The LeBron James Dunk Video

And a minnow it was.

My guess is that we will have 1 week go by without hearing LeBron bashing before someone from one of the coasts finds something else wrong with James.

“James found wearing blue an white shoelaces. Trade to New York or Houston imminent?”

by IBHMC on Jul 22, 2009 6:16 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

This video sucks.

by Roger Dorn on Jul 22, 2009 6:22 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Well said....

did you notice how LeBron barely goes up for the block, like he was playing a pick-up game or something?!?

FTS

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by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Jul 22, 2009 6:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i like how there are refs at the pick up game … i wish i had refs at my pick up games … oh wait no i dont

by jsneides on Jul 22, 2009 6:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That’s all the academy is.. A place to hone skills in a pick-up game format. I didn’t see an NBA logo anywhere.

by Tiny iZ Boss on Jul 22, 2009 7:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The debate is not whether Lebron got dunked on, or how ...

It’s whether he initiated the removal of the tapes by asking the Nike reps to confiscate them.

So, this is never going to end, because I don’t think anyone can supply that answer truthfully.

"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson

by Gils_Keloids on Jul 22, 2009 6:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

That’s all?? This is what the big deal was about?!?! I’m so glad our country spent a week talking about this dunk.

by Buckeye Brad on Jul 22, 2009 7:19 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Again, It's not about getting dunked on, it never was

It’s about trying to hide the evidence.

The video itself is unnecessary.

"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson

by Gils_Keloids on Jul 22, 2009 11:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Its not near as bad as a rookie named Courtney Lee doing it in the Eastern Conf. finals. This is another example of the lack of class and maturity displayed by the “king”. LeBron is no doubt the best player at his position, hell maybe best player period. But until he grows up he will just be another premadonna superstar. Maybe he can get Nike to confisgate the Eastern Finals tapes too?

by The Magic made Lebron run off the court on Jul 23, 2009 6:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow, Lakers and Magic fans hating on LeBron again. What a shock!

By the way, how is LeBron a “premadonna”? Madonna was around a long time before he was even born, so he should be a “postmadonna”.

by Buckeye Brad on Jul 23, 2009 7:31 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

excellent.

by cleveland teamer on Jul 23, 2009 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Cavs fans defending Lebron again. What a shock.

If the guy came out and said “yeah, I asked them to remove the tapes”, would you still find some way to say, “well, it’s his camp, he can do what he wants!”.

It’s not the dunk, it’s the attempt to eliminate any video evidence of it happening. Who cares about the dunk, every good player has gotten burnt on defense, gotten dunked on, even had their own dunk attempt blocked! Not every good player asks to confiscate video of it.

"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson

by Gils_Keloids on Jul 23, 2009 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

t’s not the dunk, it’s the attempt to eliminate any video evidence of it happening.

yea it looks like LeBron went through the whole camp and locked the doors and confiscated every tape … oh wait theres two videos out there and probably countless more. its funny because every attempt on trying to smash LeBron on this incident gets more and more ridiculous. Were you there? Did you have YOUR camera taken. No. No one knows what happened there anymore than what happened at your house last night. Maybe we should call up congress and get them involved … I’m sure they would love enough sports scandal to investigate.

Look the deal is this. Did LeBron act childish by having them confiscate the tapes? Maybe even if it was the camp rules. Is LeBron a horrible person for doing … um I guess. Who knows what he said to that guy … you are basing your WHOLE argument off the hearsay of one lonely reporter who was prolly heartbroken that a tape he had of LeBron could have been sold for some cash. I understand how you would think we are defending LeBron and I will agree with. I would hope you would stand up for the star of your team. But realistically what are you arguing? You are saying LeBron is a baby for “supposedly” telling the Nike official to confiscate cameras RIGHT AFTER he got dunked on (which by the way if you have seen the video its hardly a facial) and then not coming out and confronting the situation. I’m prolly guessing LeBron is actually spending his time with his family and friends rather than say "Yea I talked to the official, I asked him when Amercian Idol started again. I mean really who cares. Thats all we are saying on this thread and site … is WHO CARES. and dont even bother bringing up that ridiculous poll that ESPN did. Its not even relevant to your argument.

The tape is out … its sucks … lets move on to the next scandal … I hear Big Ben is molesting waitresses again.

by jsneides on Jul 23, 2009 11:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

A lot of people care

Don’t think I have to argue that one.

And just because you want to make it an non-issue won’t make it so.

People aren’t going to “move on” from the no-hand-shaking event and tape-confiscation scandal, much as some Kobe detractors have never “moved on” from the events in Colorado.

"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson

by Gils_Keloids on Jul 23, 2009 11:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

People aren’t going to "move on" from the no-hand-shaking event and tape-confiscation scandal, much as some Kobe detractors have never "moved on" from the events in Colorado.

apples and bowling balls, dude. what a joke of a comparison.

you clearly believe that LeBron had the tapes removed…and that’s fine. just know that you’re basing that belief on exactly no evidence. there’s some hearsay from one of the tapers, but even that doesn’t include any quotes from LeBron. i’ll say again, though, there is not one shred of actual evidence that LeBron had any role in the “cover up”…and seeing what a joke the video is, i’m even less compelled to consider the possibility that LeBron had something to do with it.

by DontCallMeJoey on Jul 23, 2009 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

you clearly believe that LeBron had the tapes removed

Nope. I don’t. Could’ve been Lebron’s Nike reps.

Pretty much agree with this Slam column : Lessons from the Lebron Dunk Footage.

It’s actually pretty predictable that Cavs fans would try to make a non-issue out of this, but there are clearly lessons to be learned from this.

"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson

by Gils_Keloids on Jul 23, 2009 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

god i was waiting for someone to make the kobe rape and lebron dunk gate comparison … glad you handled that one

by jsneides on Jul 23, 2009 12:19 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

A lot of people in this country are idiots, and the media plays to these people. So that’s not a reason for continuing to discuss this.

For the last time, we don’t care about this “story” because we try to discuss basketball intelligently on this site and not make a big deal about every “controversy” that ESPN reports. We are not homers or LeBron defenders. If this happened to Kobe or Wade or any other basketball player we still wouldn’t care about it. I’m tired of having to repeat that over and over again.

You do nothing on this site except bash LeBron and the Cavs with baseless accusations. If you want to discuss basketball then we welcome your input (like other fans who have come to this site) but if all you’re going to do is continue this rhetoric then please leave. We all know how you feel and I don’t know why you think you need to keep posting here. You’re acting like a troll and we can ban you if that’s necessary.

by Buckeye Brad on Jul 23, 2009 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

You do nothing on this site except bash LeBron and the Cavs with baseless accusations.

Lebron James is going to be one of the all-time great players in NBA history.

Lebron James has an amazing skill set (court vision, ball handling, and ability to get to the rim) combined with a fearsome mix of speed and power. Add in his wide frame and height, and he is near unstoppable on offense. He continues to improve his game every season, and is dedicated to eliminating his weaknesses, which would be strengths for most other players.

You do nothing on this site except bash LeBron and the Cavs with baseless accusations.

"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson

by Gils_Keloids on Jul 23, 2009 12:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’m glad you finally have something positive to say. That’s real basketball discussion. If you stick to that then we can have great conversations on here.

For the last time, we have no problem criticizing LeBron and other Cavs players when it’s justified. So please stop coming here and telling us we’re LeBron homers and we’ll be fine.

by Buckeye Brad on Jul 23, 2009 1:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

now write that 1000 times on the chalkboard and you will be forgiven

by jsneides on Jul 23, 2009 1:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

postmadonna??... seriously stop before you hurt your self

LeBron = top 3 player NBA all time
Lebron = big pouty sore loser guy

Both statements = truth

I dont see how that is hating on my part but I guess it’s loser’s lament.

by The Magic made Lebron run off the court on Jul 23, 2009 5:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lebron = big pouty sore loser guy

That’s actually called an opinion. You should look that word up in the dictionary, then look up the word truth and see what the difference is.

by Buckeye Brad on Jul 23, 2009 9:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

LeBron = top 3 player NBA all time

fact of the matter is, this is not “truth”, either. while we certainly appreciate the shout out for LeBron, and i think you’d get a lot of agreement about this statement on this site, this is absolutely not “truth”. it’s an opinion, also.

by DontCallMeJoey on Jul 24, 2009 8:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

meant as a reply to The Magic guy w/ the long name

by DontCallMeJoey on Jul 24, 2009 8:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

umm name 3 other guys as physically gifted, tall strong fast that can create a shot from 33 feet to the rim?
I dont like lebron the person, but lebron the player is a once in a 100 year specimen. If he practices his shot selection a little more and just normal growth and maturity WILL make hime the best Score/Passer/ Rebounder/Block/Steals combination player of all time, in my opinion.
Only Jordan and Magic Johnson will be in the same discussion.
Why not Kobe? Because he doesnt do ALL the things Lebron can, When is the last time you remember Kobe viciously blocking someone? I always expect Lebron to do that.
All Lebron needs to do is not get hurt keep growing his game ( which he will) and win 4-6 championships. All the records and such will be his.

Thats me chilling with Nick Anderson

by The Magic made Lebron run off the court on Jul 25, 2009 9:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I dont like lebron the person

please tell us more about your extensive personal interactions with LeBron…

All Lebron needs to do is not get hurt keep growing his game ( which he will) and win 4-6 championships.

sounds easy to me

by DontCallMeJoey on Jul 27, 2009 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

sorry, but your the (uneducated?) one who typed premadonna instead of prima donna

by talonk on Jul 24, 2009 2:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

wow

I am so glad to see the substance of your discussion centers on my mis-spellings.
And for Buckeye Brad its not an opinion that he walked off the court a sore loser, refusing to give proper respesct to his PEERS, that is a lesson taught to every kid from kindergarden on. It is not an opinion about this dunk either. Lebron is a grown man who could at any time diffused this ridiculous “dunk-gate” by saying something as easy as this….." Nike has rules that govern my basketball camps, I find it regrettable that this has become an issue. Crawford is just one of many dedicated basketballers that works hard to make the game better. I am happy for his success, but it is just a pickup game." or something similar.

Buckeye brad
Winning and shaking hands = good sportsmanship
Winning and gloating = bad sportsmanship
Losing and being graceful in defeat = good sportsmanship
Losing and running off and refusing media for your fans = bad sportsmanship
not an opinion just ask any grade school coach.
you guys have your judgement tainted by the myth of Bron-Bron, what are you gonna do when he is a Knick next year?

by The Magic made Lebron run off the court on Jul 24, 2009 7:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

So I guess this picture is irrelevant

We didn't lose the games, we just ran out of time -- Bobby Layne

by detpistons3 on Jul 22, 2009 7:21 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

and i really liked that picture … perhaps we could have jamal and lebron recreate the magic … it would make for a way better feeding frenzy

by jsneides on Jul 22, 2009 8:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Crawford fail.

Jamal Crawford is a guard in the NBA, on the Atlanta Hawks. The college kid that dunked on LeBron is Jordan Crawford.

by LakerUNLTD on Jul 22, 2009 8:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

my bad

by jsneides on Jul 23, 2009 12:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

detpistons3…That pic is about as irrelevant as your avatar is right about now…

by johnnyphoenix on Jul 23, 2009 4:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The avatar to me isn’t irrelevant at all. Sheed will always be huge in my eyes, and I’ll support him no matter where he goes.

We didn't lose the games, we just ran out of time -- Bobby Layne

by detpistons3 on Jul 23, 2009 4:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

what a joke

by DontCallMeJoey on Jul 22, 2009 8:09 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

got out of control

The dunk itself wasn’t the best you will ever see. Granted, he still got posterized. Had he not made such a big deal out of it, whether it was him or Nike, it wouldn’t have been a problem. Someone(Nike or Lebron) went too far to try to hide it, because if you look at the link below, there are no restrictions on filming the games.

Policy

by actioncuse on Jul 22, 2009 9:43 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

seriously

if thats the dunk

whoever that tried to hide it either nike or lebron

is pathetic

thats not anything why would you hide that

by andrew33 on Jul 22, 2009 9:44 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Where is the guy with the microphone yelling “OH BABY!!”?

by rufio on Jul 22, 2009 11:19 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

LJ was not looking when it happend

but hes an idoit for covering that up
hes a baby for doing what he did

by Z-money12 on Jul 22, 2009 11:40 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs

yawn … what a bore of a dunk.

Double yawn about Nike confiscating the tapes.

Triple yawn …. the haters a nd media creating a chum-induced frenzy about ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.

by talonk on Jul 22, 2009 11:43 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I just don't get it...

So somebody dunks on LeBron in a summer game that doesn’t count or have any meaning at all, and all of a sudden its a big deal? Sounds pretty lame for people to make up conspiracy theories about this situation.

By the way, I am new to this blog, and being from Pittsburgh I don’t really have an NBA team to follow so I thought I’d saunter into the Cleveland organization because I like LeBron and I like Shaq. I’m old enough to remember the Lakers and Celtics rivalry, the Pistons and Bulls rivalry and so on. What I have seen is that a superstar(LeBron) needs a super sidekick(Shaq) to win it all. I am rooting for LeBron to win it all this year and shut up all of those annoying Laker fans that worship Kobe.

by Piratefan13 on Jul 23, 2009 6:57 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

SORRY

LeBron is a basketball player. NIKE is a business. I know for a fact LeBron had nothing to do with the tapes being jacked. Think about it. You have a $100million investment called the KING. They are compelled to protect his image. He is compelled to do whatever the f*ck they say. Believe me when I say this, LeBron does not give a shit. It has happened before and it will happen again. He was doing what he loves and he understands that he will be on the DUNK part of this equation 99.9% of the time. LeBron knows the people who are true ballers and understand the love he has for the game will not care he got dunked on. And for those who want to hate on him for this. They can get in line behind those of you who already hate him for Handshake Gate. LeBron is dope and never gets credit for handling his immense stardom so well. especially when he is made to look bad by 50 year old scumbags who can’t shoot a free throw.

From a Magic fan.

Some people swear they down as can be
Turns out those same Homies Sit down to pee

by I blocked Patrick Chewing on Jul 23, 2009 7:47 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Ok, all you haters out there, LISTEN to what this guy says.

He has made conversation on this blog during the playoffs, but he was never rude (a bit pushy sometimes, but hey who isn’t). He offered opinions and ways to back them up.

So all you other haters out there, please do not just come here and post garbage. At least have something to back up your hatered other than, you know, just hatred.

Thank you Mr. Chewing, for actually having a non-hater view of this incident.

by talonk on Jul 23, 2009 9:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If that’s the case, Lebron’s Nike handlers are idiots, because they made this an issue by confiscating the tapes.

Even if you shift the blame to Nike, it’s still a story. A story about how people misjudge the consequences of their actions.

If it was Lebron who initiated it, it’s an even bigger story. A story about how a person misjudged the consequences of his actions.

"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson

by Gils_Keloids on Jul 23, 2009 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If that’s the case, Lebron’s Nike handlers are idiots, because they made this an issue by confiscating the tapes.

Fine then go Nikes site and start bashing them … no one cares on this site especially like talonk said when you bring lame arguments to the table just for the sake of bashing.

by jsneides on Jul 23, 2009 11:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Very civil

I don’t think my arguments are lame at all. They are based on reason, whereas yours are based on loyalty to some player you’re a fan of.

"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson

by Gils_Keloids on Jul 23, 2009 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I love it when Lakers fans come here to give us their “unbiased” opinions and tell us that we’re not being objective. Hilarious.

by Buckeye Brad on Jul 23, 2009 11:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hilarious

That one would not try to be objective.

I never claimed to be unbiased. Every human being has a bias, you can only attempt to remove it from your reasoning.

I don’t “defend” out of loyalty, I defend if I agree or disagree.

And IF Lebron asked the tapes to be removed, I find that pretty indefensible, I don’t care if the player I like (Kobe) did it, if Gandhi did it (he could ball even in sandals and a sari), or my dad (he can’t really ball, but he could get dunked on).

"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson

by Gils_Keloids on Jul 23, 2009 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don’t "defend" out of loyalty, I defend if I agree or disagree.

An agreement or disagreement which you (correctly) cite as necessarily biased from the start!

That isn’t superior logic, my friend. Show me proof—beyond “somebody said it might have been LeBron”—that he actually had a hand in attempting to cover up the dunk (NOT just in confiscating contraband tapes) and I’ll probably agree that it was a dumb move.

It wouldn’t be “indefensible”, either. LeBron didn’t murder anyone, he didn’t sexually assault anyone, he didn’t regular assault anyone, he didn’t commit a hate crime, he didn’t shoot anybody. It would have been “a bad move”.

And even then, he is one of 3 stories in the sports news right now. Favre, that pitcher that might be traded, and LeBron. If Nike did it, they are getting plenty of free publicity out of this.

by rufio on Jul 23, 2009 1:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thats not the point

“It wouldn’t be "indefensible", either. LeBron didn’t murder anyone, he didn’t sexually assault anyone, he didn’t regular assault anyone, he didn’t commit a hate crime, he didn’t shoot anybody. It would have been "a bad move".

This is so true. This whole dunk scandal is a mechanation of ESPN needing news because its the middle of summer and (yawn) 162 games of baseball.

The only problem I have with Lebron is this appearance of him being bigger than the game.
As far as a good citizen I think Lebron ranks at the top. this is what confuses me. The man is funny, marketable, charismatic, does all sorts of good for his community and is a great ambassador for the game.
I feel bad for you Cleveland fans. All rumors of Free agency, Bron shows up wearing a NY cap. Yeah yeah hes a yankee fan, B.S.Wake up people he is telling you something. And what # does Bron wear hmmm…. Notice how Kobe feels secure enough to get his own legacy?
Look I think the guy has boatloads of talent and is a plus to his city, but you guys are high if you cant read the writing on the wall. This is coming from a fan that watched Shaq (same timebomb you guys went after) leave a max year max deal contract because “the media doesnt respect me in Orlando”
Do you believe that excuse?I dont, He wanted the bright lights big city, he wanted movie deals and top shelf. He made excuses, acted badly and treated his fans like sh*t. Then he left.
I worked at the Country Club that he lived in, the city street leading to it had a mile of “Stay Shaq” signs and “we love you” banners. But he used lack of fan appreceation as an excuse to leave.
I am not hear to talk smack and be a d*ck. I have seen this play out before and mark my words its coming with LeBron. these latest examples are just the start. I hope he stays in Cleveland because there he could have his own history and legacy ( same thing with Dwight Howard and Orlando) But I think you long deserving fans should get better from their star.
I mean would it kill him to wear an Indians hat,…. well maybe not that drastic but definately not a NY cap during FA rumors

by The Magic made Lebron run off the court on Jul 24, 2009 8:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

a nice try, man, but you really don’t know what you’re talking about.

The only problem I have with Lebron is this appearance of him being bigger than the game.

evidence? this is just made up and ridiculous.

also, kobe wore 8 b/c he idolized mike d’antoni when kobe was a kid in italy. not b/c of “his own legacy”.

last, you honestly think LeBron wearing a yankees hat was a sign? dude, that is a joke. shaq didn’t move to LA b/c he liked the dodgers, bro. it had to do w/ money and marketing. LeBron is from cleveland, and has every opportunity to make more money by staying in cleveland. he’s not going anywhere.

by DontCallMeJoey on Jul 24, 2009 8:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Exibit A

Bigger than game evidence.
*Wears 23 the holy of all holy #‘s. Wants to be better than Jordan, thinks he’s better than Kobe.
*Marketing angle is “The King” , " The Anointed One" and my fav. " You are all Witnesses" I guess that is a modest opinion of ones self.
*Didn’t respect fellow player, oponents or media and fans in Conf. Finals loss.
*Defended above said with " any of you who know me know I am a winner" " after getting your butt kicked shaking hands isnt what I am gonna do"
*Wearing NY gear in the face of FA rumors around him leaving. regardless of the pain it causes Cavs fans
*Him having a Hummer in high school ( and his mommas house) and going around the rules then.
*And lastly staying silent while this stupid dunk-vid thing goes out of control.

need more?

Thats me chilling with Nick Anderson

by The Magic made Lebron run off the court on Jul 24, 2009 8:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

He wants to be better than Jordan!?!? How dare he!! How dare a young basketball player want to emulate the greatest basketball player ever!!! His goal should be to much, much worse than Jordan. Nobody should ever want to be the best at their profession!

You seriously have no idea what you’re talking about. You’re making up ridiculous statements to bash LeBron for no reason. If you don’t have anything intelligent to say then please just go away.

by Buckeye Brad on Jul 24, 2009 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

(sigh)

you cant handle the truth
If Lebron wanted to emulate Jordan he should remember that Jordan gave Nick Anderson props for stealing the ball from him.
Jordan was a standup pro at every turn.
I never saw him run off the court.
or kobe for that matter. Last year when the Lakers lost Kobe shook hands after.
you guys dont want to acknowledge that The king is acting foolish lately. Even barkley and other analyst have said so much…. but if I say it its baseless bashing. You are sadly deluded.

but I guess this is more bashing by me……

Thats me chilling with Nick Anderson

by The Magic made Lebron run off the court on Jul 24, 2009 2:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

you guys dont want to acknowledge that The king is acting foolish lately

it’s actually that many of us don’t think he’s been acting foolish… this is another bogus creation of the 24/7 “sports media”. i have to congratulate ESPN, though — they cater to guys like you…and it’s obviously working.

by DontCallMeJoey on Jul 27, 2009 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Exibit B

Money and Marketing

Do you really think he has the Ad-Revenue opprotunities in Cleveland that he does in (from top to bottm better than Cleveland even with the China deal)
New York
Brooklyn Nets
L.A.
Chicago
Houston
San Fran
Boston
Philly
Dallas/ Ft. Worth
All bigger Ad Markets than a place with a river that catches fire.
my parents are from Chicago and Akron so I know the area a bit, I am not just a dumb hick talking from no knowledge

Thats me chilling with Nick Anderson

by The Magic made Lebron run off the court on Jul 24, 2009 8:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

This is just silly. LeBron is one of the 2 or 3 most famous athletes in all of sports and that’s not going to change if he plays in NY or LA or wherever. LeBron could play in North Dakota and he’d still be a megastar with millions of endorsement deals. The idea that he needs to move to a "big city’ to improve his endorsements and popularity is just ridiculous. LeBron wants to be an international star, and people in China and Europe don’t care what American city LeBron plays his home games in. You are way off base here.

Also, even if this was true, how is this evidence that LeBron is “bigger than the game”. That is what you stated. Please tell me how this is “Exhibit B” of your theory.

by Buckeye Brad on Jul 24, 2009 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

(sigh)

Exibit B is an answer to dontcall me joey who said “last, you honestly think LeBron wearing a yankees hat was a sign? dude, that is a joke. shaq didn’t move to LA b/c he liked the dodgers, bro. it had to do w/ money and marketing. LeBron is from cleveland, and has every opportunity to make more money by staying in cleveland. he’s not going anywhere.”

It is an example of the better regional markets other than Cleveland. Yes He can make international money regardless of the city he plays. And New York can strike a deal in China too. I dont debate how marketable Lebron is. Now ask yourself, would Lebron rather make his regional endorsement money in a small market like Cleveland or a bigger one?
commercials for the local Cleveland Ford dealership or marque status being on the jumbotron in Time Sq. What do you think the difference in millions it would be , I mean NY is the capital of advertising.
Lebron will have national and international deals if he played in W. Virginia, but I believe the difference in regional money will move Lebron. and lets face it NY or Chicago is way more interesting city than Cleveland.
I hope hometown loyalties prevail and he stays, because the entire organization is tied up in Lebron.

Thats me chilling with Nick Anderson

by The Magic made Lebron run off the court on Jul 24, 2009 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

LeBron already can have his image on whatever times square billboard he wants because he gets paid by national and international companies.

The “regional” market you think of is tiny in comparison. LeBron wants to be the first athlete/billionaire, not to suck an extra couple hundred thousand out of people in upstate New York.

He’s also been a Yankees fan since he was a child, and was supporting his team at a Yankees game. If he was trying to send a message, he could have started showing up places wearing steelers or Ravens caps—that would have said something to the people of Cleveland.

by rufio on Jul 24, 2009 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

haha im pretty sure if LeBron was rooting for teams to piss off Clevelanders … he would be run out of town by now.

Personally I hate the Yankees, but to me if he was reallly trying to make a statement to piss off Clevelanders … he would root for an AL Central team.

by jsneides on Jul 24, 2009 1:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Top earning athlete in the world lives in ….. that’s right ORLANDO! (comon buddy you should know that)

Top earning team athlete lives in … that huge metropolis of advertising INDIANAPOLIS!

I see what you’re saying and agree to a point … I never lived in Cleveland (Toledo boy here … which is way worse in my opinion) But I would prolly want to live somewhere bigger and nicer too. (I moved to LA after I graduated) Ohio is nice to have a family and raise kids … but to live the baller lifestyle not so much. But also on the flip side. LeBron only has to be in Ohio during BBall season … plenty of athletes live in different places. He can travel around anywhere he wants to live the lifestyle.

Basically what I’m trying to get across is that LeBron can be a billionaire anywhere (yea i said it cause its gonna happen) It will come down to does he really want to play in Cleveland. I feel after the commitment that the Cavs have shown him, he should stay. But as a Cleveland fan I already have it in my mind that he is leaving … just like everyone else. But that’s his deal.

by jsneides on Jul 24, 2009 1:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

fianlly some common sense

I hope Lebron is a Billionaire, and I hope he stays loyal to Ohio. He has the opportunity to be Ohio’s most loved athlete ever. He could one day be better than Jordan. He needs 6 rings, or at least 4 to be considered that great.Him staying or leaving , in my opinion, will come down to the lure of a bigger stage( dont get offended but there are better places than Cleveland and Orlando) and Lebron believing he will be on a team that can WIN.
Your Cavs are spending for him and trying their best. Why hasnt he publicly stated he will be a Cav??? If I am correct contractually Cleveland can offer the most years and the highest price, The team has publicly said they want him and made business moves to show that. Why hasnt Lebron and his agents reciprocated?
That is all I am saying.

Thats me chilling with Nick Anderson

by The Magic made Lebron run off the court on Jul 24, 2009 2:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don’t have the link but the article basically said … if LeBron commits to Cleveland now then he loses out on a year of the LeBron Sweepstakes frenzy in which every city that has a team that could woo him away from Cleveland will be doing everything they can to get him to come. Example: How many little new yorkers and big new yorkers are gonna buy LeBron Gear if they know hes not coming … prolly still quite a few but not near as many as if they thought they have a shot at getting him. They may be thinking lets show LeBron that we really care about him and buy his shoes, clothes, hats and God only knows what else he has. This extra year is the difference between 10s of millions and 100s of millions in merchandising IMO. As much as it pains me to say it … and I believe it has been said a million times on this site … LeBron is making the best business decision he could possibly make. A year of free and frenzied exposure. Whether that means he will stay with Cleveland or not … that’s yet to be determined … but as a good business man LeBron is milking this for all that its worth. And in the end as much as we fans like to call the NBA just a bunch of guys playing a game and getting paid ridiculous amounts of money … we have to remember its a job just like any other and you have to whats best for you.

by jsneides on Jul 24, 2009 2:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

hmm..

Well if that is the case I salute him, I am just saying be prepared for the big let down.
Please post that link if you can find it.

Thats me chilling with Nick Anderson

by The Magic made Lebron run off the court on Jul 24, 2009 2:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

here ya go

Brought to you by our own Fear the Links contributor Buckeye Brad. See he’s not that bad :)

And trust me if anyone knows about people leaving for money its the fans in Cleveland … we won’t be surprised

by jsneides on Jul 24, 2009 5:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

maybe

Good article and a def. possibility. I just think he could say something for his fans. This must be killing little kids who worship him.
I dont know, Dwight Howard said he see’s himself being a Magic player SO LONG as they stay competative, etc.etc.
But he DID sign a huge extension recently……maybe there is alot more money involved w/ lebron and he is playing everyone for suckers because he intends to re-sign w/ Cleveland all along. maybe
maybe is a tough thing to bank on…..

Thats me chilling with Nick Anderson

by The Magic made Lebron run off the court on Jul 25, 2009 7:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

But as a Cleveland fan I already have it in my mind that he is leaving … just like everyone else

uhhh…who’s the “everyone else” you’re talking about? i think you’ll find here that most everyone here (who is a cavs fan) thinks he’s staying.

by DontCallMeJoey on Jul 27, 2009 12:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just like everyone else who has left the Cavs for a bigger market elsewhere, maybe?

Even at that, there are not many huge names that come to mind. Players leave the Indians for more money, but that is a different ballgame. Literally.

by rufio on Jul 27, 2009 12:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lebron will have national and international deals if he played in W. Virginia, but I believe the difference in regional money will move Lebron

if you believe this, then you, quite simply, have no clue what you’re talking about.

for one thing, LeBron is the most highly-paid spokesman among team sports athletes in the world ($28mm last year). doing commercials for duane reade in new york won’t move that needle.

further, you’re saying that extra marketing dollars will make him leave…try to put a number on that. $500k more per year? maybe $1mm per year at a ridiculously aggressive assumption? well, if you’ve been paying any attention you’d know that his BASKETBALL contract can pay him $20-30mm more over the life of the deal in cleveland than anywhere else…which i believe may make up for that potential $6mm in endorsements that he “misses”.

in conclusion, you have no evidence that LeBron acts “bigger than the game”, and you have no idea what you’re talking about when it comes to his financial compensation. can’t wait for the next round of “evidence”

by DontCallMeJoey on Jul 27, 2009 12:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Joey, don’t even bother wasting your time with this guy. He has no idea what he’s talking about.

by Buckeye Brad on Jul 27, 2009 4:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

OK lame was a bad term … how about Uninformed?

by jsneides on Jul 23, 2009 12:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Uninformed?

I have been informed of the event through the different media sources and blogs, seeing as I do not know of the people involved first hand.

I know that Lebron got dunked on (no big deal), and that tapes of the incident were confiscated. The rest is my opinion, which I attempt to reason through.

"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson

by Gils_Keloids on Jul 23, 2009 12:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

*I do not know any of the people involved firsthand

"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson

by Gils_Keloids on Jul 23, 2009 12:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The rest is my opinion

Exactly, your biased opinion. As in “not reason, but opinion”. As in “opinion is not the same thing as reason”. As in “you are claiming that your arguments are based in reason but that is incorrect; they are not.”

by rufio on Jul 23, 2009 1:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's just your opinion

"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson

by Gils_Keloids on Jul 23, 2009 3:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good one.

by rufio on Jul 24, 2009 2:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

NIKE handlers are idiots?

His team got shocked out of the playoffs right after the MVP award and the whole puppet marketing thing. How better a way to keep people like you and me talking about LeBron in the Dead of summer? Something tells me His NIKE handlers make in a month what you make in a year. And yet you are here calling them idiots talking about their Client and Their Product.

Yeah what Idiots. Keeping their Product in people’s minds when the most exciting thing right now in basketball is where Fatass Baby Davis going….

Some people swear they down as can be
Turns out those same Homies Sit down to pee

by I blocked Patrick Chewing on Jul 23, 2009 2:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i just bought a $1000 dollars in nike stuff … i made me feel good about myself … then i bought some Micky Ds … i love marketing

by jsneides on Jul 23, 2009 2:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lebron getting dunked on is nothing new

This isn’t the first nor last time Lebron gets dunked on. Move along people, nothing to see here.

However, that whole confiscation matter…that’s just not right.

by Coop21 on Jul 23, 2009 2:01 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

We need a wiki page that has all the same old tired arguments linked so we don’t have to have the EXACT same argument over and over and over and over and over….

Haters and Cavs fans alike ….. TIME TO MOVE ON!!!

by talonk on Jul 24, 2009 1:03 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs