Lebron won't rule out leaving Cleveland

[dazed&confused]

LeBron won't rule out leaving Cleveland
Star, set to become free agent in '10, wants to win 'multiple championships'
The Associated Press
updated 8:02 p.m. ET, Tues., Nov. 18, 2008
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - While his free agency is still two years away, LeBron James won’t hesitate to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers if another franchise offers the superstar a better chance to win multiple NBA titles.

“I think you do what is best for you and you do what is best for your career,” James said Tuesday night when asked about his sense of loyalty to the Cavaliers before they played the Nets in New Jersey.

“...I go out and I play hard and that’s loyalty,” James added. “It’s hard because it’s a business. (The) franchise is going to do what is best for the franchise, you know. When a player does what is best for the player, it always comes back on us. I am going to look bad. If a franchise decides to give up on a player, it’s OK. So we have to do what is best for us.”

James has two years left on a five-year contract extension he signed in 2006. But with several teams, including New Jersey and the New York Knicks, attempting to clear out salary-cap space for a star-studded free agent class in 2010, there is speculation James will continue his career outside Cleveland.

Before Tuesday night’s game at the Izod Center, James was surrounded by about 20 members of the media and the first question dealt with his upcoming free agency.

While it has been hard avoiding all the reports on his free agency, the 23-year-old James said he is paying attention to the here and now.

“I am focused on the team that I am on right now and winning a championship,” he said. “So it gets funny at times, but I don’t think about making a change at this point. I am focusing on the team I have here and the relationship I have with the Cavs.”

At an early-voter registration rally last month in Cleveland, James made his strongest comments to date about wanting to stay in his home state.

“I love you Cleveland,” he said. “I love Ohio and I’m not going anywhere.”

James said he is satisfied with the moves the Cavaliers have made this past off-season, acquiring guard Mo Williams in a trade with Milwaukee and feels Cleveland can make another run at a title.

“I am from there,” he said. “Home is home for me. you know that’s what I was referring to at that time. No matter where you go or if you ever move somewhere else it doesn’t matter, home is always going to be home and that’s what I was basically letting them know.”

Cleveland fans are worried about losing James after seeing free agents like Manny Ramirez and Jim Thome bolt the Indians for huge contracts the home team couldn’t match.

James said winning a title will be the most important thing for him in free agency.

“Absolutely,” he said. “When I decide to make that decision, you know, it is basically to put me in a position where I feel like I can win multiple championships. If it’s staying here, then I will be here. If it’s moving elsewhere, then I will have to look at all my options.”

Heading into the Tuesday night’s game, the Cavaliers were the NBA’s hottest team, having won seven in a row.

“I think we have made strides since I have been here,” James said. “We have gotten better every year and I think this year is probably the best team we’ve had since I have been here. You got to see how the season plays out. Just because you have a different team, with different players, doesn’t automatically guarantee you a championship. I have to be smart about things and be patient.”

[ratm]

Don't think he will go to Europe. Still has to prove himself in the NBA (could be wrong). Maybe New Jersey or New York.

[shakennotstirred]

Still has to prove himself in the NBA (could be wrong).

you're kidding, right?

[ratm]

I don't mean as in regular season wise. The Cavs got to the finals and got swept by the Spurs. When I say prove himself, I mean winning a title.

[wizard of oz.]

if he is going to win a title he will have to leave the cavs

[ratm]

But he will be in the NBA and not in Europe.

[dazed&confused]

New York, whether it is the Nets or the Knicks. He needs the big stage. He still won't win the Championship. He'll be another Barkley; close but no cigar. Oh yeah, GO CELTICS! Team ball wins!!!!!

[clevelandbrowns#1]

Lebron will be a New York Knick!!!!! He will leave Cleveland after his contract, then he can wear his Yankee cap!!!!!!

[thecoach]

i keep hearing that the Pistons could pick him up. I don't know how Detroit could have that kind of money, but could you imagine a team with a starting lineup of AI, Rip Hamilton, Lebron, Tayshaun Prince, and Rasheed Wallace.

[3morethan2]

that would be a pretty stacked lineup coach but i dont see ai being in detroit in two years i see him being somewhere else or even retired but i think lebron has a chance to win it this year there playing really good basketball right now and if he does go to new york he wont win a title there he'll have to go to detroit they have a good group of young guys there in stuckey,maxiell and that one guy with the long hair who makes threes i forget his name lol and you'll still have prince and wallace and hamilton

[bigben2496]

I don't mean as in regular season wise. The Cavs got to the finals and got swept by the Spurs. When I say prove himself, I mean winning a title.

Those spurs were one of the best teams ever. in the modern era at least. maybe of all time.

[dazed&confused]

The Knicks would give him the Empire State Building to play and throw in the Statue of Liberty. Dantonio would love to have him running in his offense.

[CANNIBAL]

i think lebron james should just leave cleveland already and get it over with im tired of hearing about him, hey knicks go ahead and sign lebron he is open.

[shakennotstirred]

be cool to see him with the suns.

[Bricklayer]

I if a team can sign Lebron James and mayb a chris bosh then maybe he could actually shut up about himself and actually play the game

[qualified101]

james is pretty level headed. never really heard him ever take all the credit. he usually praises teammates and says ll the right things. can you say miami? wade, beasley, james, and some role player big men, WOW!

[svcoach]

Done deal,going to the big apple.

[BOO YAH]

Has anyone read the ESPN articles lately on the opinions of tradeing Lebron? Seems crazy to me. I don't know what the big deal is about New York, other than the arena, what else makes the knicks so special. The only thing I can remember is that they, and Spike Lee, were the bad guys when then bulls and Jordan played.

What more does he have to gain by going to NY?

[qualified101]

nothing.

[cowboy nut 88]

maybe he will playfor department of corrections