July 7, 200917 yr Apparently while pursuing and attempting to court Trevor Ariza, LeBron James told the free-agent that he would not leave Cleveland after 2010. That is what someone "very close" to Ariza told ESPN. But now, someone "very close" to LeBron told ESPN's Chris Broussard that those rumors are false. Sounds like some our BGP'ers that had inside sources during the UK coaching search had something to do with this hahaha. http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4311048
July 7, 200917 yr I saw the initial report that Ariza's source said Lebron told him that... Ariza is a smart guy because apparently his thought was that what LJ said meant nothing if his name wasn't signed on the dotted line. Whether James actually said it or not, does anyone really think that matters? Its not a binding contract, so he could change his mind. If he wants to go elsewhere, I doubt he'll sign with Cleveland because he told somebody in the summer of '09 that he would stay.
July 7, 200917 yr I hope he does stay in Cleveland but it is his choice and many players before him have left their first teams so it would be hard to fault him if his reasons were justifiable.
July 7, 200917 yr I hope he does stay in Cleveland but it is his choice and many players before him have left their first teams so it would be hard to fault him if his reasons were justifiable. Even if they weren't justifiable it's his decision to play where he so chooses.
July 7, 200917 yr Author I could see where LBJ thought that possibly Ariza's coming to Cleveland would put the Cavs over the hump and he did indeed say it. No biggie in my opinion, I think he's just extremely hungry to get a title.
July 7, 200917 yr My guess it was just attempt to coax him into comeing to Cleveland. I'm glad he didn't for selfish reasons and I really hope Ariza does well in Houston.
July 8, 200917 yr IMO it's a moot point, Cleveland doesn't gain any type of bargaining chip by him talking to Ariza. Honestly, I hope he stays, Broussard also said the cap will likely drop to 52 million for next season. This season it's at 56, and many thought it would be as high as 62 for the '10 season. That could be a major bummer for teams who are potentially banking on signing two players to max deals.
July 8, 200917 yr IF LBJ did say it, he's not going to admit it publically. That loses the leverage he has on Cleveland to really try to make the team better quickly. Same as what DWade is doing with his comments.
July 8, 200917 yr It doesn't matter, LeBron will be staying in Cleveland anyways..... And yeah, LeBron will tell all free agents that the Cavs are recruiting that he is staying because no one is going to come to Cleveland if they know he is leaving next year. He has no choice but to say that when recruiting free agents.
July 8, 200917 yr Author It doesn't matter, LeBron will be staying in Cleveland anyways..... And yeah, LeBron will tell all free agents that the Cavs are recruiting that he is staying because no one is going to come to Cleveland if they know he is leaving next year. He has no choice but to say that when recruiting free agents. Good point.
July 8, 200917 yr Why? A few things. First of all, I understand that he is an entertainer, but his cockiness combined with his flamboyant showmanship annoys me. I like Kobe (not the biggest fan, but I like him) and I know he is cocky, but he carries himself like a professional and I like watching him work. I also thought it was really dumb when LeBron was out and about with his LBJ MVP shirt right after his team got the boot from the playoffs. Secondly, all of this garbage about telling Ariza he's staying for sure and then his camp saying its not true irks me. Now, I know that this probably goes on more than we hear about, but it seems so desperate on his part. This stuff about the Jordan Crawford dunk is pretty lame too, if true. Basically what I'm saying is that LBJ is the anti-Tim Duncan (my favorite player).
July 8, 200917 yr First of all, I understand that he is an entertainer, but his cockiness combined with his flamboyant showmanship annoys me. I like Kobe (not the biggest fan, but I like him) and I know he is cocky, but he carries himself like a professional and I like watching him work. I also thought it was really dumb when LeBron was out and about with his LBJ MVP shirt right after his team got the boot from the playoffs. I am with you on this. As amazing of a player as James is, and will continue to be, you could tell this entire season was going straight to his head. All the picture taking, flexing after every dunk, holding poses after draining 3 point shots, etc. wreaked bush league to me. I thought he took it a little too far. I am all about having a good time, but there is a time and place for it. I think getting his first of a few more MVP awards out of the way was a good thing and it will humble him from here forward knowing that it means nothing at the end of the season.
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