The image above is currently on the front page of ESPN.com. I saw the picture, read the caption "The Chosen One has a big decision to make this summer. In Ian O'Connor's eyes, New York is the obvious choice." and laughed.
Apparently Ian O'Connor is trapped in the 1970's when the Knicks won both of their championships. Maybe O'Connor believes that Lebron James, the most gifted basketball player (and human) EVER prefers media attention to his teammates attention. Prefers the Big Apple, to the apple of his eye, an NBA ring.
But what O'Connor fails to realize is that LBJ has only one thing motivating him, WINNING. It isn't money, or cars, or fame because he already has those. If Lebron wanted more attention he wouldn't average 8.5 assists a game, he'd take an extra 8.5 shots a game.
Lebron was born in Akron Ohio, he's playing for the team he grew up watching. The real threat to Cleveland's hold on LBJ isn't the glamour of New York but the talent other teams possess. If Cleveland can't win the title this year what will change their fortunes in the future?
They do not have a budding young star (J.J. Hickson is the closest thing, good prospect but not star calibre). They're centre's are aging, their wing players are one dimensional shooters. Even the latest piece Antawn Jamison struggles to create offense by himself. To compound the problem the Cav's have no cap space, and are too successful to earn a good draft pick.
The problem with Cleveland is talent. If you put Lebron James on 10 other teams they would probably win the finals. But in Cleveland its a question mark.
General Manager Danny Ferry is responsible for not finding a ying to Lebron's yang. Lebron entered the NBA six years ago, and has never had a premier scorer in the paint. Over the same period Kobe has had Gasol/Bynum/Malone/(younger)Shaq/Odom. Lebron has never played with someone who could consistently score without him. He's never had another slasher to shoulder the load, and create open shots for him, letting him save energy, and focus on the defensive side of the floor.
When the Cleveland Cavaliers get ousted by the Atlanta Hawks or Orlando Magic this post-season Lebron will understand that if he stays with Cleveland he may never win a ring.
It's funny, I always believed the Cav's shouldn't have traded for Shaq or signed Mo Williams or Anthony Parker. They should have shed cap room and prepared for the 2010 free agent class like everyone else. Imagine Lebron as recruiter. Who could turn down the pitch?
"Joe Johnson, would you like to win a championship? Just sign here."
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