Posts Tagged LeBron James
Cavs’ Owner Dan Gilbert Slams LeBron James
Posted by Mark Travis in News on July 8, 2010
Cleveland Cavaliers Owner Dan Gilbert has released an intense letter to the Cleveland Fans. Here it is:
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
Update: LeBron James To Sign With Miami Heat
Posted by Steve Kays/Mark Travis in News on July 8, 2010
July 8th, 12:40 AM, Update: ESPN’s Chris Broussard said the following on Twitter:
Sources with knowledge of the situation indeed saying LeBron will join Wade and Bosh in Miami, barring a late change of heart
Moments ago Newsday’s Knicks beat writer Alan Hahn reported that LeBron James has decided to sign with the Miami Heat. Such a move would create a new “Big 3,” featuring James, along with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh who both committed to sign with the Heat earlier on Wednesday.
Hahn on twitter:
Multiple sources are telling Newsday that LeBron James has decided to join Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami. The new Big Three is here.
This news might be related to the NBA releasing its salary cap information for next season, where it has estimated the cap to be set at $58 million, nearly $2 million more than most experts were expecting. This increase should allow the Heat to offer maximum (or very close) contracts to James, Wade, and Bosh without any of them sacrificing much money, if any. New estimates give the Heat around $49-$50 million of cap space, so it is possible that Miami will be able to assemble its “Big 3″ without trading Michael Beasley as once previously thought.
NBA News and Rumors has learned that Miami based sources are the ones confident LeBron is coming to the Heat. None of our sources have confirmed the report. We can say that Alan Hahn is a fantastic reporter and has a good track record, though.
LeBron “Special” Will Not Be in Cleveland
Posted by Mark Travis in News on July 7, 2010
The LeBron James “Special” will not be held in Cleveland, according to Colin Cowherd of ESPN Radio.
Cowherd says ESPN has sent several executives out to cover the event but that none of them are going to Cleveland.
Cowherd added that ESPN executives do not know where LeBron is going and that the only two people in the world know where LeBron will go, himself and Maverick Carter.
Colin also said on his radio show that the team James chooses will get a call exactly 5 minutes before LeBron announces who he will play with next season.
Of course, this special being filmed elsewhere does not mean he will not return home, but ESPN’s Chris Broussard says the Miami Heat are the front runner for LeBron.
NBA News and Rumors reported last night that the New York Knicks were the favorites for LeBron. We stand by the report until we are told otherwise but the development with Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade may have changed things from James.
ESPN, LeBron Were in Talks During the Season
Posted by Mark Travis in News on July 7, 2010
LeBron James was in talks with ESPN about filming his off-season journey during the season, according to Brian Windhorst of the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
ESPN was in talks with James a couple of months ago about filming his planned free agency “tour” but talks ended after Celtics loss.
If this is true and if LeBron was really thinking about having his off-season filmed during the season, I think that says a lot about his narcissistic personality, where his focus was during the post-season and what he thinks of the city of Cleveland.
Source: Knicks Are the Favorite for LeBron James
Posted by Mark Travis in News on July 6, 2010
LeBron James is favoring the New York Knicks, sources with knowledge of the situation told NBA News and Rumors.
Sources confirmed to us that if LeBron had to decide today, he would choose the Knicks, but acknowledged he still has two days left to think about his decision.
Alex Kennedy of HOOPSWORLD had a similar report earlier today. Our source confirms his report as well.
There has been a lot of speculation over the months that James would have some type of conference announcing his decision and ESPN has confirmed that will be the case.
When asked what the supposed one-hour special will be composed of, the source said nothing was official yet but that James was hoping to have some sponsors for the special and that proceeds would benefit a charity.
More information will be posted should it become available.
Breaking News: LeBron Will Announce His Decision Thursday at 9PM ET
Posted by Mark Travis in News on July 6, 2010
ESPNews just tweeted the following:
Breaking News – Sources: LeBron James will announce decision on his free agency Thursday at 9pm EST on ESPN.
We’ll be tuning in.
Cleveland is Confident LeBron Will Remain a Cav
Posted by Mark Travis in News on July 6, 2010
Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports is reporting that the Cleveland Cavaliers are “confident” that LeBron James will be a Cav next season.
Wojnarowski says any chances of a sign and trade with Toronto that would involve Chris Bosh is out of the question because Bosh does not want to play in Cleveland.
Alex Kennedy of HOOPSWORLD said LeBron was leaning towards the Knicks less than an hour ago but there seems to be something LeBron has done or said that has encouraged Cleveland’s front office.
LeBron Leaning Towards the Knicks?
Posted by Mark Travis in Rumors on July 6, 2010
LeBron James is leaning towards the New York Knicks, according to Alex Kennedy of HOOPSWORLD. Kennedy said this on twitter just minutes ago:
In the last 24 hours, multiple sources have indicated that LeBron James could be leaning to the New York Knicks.
Kennedy also said the following in a column:
Several sources indicated that James’ advisors Maverick Carter and Randy Mims could be traveling to New York on Wednesday and sources have hinted that James will be joining them for the trip. Sources also said that Carter and Mims have been picking the Knicks’ brains for details and information on their salary cap and free agent plans over the past few days.
This report seems to contradict what Brian Windhorst of the Cleveland Plain Dealer said yesterday, which was that LeBron wasn’t leaning in any direction.
If James really is leaning towards the Knicks, this development must have come after New York agreed to terms with Amare Stoudemire. The common belief amongst basketball folk has been that the chips would fall after LeBron made his move but if this is true it seems as if LeBron wanted to have someone else commit to a team before he finalized his decision.
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LeBron Undecided on Destination
Posted by Mark Travis in Rumors on July 5, 2010
After several meetings with NBA teams and a weekend to mull it over, LeBron James is sill undecided on where he will play next season, according to Brian Windhorst of the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
Windhorst, who classifies himself as a stalker when it comes to following LeBron this off-season, said the following about LeBron’s situation on twitter this evening:
Based on several people who have talked to LeBron in last 72 hours, he is giving impression he’s undecided after last week’s meetings.
He really likes Rose & Noah. But there’s lack if shooters on roster. Also it doesn’t sound like he’s exactly being welcomed by Rose. Also, I can confirm several reports of a rift between Wes Wesley & James camp. Wes was indeed pushing Chicago, I’m told.
At this point, LeBron has tightly closed ranks, only seriously talking about decision with a couple people. Which is why so little info.
Not surprising. As many people have speculated, if LeBron is going to leave Cleveland, it is unlikely that he will pick his team before his basketball camp in Ohio ends.

