by Lundberg - July 7, 2010 - - 7 Comments »
Following the Cavaliers loss to Boston in the playoffs, LeBron James said that he and his team had a plan and that they would execute it. Execute it they have…masterfully.
You all know what I believe. And now I believe it’s been that way through this entire process. What I think we are watching is the greatest example of modern mass media manipulation ever. LeBron’s team (remember when he was criticized for who he aligned himself with, well, that was wrong) has purposefully leaked information to certain people and outlets to get people talking about various scenarios and to involve multiple teams in the chase. The latest example of this was the LeBron is pushing for Chris Bosh to come to Cleveland reports. To me, that screams, “I did my best but they couldn’t put the talent around me.” It seems like an exit strategy.
The plan has definitely got the desired reaction as well. Media members are outraged. What I find hilarious about that is that he is fueling their jobs, raising their profiles and making the NBA a better league. This isn’t Hoosiers, it’s the entertainment business. He’s trying to build his brand. LeBron James is a basketball player but he wants his brand to mean more than that.
That’s why leaving is the only logical option. The news cycle continues if he goes somewhere else (especially New York). Many people will turn on him. But he could have the largest market on planet Earth behind him. And he will have handled the situation like a man. He isn’t going to break up with Cleveland via text message or leave in the middle of the night like Art Modell. He’s going to do it to their face with proceeds going to charity. He’s going to put Akron on the map like he’s always said he would and continue to enhance his profile in the process.
I can’t imagine that news of his decision won’t leak before tomorrow night. But they’ve kept everything tight-lipped thus far. And now with Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade officially teaming up in South Beach, the logical choice remains the place that he’s always been rumored to be headed. Going to the Heat to join his super best friends would lessen his brand and the Chicago Bulls are Jordan’s brand.
The throne at Madison Square Garden remains empty.
Tags: basketball, knicks, lebron, nba, new york
you called it here first. excellent job man.
it all depends on where this “press conference” will be held. If it’s here in cleveland (akron) there’s no way he’ll stick it too us and leave like that…there’s just no way.
Well it’s in Connecticut.
hes going to the nets. and then we will also steal the beloved David Lee
You should do another podcast with Coop already
While I don’t really care where he goes I want him to pick the Cavs for the pure enjoyment I will get in revelling over your shattered psyche. But since I am also a good brother I will make sure to alert the proper authorities (911) immediately following his decision if he doesn’t pick the Knicks.
Personally I think him telling Cavs fans he is leaving on TV is the ultimate insult, not the classy way to leave.
I think it’s between the Cavs and Knicks…even with the Bulls getting Boozer, Lebron is still bitter about him skipping out over here and leaving him high and dry so I doubt he’ll go their. Miami is out of the question because why would he follow Chris Bosh after he made his announced the day before him. If the Cavs can’t make a huge trade before 9pm tomorrow night he’s going to the Knicks. From certain people over here their’s talks that there is a possible huge trade in the works, so we’ll see. I think it’s chris paul maybe in a 3 team trade. I say though he’s a Knick right now.