chicago due to the Blackhawks being a dirty dirty team. Don't go there, Lebron! Go to LAC! No offense Andrew, but I am also a hockey fan.

Hey, fair enough. I only follow the NBA so I don't have any allegiance to the Blackhawks. But condemning LeBron to the Clippers? Harsh.

(Sorry Pat, that was a cheap shot. Not like my favourite team's been close to a championship recently.)

I'm sure you would be just devastated if the Bulls sign and traded 42 games a year Luol Deng for the best player in the NBA.

I don't really see where the classlessness comes from? I mean, he plays with a style that can be construed as being a sort of "show off", but rarely do fans point out Kobe's constant snarls and verbal lashings he gives his teammates, and I don't think either of those things are necessarily a bad thing.

Agreed. They're also the kind of things that are easily forgotten when you're winning. Jordan, Magic and Bird weren't always the nicest people in the world but you couldn't argue with their success.

as far as him being in his prime andrew, i think we will see that from age 28-33. he will work on his shooting more and more and i think his %'s will go up by that time. also, he needs to develop the one thing kobe has that he doesnt. the thing that made jordan the greatest ever.

killer instinct.

when we see that, then we will know James has hit his prime. be selfless when you have the lead and your team is rolling. dominate the game at the start to get the team rolling, and finish the game strong, take over in the 4th. thats the mentality he needs. too many mistakes, too much hesitation in games 4 and 5 vs the celtics.

Perhaps. I just think he's entering his prime already and his stats aren't going to change that dramatically. There still seems to be this idea that just because he's only 25, he's destined to average a triple double with a couple of blocks and steals for good measure, shoot 60% from the field and never have a bad game. I know that's not what you're suggesting specifically, but aside from his jumpshot/free throws being slightly less reliable than you'd like to see and an occasional lack of that killer instinct, he's already close to being a fully developed player. But I guess we'll see where he's at in a couple of years.

[benji]

I think the reason people don't think LeBron is done developing is because he still has so many obvious flaws in his game and he gets by on his athleticism to rack up so many points. His jumper is still shaky (36%, 37% and 39% on two-point jumpers the last three seasons) and he continues to have zero post-game. (He passed up posting Rondo and Ray Allen multiple times last night to pull back, face them up and try to drive past instead.) He also continues to have a stupid tendency to pull way back from players he knows he can beat, size them up and get a running start (even though they know he's running towards the paint so they can just step over and get in his way) instead of backing up a foot or so and blowing past them with his lightning first-step.

Jordan changed his game as he got past 25 to add a game in the post and improve his jumper to the point he was one of the top three mid-range shooters in the league by the second three-peat, changing from a do-it-all, create the entire offense alone, player like LeBron is now into a devastatingly efficient player who regularly finished in the top three in turnover percentage. Kobe also deemphasized his athleticism in favor of improving his jumper and efficiency. (Even as he set the single-season usage record.)

It's one reason people think so highly of Howard's future since the guy still has zero post game outside of his one and a half moves that both involve trying to jump over his man.

[rise]

He should come to Charlotte.

[Phil89]

Might be interesting to see him move to LAC. Would really heat up the Clippers vs Lakers and LeBron vs Kobe rivalries.
Don't think they're high on the list of possibilities though.

[john26]

West Sleeping with LeBron's Mom

This is fucked!

[Valor]

West Sleeping with LeBron's Mom

This is fucked!

We are all Witnesses

More than you hate the Bulls being a .500 team without a bona fide superstar though?

Wade, Amare or Bosh can be that superstar alongside Rose
I just don't want to see someone who dances and taunts opponents during blowouts, amongst all the other things, to be wearing a Bulls uniform and representing the city of Chicago

I don't really see where the classlessness comes from? I mean, he plays with a style that can be construed as being a sort of "show off", but rarely do fans point out Kobe's constant snarls and verbal lashings he gives his teammates, and I don't think either of those things are necessarily a bad thing.

Not talking about his play style, I'm referring to his actions off the court, as well as the things he does on it that doesn't even make the borderlines of having sportsmanship in anyway (dance?)

[atlwarrior]

I hope he ends up in Miami, NJ, or Chicago. Id hate to give New Yorkers another reason to brag why their city is the best.

[air gordon]

reports of Bosh removing toronto from his tweeter profile.. 'we want wade' shuts down due to too much traffic... and now this.

and benji- no matter where James goes, the Jordan factor will follow him. he'll inevitably get compared to Jordan anywhere he goes since the media has a hard on for making comparisons. he'll have the most pressure playing in NYK though

it would be awesome if he went to OKC

andrew... you're such a pushover lol. you back down after benji doesn't agree with your list? after Cleveland, the rest on the list's chances are all in the same neighborhood. it's barely been one day since the Cavs were eliminated and already the experts have spoken. i'm going to wait for Toronto to decide how they are going to rid of Bosh first

day 1 of the soap opera in the books....

[atlwarrior]

What about Detroit? Do they have the cap space?

edit:

I heard that Mike Brown might have just been fired as the Cavs coach, but there are reports that dispute it. I don't think it's true, you just don't fire a coach from a team that has been to the finals and had the best record the past two seasons.

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archi ... ike_brown/

I think the Clippers are actually a sleeper in the Lebron sweepstakes, they have more tools (on paper) than some of the other teams.
Davis-Gordon-James-Griffin-Kaman?

Pdub this might answer your question about Mike Brown

phpBB [video]

[benji]

What about Detroit? Do they have the cap space?

he'll have the most pressure playing in NYK though

Only because Knicks fans like all New Yorkers think they're the center of the universe.

He'll face a Wilt and Shaq like pressure anywhere, every team he lands on expects him to put them down the road to contention irregardless of anything else the team does to help build.

Not a bad couple of guys to be mentioned with really.

[Rip32]

Not talking about his play style, I'm referring to his actions off the court, as well as the things he does on it that doesn't even make the borderlines of having sportsmanship in anyway (dance?)

Actions off the court? Like advertising the hell out of his brand and not bringing any negative publicity on himself?

Dancing, well, like Kevin McHale said: "If you raised your hand, coach would say, 'We will let him drive and then we will throw him on the ground.' "When he is laying there we would say, 'Do you feel like dancing now?' "And that pretty much solved the dancing problem."

If he's against your team, fuck the dancing throw him on his ass. If he's on your team? I'm guessing you're dancing right along with him. I don't think a Bulls fan should talk about eccentric characters considering Joakim Noah's "unique" personality.

[benji]

Anyone who says they don't want LeBron on their team is a lunatic.

The dancing and routine hate is just some insane notion of "sportsmanship" that doesn't include having fun in a way the person wants. Same thing that's driven Shaq out of places. It's a stupid attempt to claim that the failures on the court are because of this "wasted" time when it's like twenty minutes setting this crap up.

People despised Jordan too, but if he had taken the chance in 1995 to jump to any team, they'd have taken him. (I have vivid memories of a Sport magazine back then with Jordan in the jersey of the Knicks, Pacers, Rockets, Jazz, etc. on the cover.)

Although all us Kobe haters are justified. Hell, even Laker fans hate his various faux-persona.

[Patr1ck]

I'm starting to hate Chicago due to the Blackhawks being a dirty dirty team. Don't go there, Lebron! Go to LAC! No offense Andrew, but I am also a hockey fan.

Hey, fair enough. I only follow the NBA so I don't have any allegiance to the Blackhawks. But condemning LeBron to the Clippers? Harsh.

(Sorry Pat, that was a cheap shot. Not like my favourite team's been close to a championship recently.)

That is harsh only because of the superstitious injury curse people believe in. While it would be nice to see Lebron in a Clippers uniform, would LeBron really want to go to the same division that Kobe is in? I would love to see the bandwagoners turning into Clipper fans and all the rappers wearing Clipper gear in their videos again, but the Clips already have a few players who only put up good numbers when they are controlling the ball. Adding LeBron to an already stagnant 1-on-1 offense that can't play defense would be a disaster and he would just end up shadowed by Kobe and the Lakers.

I think LeBron will stay in Cleveland, it's the safest move to make. You already know the organization is willing to do anything to keep him there and win a championship.

As for what benji stated about people's opinions of LeBron's development, as long as he isn't looked at as a complete player by his coaching, or praised at all levels because he is "LeBron", improving his decision making as well as his lack of skill in certain areas will be key to him becoming a champion, no matter what team he decides to sign with.

Kobe also deemphasized his athleticism in favor of improving his jumper and efficiency. (Even as he set the single-season usage record.)

He was just practicing.

[Valor]

not bringing any negative publicity on himself?

phpBB [video]

phpBB [video]

[Oznogrd]

Skip Bayless is the most biased asshole reporter in sports: you cant base anything on his opinion. If anything, skip's opinions have a reverse effect and make people love Lebron more because they hate Skip. He's like a hardcore political pundit of sports that even the people who agree with him hate because he's such an ass.

Also, you're still insane for not wanting Lebron. You may not like his antics but it would make the Bulls a 1 or 2 seed perennially and give your favorite team hope of getting past 2nd round of playoffs...(well maybe not...but...)

Its like people keep telling you man: sportsmanship? in the professional leagues? its not a requirement. We have this idea of being nice to each other and what not is supposed to be part of sports but why? I mean i've never competed at the level lebron does in basketball and after certain games (tough losses, dirty games, unbalance refereeing...i swear im not a Heat/Mavs conspiracist) its hard to shake a guys hand. I mean i do it because i realize i dont make money at the sport and none of it really matters. But think if you had lets say...a 3 million dollar bonus waiting for you if you make the finals 1 time in your contract: you'd be alot more pissed at getting eliminated too.

I'd personally not wish anymore pain on the city of Cleveland but I do think he's gone unless they bring in a better coach or another superstar with him. Mo, Jamison, and the corpse of Shaq just aren't going to cut it against more stable/well designed teams. I blame Mike Brown's stupid rotation more than I give the Celtics credit for beating the Cavs.

[Rip32]

Valor, I'm not even going to go Google Mjeff's adultery or gambling, both of which are considerably worse then that, but it's totally cool that you don't want LeBron. Joe Johnson and Derek Rose are going to make a great duo for the next 5 years, go Bulls.

[Valor]

Valor, I'm not even going to go Google Mjeff's adultery or gambling, both of which are considerably worse then that, but it's totally cool that you don't want LeBron. Joe Johnson and Derek Rose are going to make a great duo for the next 5 years, go Bulls.

Why is it reduced to Joe Johnson if LeBron doesn't come.....? It's Derrick Rose btw
Guys like Bosh, Amare would be better fits while Wade will form one of the best, if not the best back court duo with Rose if he returns home

[atlwarrior]

Honestly I think Atlanta would be the best fit for him.

Theyre already a 50+win team. We just need that one go to guy we could depend on night in and night out and thats not Joe Johnson. Plus the guy would look good in a hawks uniform. Their colors are similar to Team USA . If not LeBron then Id definitely settle for Wade. But as Andrew said "one could only dream." But honestly if the guy is aiming towards getting a ring then it would not make sense to go to NY, NJ because he would most likely be worst off. Either go to Chicago (if they plan on hiring a very good coach), Atlanta, Miami, or LAC with the addition of Blake Griffin. But Atlanta's roster is like the perfect fit for a LeBron. I hate that many people are overlooking them as an option. But think about it...
C Al Horford
pf Josh Smith
sf LeBron James
sg Joe Johnson (maybe or maybe not will most likely leave though but would you need him if you have LeBron)
pg Bibby
6th Crawford
7th Marvin Williams
But yeah this would be a very fun team to watch.
This article is also a huge reason for viewpoint on LeBron's situation. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/289216-will-lebron-james-sign-with-the-atlanta-hawks-in-2010

[Sauru]

i still think he stays, have been saying it all along. he is still young enough to bring that team to a championship. what needs to happen is the cavs need to bring a real coach into town. the cavs are not instantly in rebuilding stage yet and unless he goes to dallas i dont see him winning in the next couple years anyway. personally i think he is in a dream situation playing for "his" team. not many players get to do that there has to be some loyalty there?


outside of staying i think dallas is the hands down best place for him. he would have a owner who would do anything he can to bring in the right pieces for him to win. the only problem with dallas is the nba hates cuban and never wants to see him win shit. maybe with lebron there the hate will fade away a bit.

new york? whatever still gonna lose.
chicago? i think more possible than new york but i dont see it happening
miami? teaming with wade might sound good to him but there is alot of ego there.

[benji]

Honestly I think Atlanta would be the best fit for him.

Theyre already a 50+win team. We just need that one go to guy we could depend on night in and night out and thats not Joe Johnson. Plus the guy would look good in a hawks uniform. Their colors are similar to Team USA . If not LeBron then Id definitely settle for Wade. But as Andrew said "one could only dream." But honestly if the guy is aiming towards getting a ring then it would not make sense to go to NY, NJ because he would most likely be worst off. Either go to Chicago (if they plan on hiring a very good coach), Atlanta, Miami, or LAC with the addition of Blake Griffin. But Atlanta's roster is like the perfect fit for a LeBron. I hate that many people are overlooking them as an option. But think about it...

People are "overlooking" them because they don't have the cap space to sign him even if Joe Johnson leaves.They'd also have to trade Josh Smith or Jamal Crawford to clear the space.

[Andrew]

Wade, Amare or Bosh can be that superstar alongside Rose
I just don't want to see someone who dances and taunts opponents during blowouts, amongst all the other things, to be wearing a Bulls uniform and representing the city of Chicago

I'm not a huge fan of some of that extracurricular stuff, but I just don't think you can go past his talent and the impact he'd have on the Bulls over issues of sportsmanship.

[NovU]

IMO, not wanting Lebron on your team, is sort of like being a casual fan thing. If you are a die hard fan for one team, you'd want that team to get better no matter what the cost is. Otherwise, you'd want your team with your favored players.