The Lebron James Saga?

[kingusama92]

This is getting ridiculous now.

Personally, I feel this recent free agency hoopla has been over the top. However, the idea of holding a "special" press conference to tell the world about where he is going is simply unnecessary.

Just seems like a method to draw attention towards himself.

There have been murmurs that he will be looking to join Wade & Bosh in Miami. Sounds scary - however, I wonder who will get the ball as each player hogs it most of the time.

So two questions then..

1) Is this press conference over the top or is it just me?

2) Will Miami's attempt at basically buying a trophy work out or will it flop big time?

[d0gers]

1) Yeah definitely feels way over the top. But I suspect this is an NBA-backed drama, not LeBron's own doing. Seems like the whole league has been planning for this for 2 years.

2) Have no idea, not that knowledgeable about their team. Boston traded away their farm i.e. a lot of good young players, to get Allen and Garnett and it paid immediate dividends, so it can be done.

[kingusama92]

Yes, Boston is a good example of it working.

They will have the makings of a dynasty - if Lebron signs up with Miami.

Cleveland might plummet big time.

[kingusama92]

Well - he has decided to sign with Miami.

Dynasty in Miami? Should be really fun to watch - although I hope Raptors thrash them when they come to the ACC. :D

Lakers will win again next year - Miami can sign whoever they want.

[Amir]

One thing you guys don't know about me is that I been a Heat fan all along. Yes, all these past 30 mins :D

[Rizwan25]

Mannnnn so King james lack of self believe landed him in Miami. I wonder how he will play under captain Wade? Would have been a lot better had he signed with Bulls or knicks. :(

[kingusama92]

I have spent the past 30 minutes just reading through a Cavs forum.

Hilarious stuff.

He's gonna get booed like no tomorrow in that city. I am sure he will have to move otherwise they might kill him.

[Amir]

I have spent the past 30 minutes just reading through a Cavs forum.

Hilarious stuff.

He's gonna get booed like no tomorrow in that city. I am sure he will have to move otherwise they might kill him.

They can say whatever but he made that team good. Their fans are like Toronto's (I am a Raps fan too) who are all calling Bosh "classless" Before LeBron you know where Cleveland was? Last place, that is how they got his pick. He immediately turned them around and gave them 6 quality years. They should be a little grateful cause without him they were nothing.

Same deal with Bosh fans. He doesn't owe anything to Toronto. They gave him a chance but he in return gave them 6 solid years and at least played through his contract and did not give a trade request. He even thanked the fans when he left but at the end of the day he has to do what is best for him. I saw one idiot on facebook calling him classless because he didn't go to Cleveland in a sign and trade so we could get players. What is Bosh? A piece of property to use at our discretion?

/Rant over

[Geordie Ahmed]

Who does the Shaq play for?

[Amir]

Who does the Shaq play for?

Cleveland the team LeBron just left.

Shaq came in September and said "I am here to win a Ring for the King" - the king being LeBron but Shaq was just horrible in the playoffs. A shadow of himself and only tarnishing his legacy.

[aamerfan]

ill tell u this he will regret this decision for along time to come

yea he is gonna win rings but with the help of 2 other nba stars..MJ had pippen and now bron is the pippen to wade's MJ

yea i wanted him to come to NY but he really left Cleveland in a bad way

he is public enemy number one here in america

[kingusama92]

They can say whatever but he made that team good. Their fans are like Toronto's (I am a Raps fan too) who are all calling Bosh "classless" Before LeBron you know where Cleveland was? Last place, that is how they got his pick. He immediately turned them around and gave them 6 quality years. They should be a little grateful cause without him they were nothing.

Same deal with Bosh fans. He doesn't owe anything to Toronto. They gave him a chance but he in return gave them 6 solid years and at least played through his contract and did not give a trade request. He even thanked the fans when he left but at the end of the day he has to do what is best for him. I saw one idiot on facebook calling him classless because he didn't go to Cleveland in a sign and trade so we could get players. What is Bosh? A piece of property to use at our discretion?

/Rant over

My complaint with Lebron is the way he handled this.

Classless. He tortured Cavs fans with this national tv nonsense.

[amar1212]

ill tell u this he will regret this decision for along time to come

yea he is gonna win rings but with the help of 2 other nba stars..MJ had pippen and now bron is the pippen to wade's MJ

yea i wanted him to come to NY but he really left Cleveland in a bad way

he is public enemy number one here in america

no u are wrong. they are all Pippen. no one here is MJ. they planed this since the Olympics and they all sacrificed around $30 million on table just to play together..this is not about egos or whose team it is. its about building a dynasty. look at kobe/shaq. no one is talking about whose team it was, or shaq helped kobe to win those rings or the other way around, now everyone is saying one thing--kobe has 5 rings, shaq has 4 rings. you can go even further, kareem and magic needed each other to win those titles. MJ needed pippen, rodman and and buch of other great role players to win. tim duncan needed parker, KG needed Pierce and ray allen. kobe needed shaq, gasol, bynum, odom and artest. lets face it, cavs never put an extra star with LBJ. shaq was too old, mo wasnt good enough for the playoffs, and jamison wasnt there long enough to gell.

what lebron james did was right thing. they wil rule the nba for years to come if everything goes according to the plan. hats off to the master, pat riley--what a genius! 3 best players on one team for discount---who would have thought of this...

but i still feel sad for clevelanders buut they still have a decent team, if they can get another major player--tony parker/chris paul etc.

[Amir]

My complaint with Lebron is the way he handled this.

Classless. He tortured Cavs fans with this national tv nonsense.

While LeBron was part of it, something tells me ESPN had a bigger hand in playing it. Just look at the set up, Vitamin Water, bing....I think there were 4-5 different companies and then ESPN themselves. He figured he was going to get a lot of questions anyways, might as well do it.

[amar1212]

While LeBron was part of it, something tells me ESPN had a bigger hand in playing it. Just look at the set up, Vitamin Water, bing....I think there were 4-5 different companies and then ESPN themselves. He figured he was going to get a lot of questions anyways, might as well do it.
;
espn was taken over by lebron's company from 9:00-10:00. i think its called LKMR or something like that. they were responsible for the sponeseships/the ads/ the hype..the money made from all of that is going to be donated--somewhere around 2.5 million

[kingusama92]

While LeBron was part of it, something tells me ESPN had a bigger hand in playing it. Just look at the set up, Vitamin Water, bing....I think there were 4-5 different companies and then ESPN themselves. He figured he was going to get a lot of questions anyways, might as well do it.

No doubt - they had a huge part. Excellent business/marketing decision.

Although it should be handled the way CB4 or many others have done. Just release some sort of media statement and leave it at that.

Personally, I could care less about Cavs and their fans but I do feel bad for them today. It sucks to see your superstar player just rip your hearts apart like that on TV of all things.

I thought he was going to be classy and say he would stay back.

Winning with two other outright superstars beside him.. seems kind of weak.

[kingusama92]

no u are wrong. they are all Pippen. no one here is MJ. they planed this since the Olympics and they all sacrificed around $30 million on table just to play together..this is not about egos or whose team it is. its about building a dynasty. look at kobe/shaq. no one is talking about whose team it was, or shaq helped kobe to win those rings or the other way around, now everyone is saying one thing--kobe has 5 rings, shaq has 4 rings. you can go even further, kareem and magic needed each other to win those titles. MJ needed pippen, rodman and and buch of other great role players to win. tim duncan needed parker, KG needed Pierce and ray allen. kobe needed shaq, gasol, bynum, odom and artest. lets face it, cavs never put an extra star with LBJ. shaq was too old, mo wasnt good enough for the playoffs, and jamison wasnt there long enough to gell.

what lebron james did was right thing. they wil rule the nba for years to come if everything goes according to the plan. hats off to the master, pat riley--what a genius! 3 best players on one team for discount---who would have thought of this...

but i still feel sad for clevelanders buut they still have a decent team, if they can get another major player--tony parker/chris paul etc.

All of those players you listed - they never had outright superstars beside them.

Pippen & Rodman were good, but they were not at the level of Wade/Bosh.Shaq was good, but he was the only superstar alongside Kobe. Lebron has two guys beside him now - who are considered franchise players.

Also, Cleveland has no chance in heaven of getting Chris Paul. Why would he want to go that dump? Lebron James was the only reason players even considered Cleveland as an option.

[amar1212]

All of those players you listed - they never had outright superstars beside them.

Pippen & Rodman were good, but they were not at the level of Wade/Bosh.Shaq was good, but he was the only superstar alongside Kobe. Lebron has two guys beside him now - who are considered franchise players.

Also, Cleveland has no chance in heaven of getting Chris Paul. Why would he want to go that dump? Lebron James was the only reason players even considered Cleveland as an option.
Cavs have trade assets that other teams, who would be trying to get under cap relief for next season, want. Plus, New Orleans is even a bigger dump than the cavs. At least u get to play w/ mo, jamison, varejao, D west, Z and other promising players (JJ, moon etc) and your former coach...

but if u know Dan Gilbert, he is willing to do anything to win..just look at what he did to cavs from 2007-2010. he just released a statement on cavs.com stating that cavs will win a title before self-proclaimed 'king' does..so we should wait and see... :)

[amar1212]

here's Dan Gilbert, owner of Cleveland Cavaliers

Dear Cleveland, All Of Northeast Ohio and Cleveland Cavaliers Supporters Wherever You May Be Tonight;

As you now know, our former hero, who grew up in the very region that he deserted this evening, is no longer a Cleveland Cavalier.

This was announced with a several day, narcissistic, self-promotional build-up culminating with a national TV special of his "decision" unlike anything ever "witnessed" in the history of sports and probably the history of entertainment.

Clearly, this is bitterly disappointing to all of us.

The good news is that the ownership team and the rest of the hard-working, loyal, and driven staff over here at your hometown Cavaliers have not betrayed you nor NEVER will betray you.

There is so much more to tell you about the events of the recent past and our more than exciting future. Over the next several days and weeks, we will be communicating much of that to you.

You simply don't deserve this kind of cowardly betrayal.

You have given so much and deserve so much more.

In the meantime, I want to make one statement to you tonight:

"I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE THAT THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS WILL WIN AN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP BEFORE THE SELF-TITLED FORMER ‘KING’ WINS ONE"

You can take it to the bank.

If you thought we were motivated before tonight to bring the hardware to Cleveland, I can tell you that this shameful display of selfishness and betrayal by one of our very own has shifted our "motivation" to previously unknown and previously never experienced levels.

Some people think they should go to heaven but NOT have to die to get there.

Sorry, but that's simply not how it works.

This shocking act of disloyalty from our home grown "chosen one" sends the exact opposite lesson of what we would want our children to learn. And "who" we would want them to grow-up to become.

But the good news is that this heartless and callous action can only serve as the antidote to the so-called "curse" on Cleveland, Ohio.

The self-declared former "King" will be taking the "curse" with him down south. And until he does "right" by Cleveland and Ohio, James (and the town where he plays) will unfortunately own this dreaded spell and bad karma.

Just watch.

Sleep well, Cleveland.

Tomorrow is a new and much brighter day....

I PROMISE you that our energy, focus, capital, knowledge and experience will be directed at one thing and one thing only:

DELIVERING YOU the championship you have long deserved and is long overdue....



Dan Gilbert
Majority Owner
Cleveland Cavaliers


http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/news/gilbert_letter_100708.html

[Amir]

Classless stuff from someone you don't expect. Pathetic statement from the owner. Downright pathetic. LeBron turned Cleveland into the team they are. Not the executives, not the coach but LeBron carried that team for so long. Shameless really, can't wait till LeBron returns to Cleveland...I know he will only smash them apart.

[kingusama92]

Classless stuff from someone you don't expect. Pathetic statement from the owner. Downright pathetic. LeBron turned Cleveland into the team they are. Not the executives, not the coach but LeBron carried that team for so long. Shameless really, can't wait till LeBron returns to Cleveland...I know he will only smash them apart.

Like I said previously, I don't think they are hurt because he left them [it does add to the pain].

It has to do with the way he did it.

I agree though - it's in poor taste to slam the guy like that. It seems childish. The owner of an NBA franchise should not be stooping to such low levels. In the end, he has to salvage something because all of the fans [band-wagoners] will ditch the team now, unfortunately.

The games between Cavs-Heat and Raps-Heat should be amazing to watch. :)

[Amir]

Like I said previously, I don't think they are hurt because he left them [it does add to the pain].

It has to do with the way he did it.

I agree though - it's in poor taste to slam the guy like that. It seems childish. The owner of an NBA franchise should not be stooping to such low levels. In the end, he has to salvage something because all of the fans [band-wagoners] will ditch the team now, unfortunately.

The games between Cavs-Heat and Raps-Heat should be amazing to watch. :)

It doesn't matter how he left. As an owner of a franchise, hold your dignity. By publishing such a statement it just shows that this team was LeBron. Sure you can say "we are working hard"...what were you doing before when LeBron was there though, as if to suggest they weren't? People get it your a franchise and you will try your best to win a title. However, publishing a note like this on your website 2 hours after your star player leaves just shows how desperate you are for him.

Gilbert is fooling no one.

[amar1212]

Classless stuff from someone you don't expect. Pathetic statement from the owner. Downright pathetic. LeBron turned Cleveland into the team they are. Not the executives, not the coach but LeBron carried that team for so long. Shameless really, can't wait till LeBron returns to Cleveland...I know he will only smash them apart.
i think its a great tactic from him.. he gained the support back of atleast half of the cavs fans just when lebron insulted them on live tv and kicked them in the hearts..smart guy. always liked him :)

[kingusama92]

i think its a great tactic from him.. he gained the support back of atleast half of the cavs fans just when lebron insulted them on live tv and kicked them in the hearts..smart guy. always liked him :)

Yup, the letter is simply a tactic to win over fans and to hide his staff's mediocrity of not getting Lebron signed. Let's face it - this letter will win him some reprieve from the fans.

They should have remained classy though. I thought Bryan Colangelo handled Bosh's exit smartly and professionally the other day. Although, we had more time of preparing for it then Cleveland did.

I am surprised Lebron left the Cavs. It was his hometown team. It would be like me joining the Maple Leafs and then ditching them. I wouldn't be able to do it. The attraction of playing with two other superstars must have been quite alluring.

[amar1212]

Yup, the letter is simply a tactic to win over fans and to hide his staff's mediocrity of not getting Lebron signed. Let's face it - this letter will win him some reprieve from the fans.

They should have remained classy though. I thought Bryan Colangelo handled Bosh's exit smartly and professionally the other day. Although, we had more time of preparing for it then Cleveland did.

I am surprised Lebron left the Cavs. It was his hometown team. It would be like me joining the Maple Leafs and then ditching them. I wouldn't be able to do it. The attraction of playing with two other superstars must have been quite alluring.

I saw bosh leaving since the day he was drafted (okay, maybe not..lol) but toronto did nothing to build a strong team around him..atleast cleveland did and it showed in the reg seasons (last 3)

I was surprised too. I just think he has a too much of a ego, i dont care how good of the friends they all are...its not going to end well when they win multiple rings..i can see lebron taking over wade's 'house', which wouldnt go too well with the fans and wade (similar too kobe/shaq drama)..lets wait and see.....

[kingusama92]

I saw bosh leaving since the day he was drafted (okay, maybe not..lol) but toronto did nothing to build a strong team around him..atleast cleveland did and it showed in the reg seasons (last 3)

I was surprised too. I just think he has a too much of a ego, i dont care how good of the friends they all are...its not going to end well when they win multiple rings..i can see lebron taking over wade's 'house', which wouldnt go too well with the fans and wade (similar too kobe/shaq drama)..lets wait and see.....

It could get messy in Miami, if they start losing. They might start blaming each other in next to no time.

They are hands down the most hated team in the NBA now.

Just like the Yankees in the MLB. :D

[Saqs]

Gilbert's lost it completely.

I was really hoping for Lebron to try and carve his own legacy by going to Chi-city or NY. Too bad he's gone for a quick-fix for his ring-addiction.

Should make for some interesting viewing with Bron, Bosh and Wade.

Usama, I would say Lakers are more hated than Miami.

[kingusama92]

Gilbert's lost it completely.

I was really hoping for Lebron to try and carve his own legacy by going to Chi-city or NY. Too bad he's gone for a quick-fix for his ring-addiction.

Should make for some interesting viewing with Bron, Bosh and Wade.

Usama, I would say Lakers are more hated than Miami.

Not anymore. :D

Everyone hates the champs as usual. The hatred for Miami will be something different. They have tried to basically buy a championship ala Yankees - no fan appreciates that.

One thing is for sure - Miami Heat highlights will be on the top of my list in terms of what to watch.

[fawad_wellwisher]

Your anti-LeBron James reading list
The LeBron James Variety Hour resulted in the superstar, in his words, taking his talent to South Beach where he will join the Miami Heat. He will play with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, and the Heat will be loved or hated, with no middle ground.

As Cleveland stews, James is getting killed across the board today by reporters and columnists, local and national. Here is a sampling.

Read more: http://sports.nationalpost.com/2010/07/09/your-anti-lebron-james-reading-list-for-july-9/#ixzz0tD8UGuLT



http://sports.nationalpost.com/2010/07/09/your-anti-lebron-james-reading-list-for-july-9/

[Amir]

Not anymore. :D

Everyone hates the champs as usual. The hatred for Miami will be something different. They have tried to basically buy a championship ala Yankees - no fan appreciates that.

One thing is for sure - Miami Heat highlights will be on the top of my list in terms of what to watch.

How did they try to buy a championship? Last time I checked, NBA has a cap and baseball just has a tax. In baseball and EPL you can buy a championship, in NBA you can't.

I have seen people blaming the NBA and Heat for this and why? If 3 superstars who are all good friends that want to play together, come up to you and say hey we will all play for your team....what do you think anyone would say? All 3 guys took a cut for this to happen, so don't see how they "bought" a title when they are yet to win one and the players are making less than what they could.

[kingusama92]

How did they try to buy a championship? Last time I checked, NBA has a cap and baseball just has a tax. In baseball and EPL you can buy a championship, in NBA you can't.

I have seen people blaming the NBA and Heat for this and why? If 3 superstars who are all good friends that want to play together, come up to you and say hey we will all play for your team....what do you think anyone would say? All 3 guys took a cut for this to happen, so don't see how they "bought" a title when they are yet to win one and the players are making less than what they could.

It is as close as one can get to buying [guaranteeing] a championship.

They have a cap, but it's not a "hard" cap. It's still a soft cap that can be exploited. Perhaps, not to the level of the MLB or EPL, but it's still not strict. Miami exploited the exceptions found within the cap to sign Dwayne Wade and then the rest became easy in terms of Bosh/Lebron as they have no one else on their roster.

I don't blame the players or the team completely - they were following rules and have done nothing wrong. Just like the Yankees - they are following rules, but it does not mean they are right with what they are doing. The league is at fault and this whole thing is farcical at best.

The best leagues have talent spread throughout the teams. NHL is a decent example of talent getting spread - simply due to the "hard" cap in place. I didn't support Boston when they did it and I won't support Miami when they do it.

[amar1212]

do the cavs trade to rebuild or to compete now....the dan gilbert letter leaves the management in tough spot now lol

[kingusama92]

do the cavs trade to rebuild or to compete now....the dan gilbert letter leaves the management in tough spot now lol

Logically, you would rebuild the whole thing again.

Although, I highly doubt the management team will go down that route. It would suggest that they were only good because of Lebron James [which is true] and they do not want to show this to the world.

I agree, the Gilbert letter has put them in a tough spot. They have to get things done now or the fans might start another backlash.

At this point in time - Cavs will get run over. Teams only feared them because of Lebron. They are truly nothing without him.

[Saqs]

How did they try to buy a championship? Last time I checked, NBA has a cap and baseball just has a tax. In baseball and EPL you can buy a championship, in NBA you can't.

I have seen people blaming the NBA and Heat for this and why? If 3 superstars who are all good friends that want to play together, come up to you and say hey we will all play for your team....what do you think anyone would say? All 3 guys took a cut for this to happen, so don't see how they "bought" a title when they are yet to win one and the players are making less than what they could.

Agreed with Amir.

It was all within the "cap" limits. Bosh and Wade took pay cuts for it to happen.

Similar thing happened at Boston, which resulted in the biggest turnaround of fortunes in one single year in NBA history. Nobody really hates Boston for that.

Although I don't like Lebron going to Miami, there is no blame on the Heat for doing this.

Although I'm with Usama on this one in terms of supporting any team that plays against the Heat...except maybe Kobe's Lakers - there is a deep-rooted hatred there that can't be quenched.

[kingusama92]

Both Lebron and Bosh got sign and trades with their former teams, today.

Does that mean they both get maximum contracts?!

So much for pay cuts - sign and trades can only suggest they want as close to maximum as possible. :)))

[zulfiqar]

Haha, y do u all hate the lakers so much?

[kingusama92]

Haha, y do u all hate the lakers so much?

I might be one of the only posters who likes them. Although it has more to do with Kobe for me. :D

Everyone learns to hate the champs. It happens in every sport. Especially repeat champs like the Lakers.

[amar1212]

Both Lebron and Bosh got sign and trades with their former teams, today.

Does that mean they both get maximum contracts?!

So much for pay cuts - sign and trades can only suggest they want as close to maximum as possible. :)))
yes and it also gives Cleveland 4 draft picks and 16 million dollar trade exception..good for Cleveland because now they can actually trade for a really good player

[amar1212]

CLEVELAND, Ohio

According to league sources, after being approached by the Miami Heat the Cavs agreed to send James to his new team in a sign-and-trade deal. The Heat approached the Cavs about the deal, looking to pay James more money and free up some of their own cap space to sign other free agents.

The trade puts the Cavs in a position to make a significant trade of their own in the near future.

The Cavs pick up two first-round picks beginning no earlier than 2013 and continuing through 2017, and the Heat's 2012 second-round pick from New Orleans and a future second-round pick Miami acquired from Oklahoma City.
Cavaliers coach Byron Scott and team management will have some options in the future with a sign-and-trade deal with Miami.

The Cavs also have the right to swap first-round picks with the Heat in 2012. In a separate sign-and-trade Friday, the Heat sent two first-round picks to the Toronto Raptors for Chris Bosh.

In addition, the Cavs pick up a trade exception that could be worth up to $16 million. The way the deal works, the Heat are basically trading their salary-cap space for James, and it creates that exception. The Cavs can use that asset in a trade within the next year.

The Cavaliers will not give up the rights to their own free agents such as Shaquille O'Neal, and that will keep them over the salary cap. They will still have their midlevel exception of $5.7 million to use on free agents.

The Cavs were considering renouncing the rights to all their free agents and releasing guard Delonte West to get as much as $13 million in cap space. Instead, they will keep West and likely continue to dangle him in trades while looking for ways to use that $16 million.

It was likely a complex decision by the Cavs to take part in the sign-and-trade deal that will allow James to sign with the Heat for an additional (sixth) season and get higher annual raises that could make him as much as $30 million more over the life of the deal.

After Gilbert issued a fiery and emotional open letter to fans Thursday night, it seemed unlikely he'd take part in a deal that would get James extra money. Getting the Heat to give up four picks in the deal, especially considering the Cavs have had limited picks over the previous four years, apparently made enough business sense for Gilbert take part.

As Cavs General Manager Chris Grant said in a news conference at Cleveland Clinic Courts on Friday before he completed the sign-and-trade with the Heat, the team decided to move on shortly after they were informed James was leaving.

"LeBron is no longer on our team and we're ready to move forward," Grant said. "We're not going to change our thinking -- we want to win."

The Cavs plan is not to launch a complete rebuilding effort, Grant said, and instead attempt to have a seventh consecutive winning season in 2010-11. Getting the picks and the trade exception will give the team a chance to improve in the short term by trade but still assemble options for the future.

Having extra picks, even far into the future, can prove valuable to use in trades for more picks sooner or players. The Cavs, who haven't have a first-round pick in three of the previous six drafts, haven't had those types of options recently.

"If you look at the decisions we've made, they're all based on winning," Grant said. "We have players who are used to winning and we plan to continue to do so."


http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2010/07/cleveland_cavaliers_settle_emo.html
****
I like their mindset right now..they seem like to got over it already and are looking for another winning season! :)

[amar1212]

I might be one of the only posters who likes them. Although it has more to do with Kobe for me. :D

Everyone learns to hate the champs. It happens in every sport. Especially repeat champs like the Lakers.
there are the good and likable champs--Magic's Lakers, Bulls, Pistons etc
then there are the arrogant, cocky champs--Spurs, kobe's lakers, celtics
lol

[kingusama92]

yes and it also gives Cleveland 4 draft picks and 16 million dollar trade exception..good for Cleveland because now they can actually trade for a really good player

My comment was directed for the players. They don't seem to be taking any pay cut.

It's just that Miami Heat have emptied their team and this way they have enough cap room.

They will go after Udonis Haslem - Wade wants him.

[kingusama92]

At least one positive came out of this Bosh stuff for the Raptors.

We get our own pick back. I am sure we will suck next year and that means a decent shot at a lottery pick.

Time to build the whole thing again.

Miami's pick will be 25th and above, but those are useful as well and can't be discounted.

[ShaazE]

So now after 7 years and no rings he needs two other superstars to try and get to the finals... I still don't see him getting any real bling.

[OZGOD]

This was the mos overblown waste of time ever. I lost a lot of respect for Lebron the way he orchestrated this. What's he won to date? Nothing. When Michael Jordan came back from retirement he just sent a fax saying "I'm back" instead of some overblown 1 hr ESPN special.

[kingusama92]

It's going to be tough on Lebron, though.

He HAS to win multiple championships now. Anything less is a failure. He has put himself into an interesting spot.

I wish Miami-Lakers face off in the finals. Just to see Kobe beat on them. :D

[amar1212]

It's going to be tough on Lebron, though.

He HAS to win multiple championships now. Anything less is a failure. He has put himself into an interesting spot.

I wish Miami-Lakers face off in the finals. Just to see Kobe beat on them. :D
Miami will have a hard time going into the finals. You need the whole roster to be a championship team, not just 3 players, and plus East got really tough this year too.. they got alot of work to do...plus, D wade and Chris bosh are all injury prones so who knows how many games they will miss..i just see this year as an in-progress year, but once they get all the right pieces around these 3, then they will definitely get a 6 peat :))

[OZGOD]

It's going to be tough on Lebron, though.

He HAS to win multiple championships now. Anything less is a failure. He has put himself into an interesting spot.

I wish Miami-Lakers face off in the finals. Just to see Kobe beat on them. :D

Problem is, Miami have 3 great guys but where's the backup? The Celtics won in 2008 not just because of Pierce, KG and Allen but because of guys like Eddie House, PJ Brown and James Posey coming off the bench. Kobe had not just Gasol and Bynum, he also had Fisher and Artest. Wonder who Riley will put in as the New Big Three's supporting cast.

[kingusama92]

Problem is, Miami have 3 great guys but where's the backup? The Celtics won in 2008 not just because of Pierce, KG and Allen but because of guys like Eddie House, PJ Brown and James Posey coming off the bench. Kobe had not just Gasol and Bynum, he also had Fisher and Artest. Wonder who Riley will put in as the New Big Three's supporting cast.

I agree their supporting cast will be rubbish.

The breakdown will go something like this..


Three superstars [Bosh, Lebron, Wade]

Two average players [Mario Chalmers and Udonis Haslem? Maybe..]

Three Rookies

Five Minimum Level Contracts

Seems very dependent on the stars. If one of them gets injured - they will be in trouble.

[OZGOD]

Classless stuff from someone you don't expect. Pathetic statement from the owner. Downright pathetic. LeBron turned Cleveland into the team they are. Not the executives, not the coach but LeBron carried that team for so long. Shameless really, can't wait till LeBron returns to Cleveland...I know he will only smash them apart.

Yep totally agree. Great job from Gilbert managing to get all of Cleveland behind him and deflect attention from the fact that he 1) failed to resign LeBron James and 2) failed to surround him with the right cast. Why wasn't he able to bring Kevin Garnett to Cleveland 2 years ago? Pau Gasol? Even Lamar Odom? All he brought was a clearly-past-it Shaq. I don't recall Gilbert complaining about the 7 years that LeBron gave to Cleveland, it's Gilbert's fault for not being able to resign him. So he writes this tugging-at-the-heartstrings letter to deflect attention from himself and his failure. Nice!

[OZGOD]

Here come the Rockstars of South Beach!!

http://images.smh.com.au/2010/07/10/1685706/miamiheat-420x0.jpg

They look pretty cool, don't they, like some other Rockstars we know. And like those other Rockstars we know they haven't won anything of note yet! (except for Wade of course) :))

[amar1212]

Problem is, Miami have 3 great guys but where's the backup? The Celtics won in 2008 not just because of Pierce, KG and Allen but because of guys like Eddie House, PJ Brown and James Posey coming off the bench. Kobe had not just Gasol and Bynum, he also had Fisher and Artest. Wonder who Riley will put in as the New Big Three's supporting cast.
so far they have mario chamers, beasly, mike miller, and big Z.. thats good isnt it?

[kingusama92]

so far they have mario chamers, beasly, mike miller, and big Z.. thats good isnt it?

Beasly is gone.

Mike Miller and Big Z are options, but they have not signed with anyone yet.

Although, rumours are that Mike Miller has signed already and Haslem will follow as well.

[amar1212]

Beasly is gone.

Mike Miller and Big Z are options, but they have not signed with anyone yet.

Although, rumours are that Mike Miller has signed already and Haslem will follow as well.
oh i didnt know that..my friend told me that Miller and Z both will sign this week..i also heard derek fish might go there too...we'll see

[Inswinger]

Lebron James will regret going to the Heat.

[Inswinger]

It's going to be tough on Lebron, though.

He HAS to win multiple championships now. Anything less is a failure. He has put himself into an interesting spot.

I wish Miami-Lakers face off in the finals. Just to see Kobe beat on them. :D
Even if the Heat win multiple championships in the next 5 years; Lebron will never be compared to Jordan and Bryant again. He went to D-Wade's team. He's the Robin to D-Wade's Batman.

The Lakers are still the team to beat.

[invincible]

Even if the Heat win multiple championships in the next 5 years; Lebron will never be compared to Jordan and Bryant again. He went to D-Wade's team. He's the Robin to D-Wade's Batman.

The Lakers are still the team to beat.
The media will hardly portray it that way. It will still be portrayed as the King who joined Wade and Bosh and won it for Miami. Over the years, it will be Wade who might grow jealous of how the King is taking over "his town". And then, it might get ugly.

[invincible]

oh i didnt know that..my friend told me that Miller and Z both will sign this week..i also heard derek fish might go there too...we'll see
Fisher signed an extension for Lakers :)

[amar1212]

UD, Miller, Mario Chalmers, Z
so far so good!

[Amir]

LBW = LeBron, Bosh, Wade...

Surely, one desi has to hold a sign up like this next year at their games.