<b> A few NBA teams are clearing cap room for the summer of 2010, but LeBron James' future might be long decided by then. James told the Cleveland Plain Dealer he is pleased with the Cleveland Cavaliers' improvement and is considering signing an extension during this summer. "You play out this season of course; I will consider it," James told the Plain Dealer on Saturday before the Cavs practiced at the Pepsi Center. "The direction we are headed is everything I expected and more." James has not talked publicly about signing this summer until now. The Cavaliers have made great progress this season and are off to a 22-4 start, the second-best record in the NBA. James had signed a three-year, $43 million deal with the Cavs in 2006. That contract includes a player option for 2010-11 worth $17.4 million. Many believed James would forego the option, but no one had considered his signing an extension. There has been speculation James will end up in one of the NBA's larger markets -- maybe with the New York Knicks. "I definitely want to keep an open mind, I will look at everything," James told the Plain Dealer. "[The extension] is a good point. I think me and my group have pretty much made good decisions so far and we'll look at the options and go from there." <b> http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3784334 he might get an extension and all of knickerbackers hopes will bedisintegrated
Thanks for bolding every last word. I wouldn't have understood it otherwise. Now I'm stepping away from my computer so I can regain my eyesite.
Oh please. Tell the reporters to shut up about it. "I'll consider it" is the closest thing to a non-response as there is.
Hard to argue with staying on Cleveland with the way they're playing right now. Being a winner >>> playing in a big market.
We really don't know yet which is more important to LeBron. IMO, if the Cavs are really good, I don't think that guarantees he stays. We'll see. durvasa, nobody can control what each and every reporter asks him in every city. LeBron can only control his mouth. One could argue it's the duty of local reporters around the country to ask him (bait him with) the same question. The same thing applies to other athletes, celebrities, politicians, etc who are asked particular questions repeatedly wherever they go. Telling reporters to shut up about something is just silly.
Or he could simply just say "no comment" a million times or "i'm not going to discuss my contract status until the end of the year, PERIOD".
Yes, if he was feeling particularly boring and non-cooperative, he could do that. Or he could be truthful and give a harmless answer -- "I'll consider it when the time comes."
The "harmless answer" that will be front page news every time? If he simply states that he won't answer questions about his future contract till the end of the season, then the media won't keep approaching him about it. It's just silly that news about his future contract keeps coming up throughout this season.
Why do we care? The Cavs are arguably the best team in the league, so it's not like its adversely impacting his team. Who knows, maybe its helping them by putting a greater sense of urgency on the situation. The reporters wouldn't be asking the question unless there were some people who cared about the answer. His "I'll consider an extension" is him throwing a bone to his team and Cleveland fan base. He's feeling good about where his team is, so why should we begrudge him that?
i don't know, i appreciate this comment from lebron. the likelihood that he will sign an extension this summer is very low, but in saying that he will consider it, he's insisting that he's satisfied with how his team is playing - his teammates will definitely appreciate that.
Of course they would. A "no comment" would probably make Cleveland fans more frustrated. He openly admits he'll consider signing with New York, but he won't do the same when it comes to signing an extension with the Cavs? I don't really care what LeBron says, but if I was a Cavs fan this would make me happy. Or, you know, a little less nervous.
right.... ....How dare he answer a media question truthfully! People see these quotes or hear soundbites and think guys are just bringing this stuff up on their own. Is it so bad that he truthfully answered a question posed to him?
Hope he signs the extension, he's an Ohio/midwest guy, he should stay there. He's a unique player that doesn't need to be in a major market to maximize his value. As far as opportunities outside of basketball, I think his team needs to layout a strategy to focus on his brand in China and other non-US countries rather than the US.
