Am i the only one who has GAINED respect for LeBron?

[Ken_Masters]

Maybe his legacy will be tarnished a little bit, but how could you not be impressed with him turning down all that money and the chance to be the King in New York, just for the sake of winning rings? This goes against everything i ever thought about LeBron. I always assumed that he cared more about his "brand" than anything else. He totally proved me wrong, and showed that he cares more about winning. He is willing to be scrutinized instead of loved and adored, just for the sake of winning. An incredible display of courage to step out and do what he believes is right, instead of what everybody else wants for him. I applaud LeBron for this. :applause:

[Yung D-Will]

McHale on Larry Bird - "Larry wanted to beat Magic with his own team, not join him"
:violin:

[KG5MVP]

After watching his show tonight, I gain ALOT of respect for him.

[MMKM]

I gained respect. Lebron will still have to go thru kobe and LA. Whats the difference?

[JM720]

:roll: When all is said and done Lebron went from being worth 700 million at the end of his career to being worth 500 million awwwwww. What courage. Clap for this man.

[Kurosawa0]

I'm happy for both he and Wade. Both now have a true shot at winning and winning big.

[PowerGlove]

:violin:

See how Mchale was on his team though?

Who would be making that quote about Bron if he stayed in Cleveland? Mo Williams? Seriously.

He's taking less than the max and playing with the best team he's ever played with by default and people STILL FIND WAYS TO HATE. I dont get it. First people criticized him for not putting winning first and now that he does it's a problem.

[Courtside View]

Anyone who thinks that Bird wouldn't have loved to play with Magic is an idiot.

Anyway, Magic and Kareem no longer top 5 all time according to some of these folks.

[twolvesfan]

I gained a ton of respect for him as well.

[lacasner]

When all is said and done Lebron went from being worth 700 million at the end of his career to being worth 500 million awwwwww. What courage. Clap for this man.

WTH? Winning a championship will only increase is income.

I gained a lot of respect too. He proved he is about winning, and chose to leave a desperate, depressive city to play with his friends and enjoy his life.

[Bigsmoke]

its not like Lebron was the only player to win MVP to leave to join forces with other superstars. Lets act like Moses Malone, Barkley, Wilt, and KG, didnt do the same. Barkley was on TV saying his team was bad afrount of everybody lol

[Kobe4life]

u mad?

[bagelred]

Anyone who thinks that Bird wouldn't have loved to play with Magic is an idiot.



So wrong.

[LA_Showtime]

As a basketball player, I gained a lot of respect for him. This move shows that he wants to win, period.

As a person, I've lost a bunch of respect for him. I don't know if he's as egotistical as he comes off, but the whole free agency circus was ridiculous. He turned NBA free agency into reality TV. I do feel bad for him though. He looked genuinely hurt when ESPN (who BTW are dickheads) showed Cleveland fans burning his jersey.

[Noob Saibot]

yep, LeBron is no dumbass, unlike some of these NBA fans on this board.

[MMKM]

yep, LeBron is no dumbass, unlike some of these NBA fans on this board.

co-signed

[DuMa]

Im still conflicted. Part of me says he made a great decision in sacrificing so many personal accolades, glory and money to put himself in a position to win the ultimate prize in sports. a championship.

but the other part of me questions in the fashion he did it in. alienating cleveland with tons of media coverage only to diss them in the face like that. dan gilbert may be unprofessional and very mad, but cleveland didnt really deserve that kind of heartbreak.

its truly a unique situation since its never happened like this before. but you can probably say lebron brought this upon himself. he didnt really need the hour special on ESPN to make his decision but he did it anyway. i think thats what Cleveland feels worse about. but in time they will heal and they will move on.

[Ken_Masters]

One of the biggest athletes of our generation has just performed one of the most unselfish acts i have ever seen. I have gained a TON of respect for this guy.

[MayCeltics]

They ain't getting past Celtics.

Negatives outweighs the positive. I guess he left a lot money and ego on the table to go to Miami. But what he did to Cleveland was wrong. He put them through hell for 2 years, and then leaves. And to proclaim it on national TV makes it worse.

[jstern]

Maybe his legacy will be tarnished a little bit, but how could you not be impressed with him turning down all that money and the chance to be the King in New York, just for the sake of winning rings? This goes against everything i ever thought about LeBron. I always assumed that he cared more about his "brand" than anything else. He totally proved me wrong, and showed that he cares more about winning. He is willing to be scrutinized instead of loved and adored, just for the sake of winning. An incredible display of courage to step out and do what he believes is right, instead of what everybody else wants for him. I applaud LeBron for this. :applause:
He did what was right for him, but there are a lot of people who are going to dislike him no matter what, who are not very objective.

[LA_Showtime]

Im still conflicted. Part of me says he made a great decision in sacrificing so many personal accolades, glory and money to put himself in a position to win the ultimate prize in sports. a championship.

but the other part of me questions in the fashion he did it in. alienating cleveland with tons of media coverage only to diss them in the face like that. dan gilbert may be unprofessional and very mad, but cleveland didnt really deserve that kind of heartbreak.

its truly a unique situation since its never happened like this before. but you can probably say lebron brought this upon himself. he didnt really need the hour special on ESPN to make his decision but he did it anyway. i think thats what Cleveland feels worse about. but in time they will heal and they will move on.

I sort of feel cheated. I don't know how else to word it. I feel like he's cheated everyone out of seeing just how good LeBron James could have been.

[Ken_Masters]

He did what was right for him, but there are a lot of people who are going to dislike him no matter what, who are not very objective.

LeBron sacrificed everything for the chance to go and play with his friends. It's obvious that the guy really is young at heart. All he wants to do is HAVE FUN while doing his job at the same time. I see him in a much different light now.

[DuMa]

I sort of feel cheated. I don't know how else to word it. I feel like he's cheated everyone out of seeing just how good LeBron James could have been.

i think we all have a great idea of how good LBJ can be. so i dont think he's quite peaked yet. statistically yeah, he peaked a while ago but he still has lots of fundamental things to learn in Miami. he just never developed them in Cleveland because he was asked to carry the team night and night out.

[Ken_Masters]

I sort of feel cheated. I don't know how else to word it. I feel like he's cheated everyone out of seeing just how good LeBron James could have been.

It's understandable i guess. We all watched as KG went from a skinny teenager who needed a cheeseburger, to a bonafide superstar/franchise player. We saw KG's full potential. But, what good is all of that if you're not winning? I think there comes a point in time when guys just want to get back to their roots. They want to rediscover why they're playing the game in the first place. LeBron is taking it back to his high school days, when he had fun playing with his friends, and only cared about the game. In the day and age that we live in with selfish athletes who care about the dollar more than the game, this is beyond refreshing to me.

[Go Getter]

People act like Lebron did something that many stars haven't done in the past.

Dirk just took less money also.

Lebron just pulled a ***** move on his hometown/home state.

He could have won a title in Cleveland by taking less money also....or he could have given it his all against the Celts and made it to the finals.

[Showtime]

Who was Lebron's college rival? Oh right, there wasn't one...

Who was Lebron's heated rival in the NBA? Oh right, there wasn't one...

Bird v Magic shouldn't be compared to Lebron's choice to leave.

[Rake2204]

I am a Pistons fan, but I have lost respect for LeBron James after this evening's events.

I struggle to put my thoughts into words, but I feel as though the right move in this unique situation would be to remain with the Cavaliers and continue to try to make it happen for his home state and home city. I understand his Cavs teams (including two 60+ win teams the last two years) have not won a title in his 7 years, but I do not understand why that means it makes sense now to just give up on a home city and look for the surest, most stacked deal out there instead.

Again, I understand there's reasoning for his decision, but sometimes. . .I feel that winning isn't everything.

[kentatm]

You could flip LeBron with Duncan on the Spurs title teams and ISH would proclaim he was playing with trash when they didn't win the title.

[AMISTILLILL]

I definitely respect the guy more than ever before. He would have been mired in mediocrity in Cleveland. He gave them seven years of his life and took them deeper into the playoffs than anybody and had minimal support from the front office the entire time. They had SEVEN YEARS to surround him with talent and they only began making strides towards some semblance of a contending team last season. Now, their majority owner throws a temper tantrum on the internet and through media outlets because he lost a bunch of money?

The guy learned from the mistake guys like Garnett made. You don't want to be past your prime and staring down the barrel of various "what if..." scenarios someday. Take the opportunity now while you still can. The only people who are offended by this are clearly biased due to their affiliation with the Cleveland fanbase or their agenda that supports another team or player.

[kuzdeen]

dude left 30 million on the table and took a pay cut :bowdown: :bowdown: .. tell how many players will do that ??

[D-nugz]

I gained a lot of respect, it was a tough decision and he went where he thinks he will best win. Sick of these posters who think this game is a one man sport,
it's a team game.

Nothing wrong with going where you think you will win.
Funny how the forum has changed attitudes after hearing rumours he's going to heat.

Even more funny it's mostly Laker fanboys.

[thejumpa]

dude left 30 million on the table and took a pay cut :bowdown: :bowdown: .. tell how many players will do that ??

None. He has earned my respect....even if he did it in a very odd way. I hope he collects some rings in Miami (still sounds wierd) and builds a legacy worth comparing to Jordan's,Kobe's,Wilt's,Shaq's,etc....because based off talent, that's where he belongs.

[ginobli2311]

None. He has earned my respect....even if he did it in a very odd way. I hope he collects some rings in Miami (still sounds wierd) and builds a legacy worth comparing to Jordan's,Kobe's,Wilt's,Shaq's,etc....because based off talent, that's where he belongs.

same. i never thought lebron could pull this off and come out looking so classy compared to cleveland and gilbert.

i love how lebron has clearly studied the game and its history. it was very telling when he went down the list of the nba champions since 1980.....i loved that. i have been trying to tell people what it takes to win for years now. lebron has figured this out.....something that the cavs franchise clearly did not know.

i love the line "you become a super star as an individual, but you win as a team"

that line should be posted on this board every single day to remind people that this is a team sport. now lebron has the makings of a great team. lets see what he can do with it.

[Juges8932]

Nope. I gained a crap-ton of respect for him. People who are going off are either hurt/sad/mad Cavs' fans or haters. Either way, they are emotionally involved and that is clearly showing.

1) He gave up a lot of money. This was a big deal IMO. It showed, for a guy who has talked about wanting to be a billionaire NUMEROUS times, that he isn't all about money when it comes to basketball. I liked seeing that he was willing to sacrifice money to be with a team he WANTED to be with.

2) He is going to another alpha's team. This seems to be people's biggest gripe with him, albeit a dumb one, contrived from the angry haters who want nothing more than to see him fail. Now that it appears he has a perennial contender for the championship with an adequate cast (Wade is his equal though, with Bosh a solid 2nd option), haters are grasping at straws. Off-topic, sorry, but yeah, that showed me, hey, LBJ is willing to go to another man's team if that means he can win some championships. That was a big deal too. He is going to build on the Wade Heat with Bosh, to make it the Tri-fecta Heat that is on a crash-course with being a dynasty. That shows a lot of selflessness (Of course, Wade showed a huge amount of it too, so did Bosh, but this is about LBJ).

3) He did what he WANTED. All of the pressure from Cleveland to go back there, especially since he didn't bring a title there and keeping quiet on what his plans were without buckling to it impressed me. He didn't let others dictate what he was going to do. He realized that if he signed back with Cleveland, he could be 31 and without any rings (If I were a betting man, I would bet he would have been ringless). He's making a huge, ballsy pick and seeing what comes of it (If they fail to win MULTIPLE rings, it will be seen as a failure IMO and in the majority of the public's eyes too).

4) I've been hard on him in the last year, unsure of his character and intentions. Certainly not anymore. I was wrong about him. He wants to be a winner in this league.

[catch24]

Nope. I gained a crap-ton of respect for him. People who are going off are either hurt/sad/mad Cavs' fans or haters. Either way, they are emotionally involved and that is clearly showing.

1) He gave up a lot of money. This was a big deal IMO. It showed, for a guy who has talked about wanting to be a billionaire NUMEROUS times, that he isn't all about money when it comes to basketball. I liked seeing that he was willing to sacrifice money to be with a team he WANTED to be with.

2) He is going to another alpha's team. This seems to be people's biggest gripe with him, albeit a dumb one, contrived from the angry haters who want nothing more than to see him fail. Now that it appears he has a perennial contender for the championship with an adequate cast (Wade is his equal though, with Bosh a solid 2nd option), haters are grasping at straws. Off-topic, sorry, but yeah, that showed me, hey, LBJ is willing to go to another man's team if that means he can win some championships. That was a big deal too. He is going to build on the Wade Heat with Bosh, to make it the Tri-fecta Heat that is on a crash-course with being a dynasty. That shows a lot of selflessness (Of course, Wade showed a huge amount of it too, so did Bosh, but this is about LBJ).

3) He did what he WANTED. All of the pressure from Cleveland to go back there, especially since he didn't bring a title there and keeping quiet on what his plans were without buckling to it impressed me. He didn't let others dictate what he was going to do. He realized that if he signed back with Cleveland, he could be 31 and without any rings (If I were a betting man, I would bet he would have been ringless). He's making a huge, ballsy pick and seeing what comes of it (If they fail to win MULTIPLE rings, it will be seen as a failure IMO and in the majority of the public's eyes too).

4) I've been hard on him in the last year, unsure of his character and intentions. Certainly not anymore. I was wrong about him. He wants to be a winner in this league.

This is a fantastic post. Yes, in another thread, I was pretty critical of LeBron because I wanted to see him play for Chicago (lets be honest didn't we all? Dude would of been the "main guy" and had an exceptional supporting cast behind him), but in the end, dude just wants to WIN and that's all that matters.

[thejumpa]

same. i never thought lebron could pull this off and come out looking so classy compared to cleveland and gilbert.

Yup. Dude is no dummy. I always said he would have to choose between guady stats and citywide worship or winning championships. I'm glad he chose the latter.

[ginobli2311]

This is a fantastic post. Yes, in another thread, I was pretty critical of LeBron because I wanted to see him play for Chicago (lets be honest didn't we all? Dude would of been the "main guy" and had an exceptional supporting cast behind him), but in the end, dude just wants to WIN and that's all that matters.

good post catch. i wanted him to got to chi town also. but this might even be better. it creates a buzz for the nba that the league has not seen since jordan first arrived in the league.

the only think i don't agree with is how lebron handled this entire situation. he should have just has announced his decision like all players do. i have to think that something really bad went down between him and the cavs and some of his teammates and mike brown.

lebron has never aired his dirty laundry in the media.......and i really respect him for that. but something went down. we all know about the west and his mom thing.....that has to be true. but something else happened. this thing last night was a big *** YOU to gilbert and the cavs. i'f love to hear what actually went down during that boston series some day. it has to be pretty damn crazy,.

[K9Frost]

As a basketball player, I gained a lot of respect for him. This move shows that he wants to win, period.

As a person, I've lost a bunch of respect for him. I don't know if he's as egotistical as he comes off, but the whole free agency circus was ridiculous. He turned NBA free agency into reality TV. I do feel bad for him though. He looked genuinely hurt when ESPN (who BTW are dickheads) showed Cleveland fans burning his jersey.

this. but imo family first, cleveland is his family.
and he's never going to win a championship because
1) the lakers are too good
2) he brought the curse with him
3) the cavs are going to win the championship before him, and the cavs are never going to win haha

[kentatm]

dude left 30 million on the table and took a pay cut :bowdown: :bowdown: .. tell how many players will do that ??


this is NOT the issue most people have with this.

The problem is HOW he left not THAT he left.

Why is this so hard for people to understand?

[Go Getter]

good post catch. i wanted him to got to chi town also. but this might even be better. it creates a buzz for the nba that the league has not seen since jordan first arrived in the league.


Yo're old enough to remember the buzz Jordan created as a rookie?

[YAWN]

the respect that came with sacrificing the amount of glory that could be had, accolades, and stats, was diminished by the way he chose to let cleveland know he was skipping town.

should be interesting to see how this team operates next year.

[monkeypox]

What does any of this spectacle and self aggrandizing have to do with winning? Lol he spent most of the interview talking about how great he's been for Cleveland and how humble and loyal he is. Someone needs to tell him that those are the types of things, even if true, you just don't say about yourself without looking like an asshole.

Taking less money for a ring is great. Except he's just jumping on another champions team to do it. Do they even count if he wins them? I mean Kobe apparently only has 2 rings (or 1 because really Pau and the Lakers carried him in the last one right?) But now we have to applaud LeBron for giving up on his team to jump on to D-wades bandwagon?

For some people it appears LeBron can literally get away with anything. He can jump on a team with two other elite players and all it shows is that he's got the heart of a champion. I'm sorry people, but you have to make up your minds. If Kobe can't get credit for his rings with Shaq, then there's no way in hell LeBron gets credit for any rings they may win on this super team with Wade and Bosh. Lol, the Lakers rings are tainted because of an uneven trade, yet the Heat get two all-stars and the two time mvp after they colluded during the Olympics and that's somehow totally cool.

All I know is that I find it hard to believe that LeBron has done anything here to be respected. Stringing teams along, taking the easiest path to the championship, then making a huge douchebag spectacle out of the whole thing. To each their own I suppose.

[Haymaker]

At least Lebron should've said weeks ago: "I'm NOT coming back to Cleveland"
But anyway, I respect him because he wants to win. It was too good to pass on.

[chris02jammers]

Nope. I gained a crap-ton of respect for him. People who are going off are either hurt/sad/mad Cavs' fans or haters. Either way, they are emotionally involved and that is clearly showing.

1) He gave up a lot of money. This was a big deal IMO. It showed, for a guy who has talked about wanting to be a billionaire NUMEROUS times, that he isn't all about money when it comes to basketball. I liked seeing that he was willing to sacrifice money to be with a team he WANTED to be with.

2) He is going to another alpha's team. This seems to be people's biggest gripe with him, albeit a dumb one, contrived from the angry haters who want nothing more than to see him fail. Now that it appears he has a perennial contender for the championship with an adequate cast (Wade is his equal though, with Bosh a solid 2nd option), haters are grasping at straws. Off-topic, sorry, but yeah, that showed me, hey, LBJ is willing to go to another man's team if that means he can win some championships. That was a big deal too. He is going to build on the Wade Heat with Bosh, to make it the Tri-fecta Heat that is on a crash-course with being a dynasty. That shows a lot of selflessness (Of course, Wade showed a huge amount of it too, so did Bosh, but this is about LBJ).

3) He did what he WANTED. All of the pressure from Cleveland to go back there, especially since he didn't bring a title there and keeping quiet on what his plans were without buckling to it impressed me. He didn't let others dictate what he was going to do. He realized that if he signed back with Cleveland, he could be 31 and without any rings (If I were a betting man, I would bet he would have been ringless). He's making a huge, ballsy pick and seeing what comes of it (If they fail to win MULTIPLE rings, it will be seen as a failure IMO and in the majority of the public's eyes too).

4) I've been hard on him in the last year, unsure of his character and intentions. Certainly not anymore. I was wrong about him. He wants to be a winner in this league.

also he sacrifice his chances to win multiple MVPs...

[Simple Jack]

What does any of this spectacle and self aggrandizing have to do with winning? Lol he spent most of the interview talking about how great he's been for Cleveland and how humble and loyal he is. Someone needs to tell him that those are the types of things, even if true, you just don't say about yourself without looking like an asshole.

Taking less money for a ring is great. Except he's just jumping on another champions team to do it. Do they even count if he wins them? I mean Kobe apparently only has 2 rings (or 1 because really Pau and the Lakers carried him in the last one right?) But now we have to applaud LeBron for giving up on his team to jump on to D-wades bandwagon?

For some people it appears LeBron can literally get away with anything. He can jump on a team with two other elite players and all it shows is that he's got the heart of a champion. I'm sorry people, but you have to make up your minds. If Kobe can't get credit for his rings with Shaq, then there's no way in hell LeBron gets credit for any rings they may win on this super team with Wade and Bosh. Lol, the Lakers rings are tainted because of an uneven trade, yet the Heat get two all-stars and the two time mvp after they colluded during the Olympics and that's somehow totally cool.

All I know is that I find it hard to believe that LeBron has done anything here to be respected. Stringing teams along, taking the easiest path to the championship, then making a huge douchebag spectacle out of the whole thing. To each their own I suppose.

If this were the case, in terms of how you think people rate Kobe's rings, he wouldn't be in most top 10 lists. His rings with Shaq count, but are taken in context; at least by logical fans.

Once we see how LeBron plays, then we can see how to "rank" these rings. If he outplays Wade on a nightly basis, and makes the Miami Heat his own; there's no way you can try to discredit his rings.

[dazzer87]

this. but imo family first, cleveland is his family.
and he's never going to win a championship because
1) the lakers are too good
2) he brought the curse with him
3) the cavs are going to win the championship before him, and the cavs are never going to win haha


Best Post Ever! :wtf: :wtf:

[beermonsteroo]

Maybe his legacy will be tarnished a little bit, but how could you not be impressed with him turning down all that money and the chance to be the King in New York, just for the sake of winning rings? This goes against everything i ever thought about LeBron. I always assumed that he cared more about his "brand" than anything else. He totally proved me wrong, and showed that he cares more about winning. He is willing to be scrutinized instead of loved and adored, just for the sake of winning. An incredible display of courage to step out and do what he believes is right, instead of what everybody else wants for him. I applaud LeBron for this. :applause:
:applause: :applause:
Lebron didn't tarnish anything. Above all, he has grown as a human being. Taking winning and playing with your friends over individual fame and glamour deserves nothing but respect. All those haters are only jealous of Miami. That's all.

[monkeypox]

If this were the case, in terms of how you think people rate Kobe's rings, he wouldn't be in most top 10 lists. His rings with Shaq count, but are taken in context; at least by logical fans.

Once we see how LeBron plays, then we can see how to "rank" these rings. If he outplays Wade on a nightly basis, and makes the Miami Heat his own; there's no way you can try to discredit his rings.


Yes, that's how logical fans see it. Unfortunately most of the internet isn't filled with those types of fans. Just read some of the posts of the more notorious posters on this site as an example.

[Jasi]

Yeah he basically took a step back and said to the world, "I'm not so self-confident about winning on my own, so I take the easy way".
You can praise his humility, to say so.

[Harison]

Lebron joined superstars in primes to piggyback to the rings, how can anyone respect that? Its like Jordan joining Kareem and Magic to get easy way to the rings, would anyone respect that? No. Would Jordan still be GOAT? No. Lebron may win more rings now, but I doubt he will be even Top10 player All-time, and he had potential to break in Top5, not anymore.

Yes he turned down 30 mln. in Clev, but he will earn so much more on bigger market with higher endorsements.

This all charade about "decision" was pretty pathetic, regardless how anyone slices it.

[coin24]

I had an argument with idiot dirk fans about this. According to them even with a shit team ur supposed to try win the title every year, the fans deserve it apparently. I see it as the fans are paying to see a good game/ show that's it.. You don't owe them shit. Contracts up, move on..

Then lebron comes out, takes less cash and says be basically wants to build a winning dynasty and he gets hated on??? Really??

I hated the guy with all this fa bullshit, but I actually gained respect for him once his interview started, looked like he really didn't even want to be there..



The days of doing it yourself as the lone superstar are done. Let's be honest, everyone has had help anyway. Look at kobes team ffs!!!




Also how successful are the lone superstars?? Francis mcgrady iverson etc etc, are u supposed to wait till u fail then at 35 join forces???? WTF is wrong ppl seriously??!??!

[Jasi]

It's not either black or white.

Teaming up with Rose & Boozer, Amare & Gallo, Gasol & Artest is way different than teaming up with Wade & Bosh.

[thesighter]

Lebron made the OBVIOUS choice for winning, Miami has a dynasty now. Cleveland sucks, Lebron wouldn't have a good supporting cast there.

It aint piggybacking if he becomes the primary contributor on the team. Just you watch and see. It'll eventually become Lebron's team, not Wade's, if he outperforms. It's an opportunity for Lebron to write a new legacy.

[KOBEDAGAWD]

How can you respect that?

[Soundwave]

Yeah he basically took a step back and said to the world, "I'm not so self-confident about winning on my own, so I take the easy way".
You can praise his humility, to say so.

Which player wins on their own?

In 2007 he went to the Finals and by the time they got there, the best no.2 option for LeBron was Boogie Gibson.

I mean g-ddamn. Not even prime would win a title with friggin' Boogie Gibson as his no.2 option.

LeBron's just stating the obvious -- no one wins anything by themselves.

[LBJ_MVP09]

He put winning in front of everything, most players talk the talk but rarely walk the walk. Despite being the best player in the league for 2 years in a row, he gets taunted constantly for not having any rings (a TEAM accomplishment retards). So he is making the best effort possible to get a ring and now he's bitching out and tarnishing his legacy? lol

[Jasi]

Which player wins on their own?

In 2007 he went to the Finals and by the time they got there, the best no.2 option for LeBron was Boogie Gibson.

I mean g-ddamn. Not even prime would win a title with friggin' Boogie Gibson as his no.2 option.

LeBron's just stating the obvious -- no one wins anything by themselves.

I had already answered :D


It's not either black or white.

Teaming up with Rose & Boozer, Amare & Gallo, Gasol & Artest is way different than teaming up with Wade & Bosh.

[SCdac]

http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2009/1113/nba_team_usa1_sw_576.jpg

these guys are just going for NBA gold year in and year out!!! :eek:

it's a crazy ass move, but if all the players are committed to winning, it's pretty scary.

From that aspect, I have earned respect in Lebron for knowing his inclusion to a team could virtually be like "check mate" to the rest of the East, probably rest of the league, and knowing what he ultimately wants to do with his career and life.

Do I ultimately like it for rest of the league?... not necessarily... Generally speaking, I prefer an even playing field... But it's not like Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh aren't taking hits to their game's too, for all we know Lebron will lead most games in scoring and the rest of the team doesn't even care... If they're winning game after game after game, who cares?

[Floppy]

LeFag fans need a ****ing reality check. Htf can anybody respect such a move especially from a competitor's perspective? He took the easiest way out to win a championship. Who in their right minds can respect that? You guys are so pathetic it's unbelievable.

People (rightly so) don't count Kobe's first 3-peat cause he piggybacked Shaq but for LeTard to join another top 3 player and another franchise player in their primes is a respectable move. Words can't describe the stupidity involved.

And to the idiots claiming he acted unselfish cause he left 30 mil on the table...

You can't be serious.:banghead:

Either this forum is clustered with 5 year olds who don't understand words like integrity, pride and marketing or it's clustered with a bunch of retards.

Probably both.

Why bother. Shouldn't waste my time arguing with idiots.

G'day and stay stupid.

[Kobe4life]

LeFag fans need a ****ing reality check. Htf can anybody respect such a move especially from a competitor's perspective? He took the easiest way out to win a championship. Who in their right minds can respect that? You guys are so pathetic it's unbelievable.

People (rightly so) don't count Kobe's first 3-peat cause he piggybacked Shaq but for LeTard to join another top 3 player and another franchise player in their primes is a respectable move. Words can't describe the stupidity involved.

And to the idiots claiming he acted unselfish cause he left 30 mil on the table...

You can't be serious.:banghead:

Either this forum is clustered with 5 year olds who don't understand words like integrity, pride and marketing or it's clustered with a bunch of retards.

Probably both.

Why bother. Shouldn't waste my time arguing with idiots.

G'day and stay stupid.

u mad?

[cotdt]

I respect Lebron more. He made a purely basketball decision, taking all other aspects like money, fame, legacy, loyalty out of the equation. Lebron is cold-blooded, and I mean that in a good way as a Kobe fan.

[cotdt]

i love how lebron has clearly studied the game and its history. it was very telling when he went down the list of the nba champions since 1980.....i loved that.

Lebron did not even mention Kobe or Shaq.

One thing Lebron is right about though, he's spoiled the people of Cleveland with his talent. They became too demanding of him and he did not like the pressure they put on him.

[Ronaldinho]

Ow, now he is some kind of hero.**** off.He is not like a ****ing villain but hero or unselfish.Hell know.If he was unselfish, he would have stayed in cleveland.

I'm from Brazil, yes we have tv, internet, and this kind of stuffs.Oh!Amazing!Sry for my english, btw.
I'll enjoy a lot to see this Miami Heat.I hope they make the finals against Lakers.Btw, you guys take too seriously this GOAT discussion.I dont know a lot of NBA like you guys do.But man, cheer for kobe or lebron or dwade or any other allstar, to play like shit.Or have a bad season, or this kinds of thing i just dont get it

[kap]

but hey, if he goes to the finals and wins, he might get paid the same or more than if he stayed on a losing team.

play more games = more money
and im sure there are ton's of extra incentives in his contract which give him bonuses for reaching the finals, winning the finals, being finals mvp, etc etc. and if he wins, he get's to go on tv shows n make appearances n stuff.

[Go Getter]

How can you respect him not keeping his word to his fans/org, acting like a diva and drawing it out, the stabbing everyone in the heart by leaving?

[Al Thornton]

like someone else said, i have more respect for him as a basketball player, but even less as a person. i expected him to go to new york and try to become a billionaire. instead he goes to a team where he feels he can win a lot of championships.

[no conscience]

I have.

People are criticizing him for not toughing it out, but Lebron has let his intentions known. He wants as many rings as possible. If he stayed in cleveland, he might have gotten 1-2 by himself, which you could argue is more significant, but nothing wrong with wanting to win. In fact, weren't people criticizing joe johnson for going for the money and wanting to be the man??

[mamba24]

I have.

People are criticizing him for not toughing it out, but Lebron has let his intentions known. He wants as many rings as possible. If he stayed in cleveland, he might have gotten 1-2 by himself, which you could argue is more significant, but nothing wrong with wanting to win. In fact, weren't people criticizing joe johnson for going for the money and wanting to be the man??

nothing wrong with winning but he no longer is the king...he is wades jester...

The fact is he may win 10 or 11 titles...not likely but just a figure...He will not be considered better than MJ, and if kobe wins another ditto...

[coin24]

Before his decision i actually was starting to hate the guy, when he said miami i was like WTF haha..:cheers:

A lot of ppl on here take it waayyy too seriously, its the same morons that claim kobes first 3 titles dont count because he wasnt "the man"... you people are basically fkn retarded...

Ever heard of a "TEAM"??

The one man superstar teams are not competitive anymore, ask Dwade about his boston series.. That shit was ugly..

According to some ppls logic on here these guys are sposed to do this year in year out until mid 30s, then get together and "ring chase"?? GTFOH!!!!

[Micku]

A mixture.

Respect:

The dude has guts and being unselfish. He is in his prime and he is going to Wade's team to win a ring. As people said, not anyone is willing to do that, and that's why it's something to respect for. Some people cannot put aside their ego to try to win it all in their prime.

Sort'a disrespect:

Too much hype in his decision. He dragged this a out a bit while he could just said it much earlier without having this special time for him. I could understand of his uncertainty and all, but damn.

Confusion:

Why Miami? The Bulls were the better fit for them and would probably be the better team if he joined them. This whole hate for LeBron would never been this bad if he join the Bulls and he could still prove I could win with a team being the main guy. While it sounds pretty to have Wade/LeBron/Bosh on the same team, it may not be the best decision.

Disappointment:

I rather have the two best players in the league facing each other than teaming up. I think better competition sells more.

[Soundwave]

Why do people act like players have some sort of say in who their supporting cast is?

Kobe didn't magically become a better player the last three years ... he got lucky because the Lakers front office was able to land Gasol in a freak trade (what are friends for, right Jerry West?).

But that has nothing to do with Kobe himself. Magic playing with Kareem + Worthy has nothing to do with Magic ... that was just dumb luck.

Now those guys are great players, but I'm just saying from the player POV, you can't control the front office or create breaks for them or have them draft well.

That's totally out of your control. So basically it's just the luck of the draw ... being in the right organization, at the right time.

The way I see it -- LeBron simply took luck out of the equation. Kobe got to play with great talent. So did Magic. So did Bird. So did MJ.

So I think he just figured "f*ck it, if I wait for the Cavs ownership to give me something comparable, I'll be 30", and again took the "luck" aspect out of the equation.

Now we will see how LeBron does when he has a supporting cast as good as Bird/Magic/Kobe etc.

[Go Getter]

Why do people act like players have some sort of say in who their supporting cast is?



Because they do....especially when they are as powerful within the organization as Lebron was with the Cavs.

[entropy35]

Lebron will probably "control" the heat in a few years as well.

D-wade loving it right now, his future is set. Wade is like 3-4 years older than Lebron and he will start to decline shortly and bosh and James will have to carry him.

[Soundwave]

Because they do....especially when they are as powerful within the organization as Lebron was with the Cavs.

You think players are responsible for which team they get drafted by and player personnel?

You think Michael Jordan scouted Scottie Pippen in college and made that pick?

That stuff from the players POV is all just the luck of the draw. The way I see it is all LeBron wants is the same opportunity that Magic/Kobe/Bird/Kareem/etc. got. And Cleveland wasn't going to be able to give that to him any time soon.

Now if LeBron wanted to be a total dick he could have demanded a trade L.A. right when he was drafted at age 18. But only a total a*shole would do that, right? ;)

[LBJ 23]

I also gained a lot of respect for him. This move shows how wrong were those who said that he cares just about money and stats and he just wants to be a bilionaire. Now we can see that he put friendship and winning before money and being egoistical freak like all were saying that he is. I mean, he must understand that he will average less points per game and have less time ball in his hands. Thats normal, he will be playing with 2 superstars. But still he decided to play with Wade and Bosh. With this move he just showed that it is true what he was saying all these years and he trully cares just about winning.:applause:

[Apocalyptic0n3]

For deciding that winning was more important than money? Yes. If he had done a sign and trade to the Knicks or something, he would have lost some respect from me.

For choosing to do so on a new team? Not so much. He didn't gain any respect for that (I am a Red Wings fan above all else. If there is anything Wings fans cherish, it's the loyalty our players show to the team). Of course, he didn't lose any respect from me either. He chose the best possible opportunity for him to win.

[Ken_Masters]

LeBron owed Cleveland NOTHING. What about this being his "JOB" don't people understand? Yes it is entertainment, but this is how he makes his living. Good for LeBron that he didn't let people dictate how he should live his life. I hate it when people think they need to try to run someone elses life. Screw that. He made a choice that will make him happy. All the people in Cleveland need to get over it. No one would ever get mad at any of you for choosing to leave a job that you've been at for 7 years in favor of a greater opportunity to work elsewhere. PLAYING IN THE NBA IS A JOB.

[Younggrease]

Lebron is trying to buy championships buy giving the Heat money from there contract to pick up other players. They are able to do that because of endorsements... this isnt about selflessness but lack of competitive greatness...

[Stringer Bell]

I respect that he's willing to sacrifice his stats (to an extent) and go to a place where he is not the only star.

I did not like how he made such a soap opera out of his decision.

[monkeypox]

I also gained a lot of respect for him. This move shows how wrong were those who said that he cares just about money and stats and he just wants to be a bilionaire. Now we can see that he put friendship and winning before money and being egoistical freak like all were saying that he is. I mean, he must understand that he will average less points per game and have less time ball in his hands. Thats normal, he will be playing with 2 superstars. But still he decided to play with Wade and Bosh. With this move he just showed that it is true what he was saying all these years and he trully cares just about winning.:applause:

I'd like to know what planet you come from, and how LeBron's 1 hour special somehow showed how un-egotistical he was.

He doesn't owe Cleveland anything? Wow, have you guys not seen the worshipful ball gobbling he's been receiving from the town his entire career? But then I'm sure you guys think LeBron deserves it just for being LeBron so it's ok.

[Rasheed1]

He doesn't owe Cleveland anything? Wow, have you guys not seen the worshipful ball gobbling he's been receiving from the town his entire career? But then I'm sure you guys think LeBron deserves it just for being LeBron so it's ok.


^this doesnt make any sense..... he doesnt owe Cleveland a thing... you think he does because they gobbled his nuts while he was there?:oldlol:



He doesnt owe them a thing.... He was a free agent and he chose Miami.... thats sports.... Bitter hatin ass fans need to just get over themselves and stop b*tchin

[sayitaintso]

It was nice what LeBron did. He could have signed a 6-year $122 million like Joe Johnson and do what? Nothing. Tell me how the Hawks going to counter the Heat move? Sign Shaq to a $35 million 5-year contract?

[BallsOut]

Maybe his legacy will be tarnished a little bit, but how could you not be impressed with him turning down all that money and the chance to be the King in New York, just for the sake of winning rings? This goes against everything i ever thought about LeBron. I always assumed that he cared more about his "brand" than anything else. He totally proved me wrong, and showed that he cares more about winning. He is willing to be scrutinized instead of loved and adored, just for the sake of winning. An incredible display of courage to step out and do what he believes is right, instead of what everybody else wants for him. I applaud LeBron for this. :applause:

Judging by the 1-star thread rating and the 20 other threads about Lebron being a dramatic b1tch and quitting because he can't win without 2 other superstars in their prime, yes you are the only one.

[HighFlyer23]

there goes clevelands economy :lol

[BonyFaceNDong]

The whole paycut thing is BS.

The differenct is 4 mill in first 5 seasons, the major difference is 6th year contract.

In Miami, there is no state tax, the moeny he saved over 5 years with his salary and endorsement income will far exceeds that because endorsement is where his big money comes from.

And there is a geat chance Lebron would get another Max after 5 years, so he'll still make a ton of money in that 6th year.

In all, he may gain more money in Miami instead of losing money . Lebron is no fool, his agent is no fool.

So the sacrifice money for Championship thing is BS. And take less money for win is BS too. His cleveland team is already having 60+ wins, he'd have as good a chance to win championships as anybody given a better coach.

Now add the whole circus act into that, I can't help but losin grspect for that guy. I'm not a Cavs fan, I thought Lebron's better than tha.

Dan Gilbert is classless. But he did spend moeny to bulid a 100 mil roster around Lebron. He payed a lot luxury tax in a small town. When Lebron left, he left a lot bad contracts in Cleveland, who Gilbert won't sign if it's not for him. So It's not hard to understand why he is so pissed off.

[chazzy]

He proved that he values winning more than anything else. But that doesn't mean he wasn't an egomaniac in the process

"I'm gonna do what's best for LEBRON JAMES and what LEBRON JAMES is gonna do to make him happy."

:roll:

[Draz]

**** Miami, hope they have fun showing everyone how good they are with 2 all stars & an allstar.

[ShowtimeHoops]

As a basketball player? Sort of. He's giving up a lot of money to win. You can't fault him for that. However, he had the chance to go down as the greatest of all time. That's not going to happen now.

As a person? He's a complete douche. He's an egotistical maniac. With that said, I think a lot of his problems stem from his entourage. That guy Maverick Carter has absolutely no idea what the **** he's doing.

[BallsOut]

As a basketball player? Sort of. He's giving up a lot of money to win. You can't fault him for that. However, he had the chance to go down as the greatest of all time. That's not going to happen now.

As a person? He's a complete douche. He's an egotistical maniac. With that said, I think a lot of his problems stem from his entourage. That guy Maverick Carter has absolutely no idea what the **** he's doing.

He's not giving up a lot of money to win. Matter of fact, due to Florida's no income state tax laws, he's getting MORE money than if he would stayed in Cleveland because even with a 5 years, he'll still be able to get the max anywhere else after that contract.

[gts]

He's not giving up a lot of money to win. Matter of fact, due to Florida's no income state tax laws, he's getting MORE money than if he would stayed in Cleveland because even with a 5 years, he'll still be able to get the max anywhere else after that contract.
you do realize that he still pays state taxes in every other state he'll play in... that whole state tax argument is a bit of a myth... it's only in effect in games he plays in florida and some states like california tax athletes from florida at a higher rate because he doesn't pay taxes in florida...

there was an article on this when shaq went to the heat and the money saved in taxes was so minute it's not even worth mentioning... which is pretty much why it's only mentioned on message boards

[Younggrease]

you do realize that he still pays state taxes in every other state he'll play in... that whole state tax argument is a bit of a myth... it's only in effect in games he plays in florida and some states like california tax athletes from florida at a higher rate because he doesn't pay taxes in florida...

there was an article on this when shaq went to the heat and the money saved in taxes was so minute it's not even worth mentioning... which is pretty much why it's only mentioned on message boards

CNN just mentioned it and said he would make a 1 million more in Miami then he would have in Cleveland. So much for that line of reasoning.

[laker24]

Lebron did Lebron. He is the King. It's all about him. He could have done without the press conference, but he is the King. Lebron going to Miami tells me he wants to win. I have no more respect for him then I did a week ago. I was surprised because I thought he would go to Chicago and be the leader of that team and cement his legacy as one of the greatest players. But if you can

[gts]

CNN just mentioned it and said he would make a 1 million more in Miami then he would have in Cleveland. So much for that line of reasoning.that's over the full five years (not per year) of the contract...

so like i said the money saved in taxes was so minute it's not even worth mentioning...

all in all for an elite level athlete that's going to be making upwards of 100 million dollars or more, 1 million dollars saved in state taxes over 5 years is not worth basing a career decision on don't you agree?

and that's what i was addressing, when people say an athlete will save such a such because of no states taxes it's really not part of the discussion in the grand scheme of things


CNBC reported that when Cleveland city taxes also are factored in, James would make $1.014 million more in Miami than in Cleveland over the first five years of a contract.


Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com

[BallsOut]

that's over the full five years (not per year) of the contract...

so like i said the money saved in taxes was so minute it's not even worth mentioning...

all in all for an elite level athlete that's going to be making upwards of 100 million dollars or more, 1 million dollars saved in state taxes over 5 years is not worth basing a career decision on don't you agree?

and that's what i was addressing, when people say an athlete will save such a such because of no states taxes it's really not part of the discussion in the grand scheme of things

I think he was referring to how people use the false argument that Lebron was conceding money to justify playing for Miami when the reality is he's making more or less the same amount playing for Miami as he would for Cleveland.

[crisoner]

First of all LeBron IS NOT taking less money to say. Stop using that as a cop out...what 4 million less caue remember how much tax money they save in Florida.

Yes he did put winning first but to what extent? He is doing it by jumping on to Wade (a proven winners) team. Can you fault him for that? Why yes...this guy has "Chosen One" written on his back but he has to link up with one of the top three players he should be competing against? Come on?

Not to mention the real reason why Bron is losing fans and getting hate was the 1 hour special on his decision? You people defending him don't think that is absurd? If he stayed with the Cavs and did it I would have no beef but to put that fan base who did nothing but support him and give him and his family $$$ of THEIR hard earned money he strings them along and nationally spits in their faces? WOW....I have never seen this kind of direspect and self loathing in all my 30 plus years of watching sports period.
And I have seen T.O. and Primetime in action.

But you people are drinking the Kool Aid now and are saying you respect him? Get the f*ck out of here OP. Unless you are a die hard Heat fan (I think there are some...Miami is a lame sports town) then live it up and be happy. But the rest of us that love the game and the NBA know LeBron tarnished his image forever with this decision and his actions on how he announced it.

[Funnyfuka]

Cleveland is just full of losers living in a shity place who are bitter. Like they thought lebron was part of a family? please he s a ****ing multimillionaire sport athlete.
They should have known better and they shouldnt have been sucking on his **** so much.

Their over the top deception is proportionnal to their over the top love for the guy.
All this story smelled insanity, and affective dependency. And you wonder why he left. He got sick of carrying the weight of a city full of losers with nothing in life but his achievements. He got sick of people living viacarously thru him. The relationship was unhealthy from the beginning and he got out of it cause they put to much pressure on him. Now he's free and on his own, doing his thing and he owes them nothing.

What kind of loser get so depressed because of a ****ing SPORTIVE event. Ridiculous.

[crisoner]

And one last thing....

I'm gunna say thanks Lebron. You just made the best player on my favorite team look like a saint....Kobe Bryant. He almost destroyed a franchise arguing with Shaq and threatening to leave but he stayed and made up for it the last couple of years.

As for you...you just took the whole cake and stuffed yourself silly!

Thanks Bron! You are the NBA's new a$$hole!

Oh yeah...the guy who beat up fans in Detroit and started a riot showed the world he has more heart and class then you as well. And he is a champion!!!!

Chosen One my a$$.

[vert48]

Great posts by everyone saying that he is showing that he cares about winning, because he is giving up money. Except, he's not. They are going to end up doing an S&T, and he will end up with even more money, considering the fact that Florida has no state taxes.

If this was only about winning, he would be in Chicago, or he would have somehow forced his way onto the Lakers, but he is in Miami, where he gets to keep it all.

So, it really is all about the money, and he keeps more in Miami than in Cleveland, New York or Chicago.

[brwnman]

It didn't affect me in any way...

[thesighter]

Cleveland is a trailer trash city, full of butthurt fans, with a loser franchise, owned by a douchebag owner. No NBA star should be subject to playing in that part of the country. Thank god Lebron left.

Cavs fans (RealCavsFans.com) are defending Gilbert's letter and think that it's justified for what Lebron did to their mother. Cavs fans can't seem to appreciate that without Lebron, their city would be nothing in the NBA.

Lebron's decision is clearly about winning, Miami's got a dynasty. If you can't see this, I don't know what to tell you.

[BonyFaceNDong]

you do realize that he still pays state taxes in every other state he'll play in...

I don't get that. He gets payed by Heat, a business franchise in Florida, why should he pay tax in every other states? He doesn't get a share for jersey sales or ticket sales.

Do you pay tax for other states if you have to travel for you company?

Lebron gets more income through endorsement anyway. And those local endorsement will be state tax free, a boatload of money.

Take less money for winning my ass.

[23jordan23]

Are people friggin retarted @ gain more respect for lebron for taking less money :lol :roll: :oldlol: :banana: ..ok ...let me continue,U guys fail to realize that even though he took less money...that it's more than likely he will gain whatever he lost just based off pairing with those guys,being in miami ='s commercials,extra endorsements ..etc etc...don't only look at the face value of something ..explore the factors around it...U guys are acting like he took less money to play with the LA Clippers...:hammerhead: smarten up!

[gts]

I don't get that. He gets payed by Heat, a business franchise in Florida, why should he pay tax in every other states? He doesn't get a share for jersey sales or ticket sales.

Do you pay tax for other states if you have to travel for you company?

Lebron gets more income through endorsement anyway. And those local endorsement will be state tax free, a boatload of money.

Take less money for winning my ass.yes you do if you make a taxable amount while being on business for your company like athletes do...

[BonyFaceNDong]

yes you do if you make a taxable amount while being on business for your company like athletes do...

Are you sure? NBA players don't make taxable amount for themselves like tennis players, they get salary from their team.

It says Amare's 99.8mil contract is worth 12 mil less than if he signs with Heat here. If they pay tax based on different states, it can't be true.

http://www.sacbee.com/2010/07/07/2873196/leading-off-state-income-tax-could.html

[bekalc]

I find the concept that Lebron owed Cleveland anything to be frankly ridiculous. I mean yes the management hired people for him, bent over backwards but he made the millions. At the end of the day what the guy really wanted was Rings, and I don't blame him for thinking that it wasn't going to happen with the Cavs. I mean they still hadn't found the guy people like a Pippen etc.

Now Lebron was an idiot for doing that whole hour long tv special and should have broken it to Cleveland fans more gently. At the end of the day this is a sport and a game, but its also the guys career. I don't blame the guy for going where he'd have players and a management that could win him championships.

Its easy for fans to sit there and say this person should stay, but the fact is that its not their lives, and they haven't spent all that time getting that good.

[gts]

Are you sure? NBA players don't make taxable amount for themselves like tennis players, they get salary from their team.

It says Amare's 99.8mil contract is worth 12 mil less than if he signs with Heat here. If they pay tax based on different states, it can't be true.

http://www.sacbee.com/2010/07/07/2873196/leading-off-state-income-tax-could.htmlpoorly written article...

go google "jock tax"

[BonyFaceNDong]

I find the concept that Lebron owed Cleveland anything to be frankly ridiculous. I mean yes the management hired people for him, bent over backwards but he made the millions. At the end of the day what the guy really wanted was Rings, and I don't blame him for thinking that it wasn't going to happen with the Cavs. I mean they still hadn't found the guy people like a Pippen etc.

Now Lebron was an idiot for doing that whole hour long tv special and should have broken it to Cleveland fans more gently. At the end of the day this is a sport and a game, but its also the guys career. I don't blame the guy for going where he'd have players and a management that could win him championships.

Its easy for fans to sit there and say this person should stay, but the fact is that its not their lives, and they haven't spent all that time getting that good.

Lebbron doesn't owe Cavs, he is free to go. But he is not taking less money, and he should have told Cavs earlier so they could go a different direction earlier. Cavs already took bad contracts like Jamison to please him, and just signed Scott as coach last week. I don't know how Lebron should gaim more respect by throwing his former team under the bus and humiliating his hometown and fans in front of national TV.

[Ken_Masters]

But you people are drinking the Kool Aid now and are saying you respect him? Get the f*ck out of here OP. Unless you are a die hard Heat fan (I think there are some...Miami is a lame sports town) then live it up and be happy. But the rest of us that love the game and the NBA know LeBron tarnished his image forever with this decision and his actions on how he announced it.

:rolleyes: I am a Celtics fan. I have had a STRONG dislike for LeBron, for the past 3 or 4 years. I don't have any emotions invested in LeBron, or the Heat. I just call it like i see it. LeBron obviously doesn't care about his image. He cares about winning. If he doesn't wanna go down as GOAT, who cares. What's wrong with him just wanting to play the game with friends, win a few rings, then retire happily? The only people who care about LeBron's legacy and his GOAT status are the ones who are too emotionally involved in this.

Too many of you people are detached from reality. Basketball is a J.O.B. Get it? It's WORK. Who wants to go to work at a place they don't enjoy? I know i don't. Why should James? Just because he's a basketball player and people want him to be GOAT?

[bekalc]

Lebbron doesn't owe Cavs, he is free to go. But he is not taking less money, and he should have told Cavs earlier so they could go a different direction earlier. Cavs already took bad contracts like Jamison to please him, and just signed Scott as coach last week. I don't know how Lebron should gaim more respect by throwing his former team under the bus and humiliating his hometown and fans in front of national TV.

Well this I agree with; however, I'd point out that maybe Lebron really was faciliating. In general though the guy could really shouldn't have had that hour long show/break up. If he wanted to do that hour long show, he should have at least breaken up with Cleveland fans beforehand.

[BonyFaceNDong]

poorly written article...

go google "jock tax"

Interesting. But jock tax seems to be based on "days on duty" in those states, that means only roughly 80 days per year,not that much compare to the saving at home, I guess., which means he saves 80% in state tax for playing, Now you add those local endorsements tax savings, Lebron should make a lot more in Miami than in Cleveland.

[artex]

I hope we play the Cavs again this Christmas :banana:

[RaininThrees]

I gained respect. Lebron will still have to go thru kobe and LA. Whats the difference?

The difference is that you'll never hear anyone say that a team has to go through "Lebron and the Heat".

[SoCalMike]

I don't have any respect for marquee players that chase rings by collaborating through free agency. What a damn puss.



:pimp:

[dyna]

You think players are responsible for which team they get drafted by and player personnel?

You think Michael Jordan scouted Scottie Pippen in college and made that pick?

That stuff from the players POV is all just the luck of the draw. The way I see it is all LeBron wants is the same opportunity that Magic/Kobe/Bird/Kareem/etc. got. And Cleveland wasn't going to be able to give that to him any time soon.

Now if LeBron wanted to be a total dick he could have demanded a trade L.A. right when he was drafted at age 18. But only a total a*shole would do that, right? ;)

:applause:

[crisoner]

:rolleyes: I am a Celtics fan. I have had a STRONG dislike for LeBron, for the past 3 or 4 years. I don't have any emotions invested in LeBron, or the Heat. I just call it like i see it. LeBron obviously doesn't care about his image. He cares about winning. If he doesn't wanna go down as GOAT, who cares. What's wrong with him just wanting to play the game with friends, win a few rings, then retire happily? The only people who care about LeBron's legacy and his GOAT status are the ones who are too emotionally involved in this.

Too many of you people are detached from reality. Basketball is a J.O.B. Get it? It's WORK. Who wants to go to work at a place they don't enjoy? I know i don't. Why should James? Just because he's a basketball player and people want him to be GOAT?

I'll tell you whats wrong...

The comp in the NBA decreases by a HUGE margin by him making this move. You are talking about two marquee players (Wade and Bron) joining forces in the hopes to rack up titles...corner the market to say.

I have been a strong advocate on these boards that better comp l(like we had in the 80's) leads to better basketball for us all to watch. It was not about the money? It is about winning? But it's HOW you win that also counts. LeBron left a whole city in shambles with one the most arrogant displays by a pro athlete in last nights 1 hour special. Really how can anybody approve of this? You respect that? Sorry bro that makes no sense what so ever. I have no real emotional tag to Bron or the Heat what so ever...but I know a b*tch move when I see one and I'll call someone out on it.

LeBron = B*tch moves.....


http://ilovethehype.com/home/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/nomiami02.jpg

[BonyFaceNDong]

poorly written article...

go google "jock tax"

After a 2nd look, jock tax seems to be "double tax" situation, Sammy Sosa even made a law suit for that and lost.

That means every NBA player will have to pay jock tax no matter which team he plays, PLUS state tax for their full income.

In that sense, Lebron does saved100% state tax for his salary.

[Yung D-Will]

See how Mchale was on his team though?

Who would be making that quote about Bron if he stayed in Cleveland? Mo Williams? Seriously.

He's taking less than the max and playing with the best team he's ever played with by default and people STILL FIND WAYS TO HATE. I dont get it. First people criticized him for not putting winning first and now that he does it's a problem.

If he wanted to win and help his legacy without piggybacking . The only option was Chicago.

[raptorfan_dr07]

No, you're not the only one.

The way I see it, both Lebron James and the Cavaliers management are to blame. Not one or the other. I do believe Lebron did an extremely poor job of handling this whole affair(being a Raptor fan, I said the same about Bosh), and I understand the pain of REAL Cavaliers fans, having endured Vince Carter. You have every right to feel betrayed, hurt, angry, etc. Where I see Cavs management at fault is that they basically enabled this all to happen with their constant babying and coddling of Lebron the past few years. Allowing his friends to have run of the place? Giving them positions within the team? Dan Gilbert's letter was waaayyy out of line and he should have looked in the mirror and reflected on he treated Lebron before he got to typing. He played a big role in Lebron becoming big headed and egotistical.

With that said, I did gain a slight of respect for him because like you said, he is about winning. He made it perfectly clear that he doesn't give a flying f*ck about individual legacies and all that bullsh*t. Sh*t, guys like Karl Malone and Charles Barkley are generally regarded as top 25 players and they never won anything. If Lebron wins some rings in Miami, he'll be remembered as one of the great players. Sure he may not be mentioned in the same breath as Michael Jordan, but I really don't think he gives a sh*t. He'll look back at himself and see a pretty damn successful career. Amazing stats, a couple MVPs, All-Star appearances, All-NBA first team appearances, Defensive first team appearances, and a few rings to top it off. Maybe he realizes what many of us have been saying for years now, F*CK the individual bullsh*t, Basketball is a TEAM GAME, and it takes a TEAM to WIN.

What I find funny is the hate coming from fans of other teams, especially Lakers fans. :roll: I can understand fans of other teams pissed off, but Lakers fans are THE LAST PEOPLE WHO CAN COMPLAIN. As if Kobe hasn't been playing with stacked teams HIS ENTIRE CAREER. I'll take arguably the most dominant force in NBA history and a bunch of role players over this Miami trio. If playing with a Prime Shaquille O'Neal isn't stacked, then I don't know what is, let alone the teams Kobe's had the past several years in comparison to the rest of the league. It's also funny how these "Lakers fans" are jumping down Lebron's back when little b*tch Kobe himself was about to do the same thing if Shaq and Phil weren't gone from the team. How soon we forget. Kobe's as big a b*tch as they come and as disloyal as can be. The motherf*cker was ready to quit after THREE YEARS, THREE YEARS of being average, and you want to lynch Lebron for putting up with seven. :rolleyes: What's the difference? Cleveland can't pull off the bullsh*t that LA does for the sole reason of being the Los Angeles Lakers. Lebron and the Cavs tried to get Chris Bosh to come to Cleveland and he said NO. I can't imagine Bosh turning down Lebron if he was trying to get him to come to the Los Angeles Lakers.

What I also find extremely hilarious and very hypocritical is again, these "Lakers fans" pissing on Lebron/Bosh/Wade/Miami for assembling this super team, yet it's okay for their team to do it and nobody can say a word. :rolleyes: As if we haven't heard them say how they'll just trade Andrew Bynum for Chris Bosh, just like that. Or if we haven't heard them say how they're going after Chris Paul cause he wants to come to LA. :rolleyes: :rolleyes: Now that somebody else went and made the playing field a bit more even, you clowns want to throw a b*tch fit. :rolleyes:

Fans of other teams, continue right on criticizing this Miami team, but Lakers fans, this pic is for you:

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww38/coolsaber57/STFU.gif

[Juges8932]

^^^Hey clown, not all of us Laker fans are complaining. Some of us have actually been defending LeBron and are looking forward to the competition and excitement that team is sure to provide. Weren't you leaving after your hypocritical, hater, pissed-off meltdown after the Lakers won, again?

[Boogaboog]

I'm a Lakers fan, and I've also gained respect for LeBron after this circus. I don't believe he would ever win a ring in Cleveland, he spent seven prime years playing for them, and he left in the face of this widespread hostility, the kind of audacity I can admire. Remaining with a mediocre organization merely to retain the sycophancy of the midwest would have disgusted me, and I would have rooted for the Celtics, Magic, Bulls, etc. to stomp all over that team indefinitely had LeBron made that spineless decision to stay and bask in Ohio's collective adoration. He did what he felt like doing - screw being politic. I shall root for the Heat in the Eastern Conference and hope LeBron doesn't get too crazy in Miami. :applause:

[Turbo Slayer]

Good job :rockon: missed you man :cry: