Lebron is Le-Gone

Wow. Last night the Miami Heat took a gigantic step forward by landing this year's greatest free agent, Lebron James. While I cannot blame Miami for going after a player of Lebron's caliber, I must say that I am disappointed by Lebron's decision. Here are the reasons that I don't like this move:

Lebron should have stayed true to the team that drafted him:

I am starting to think that I am a purist of all sports b/c I love when players stay with the team they originally signed with. For instance, I am not a Kobe Bryant fan (not even a little bit). I can appreciate and respect 2 things about him though: 1. At this moment it would be difficult to debate he is the best player currently playing and 2) He has worn the same uniform since he came into the league (granted the number changed). Some would argue with me that is because LA is a much easier town to play and live in than Cleveland. If you had this same argument I would offer this counterpoint. I am from Oklahoma and our hometown hero, Kevin Durant, is the current reigning scoring champion. There was much debate within the press if he would sign on for more years or try to make a bigger name for himself in a bigger market. Durant says on more than one occasion that OKC is home and he wants to be in OKC. I am proud to say that he signed the max contract for 5 more years in OKC. I think that is a really classy move.

I dont think it is all about winning:

I am a hardcore Oklahoma State fan, and have often been criticized for it. Although OSU does not have a bad team, Oklahoma is primarily a Sooner state. I have watched both OU and OSU go through their ups and downs. Although it kills me to say it, OU has seen much more success throughout the years. I cannot argue that OSU is superior in football b/c OU has the national championships to prove otherwise. At any moment growing up and now I could have switched my colors and said OK, now I am a Sooners fan because they win more. That wont happen, while I enjoy watching the Sooners and will be happy to cheer for them, when Bedlam arrives you best believe that I will be donning the Orange and Black. Lebron said I could have made more money if I would have remained a Cavalier, but winning was more important. Essentially he has told his fan base that winning is more important that being on a team that would do anything for you. I truly believe that Cleveland was prepared to go out and recruit the best talent so that Lebron had the best chance to win. They proved this thought last year when they went after Shaq and somehow kept Ilgauskas. Rather than seeing the effort that was made he turned his back and want to win now.

It does take 5 to win:

Lebron gave many examples of how it takes 5 players to win a championship and even the best had to have help. Specifically he mentioned Bird having Lambeer, and Jordan having Pippen, Kukoc, and Rodman. I grew up a Jordan fan and there is no doubt that was Jordan's team. It did take 5 players, Jordan was the leader though. Kukoc was a role player, as was Kerr, Horace Grant, and Rodman. I believe that was a statement that he was trying to reason out his decision. With the current dynamic in Miami Lebron will not be the only leader. I would say there will be 2 leaders (Lebron and D-Wade) a Sidekick (Bosh) and 2 other guys that will be role-players. This is a much different dynamic than when Jordan played and LJ can try to reason it out as much as he wants, but I think he knows that too.

The Decision? More Like the Spectacle:

A one hour national time slot just to announce the team that Lebron would be joining? I have never seen something so ridiculous. Even if I did believe that Lebron's decision was all about winning I lost a lot of respect for LJ to make this decision and not even inform his current team beforehand. I think that is so disrespectful and egotistical. Admittedly, I was never a huge fan of LJ to begin with, but even if I was, I would not be anymore. I do understand that all proceeds went to the Boys and Girls club, but still there is no doubt this conference was done to draw attention to Lebron and I think it was entirely uncalled for.

Parting words: With all this said I am now a huge Cleveland fan and wish them much success!! This season should be interesting. Go Thunder and Go Cleveland!!