[NY Post] High-Level Source: LeBron Will Opt Out In 2012 To Join Knicks

What I don't understand is why these stories pop up in the first place. These reporters act as if New York is America's version of Mecca. If you're a baseball player, then maybe New York might be better, because Steinbrenner has unlimited resources to throw around, but when there is limited cap space and one of the worst GMs in recent NBA history, New York is the LAST place I would sign as a free agent, not to mention the high cost of living and that glorified tabloid the New York Post that tries to pass itself off as a legitimate newspaper...

 

2011-12? 6 years from now? Talk about long term plans - even if this were true, a lot of things happen in that time span.

 

article is 5 years too early even if its true. who cares at this point?

 

There is one advantage NYC has over a place like Cleveland, and that's it's opportunity for merchandising. I believe Nike and other brands would encourage LBJ to go to NYC because they can sell a lot more stuff there and get involved in much more promotional work.

 

isnt there a clause in lebrons contract w/ nike that says he will make more $$$ is he goes to ny or la?

 

yes there is

 

I'm pretty sure that the oft-rumored clauses in people's shoe contracts that if they go to LA, NYC, or Chicago they will get paid more are against the CBA. Someone that is an expert regarding the CBA correct me if I'm wrong -- but I've heard this rumor about a million players and some people always stand up and swear it's true...

 

LBJ has denied the rumors about the "kickers"...and if they kickers do exist, why wait until 10 years into your NBA career before going to New York? Makes NO sense whatsoever, the article is typical Vescey BS.

 

i see the benefit ...the hype machine for jordan was great , but imagine if he played in La better yet New York.

If LBJ wants to surpass jodan one avenue is to go to NY

 

Sadly, LBJ is not the kind of athlete that is all about playing for his home team. He has stated pubicly that he wants to become the first billionaire athlete. If he wanted to stay in Cleveland, he would have signed a max-term contract, but he didn't.

I'm not denying that this article is crap, but there is truth to the possibility of LBJ making more money in NYC or LA.

LBJ is surrounded by very shrewd people that want to make the most money possible. In the end, it is his decision, but my impression is that his ear is at least open to the path of more money.

This is one of the reasons I'm not really a big LBJ fan. He is an amazing talent, but he is too aware of the financial aspects of what he does. He seems to make a lot of decisions based on money, rather than for the love of the game. A good example is him not competing in the dunk contest during his second year (first year he was "injured"). Risking losing to some rookie would've been a big blow to his rep and sellability.

 

i hate ny media. they are so stupid. how are people not fired over this?

 

'High level source' = Lebron's maid??

 

The article sounds like a load of bananas.. clearly LBJ is coming to Houston in 2012

I'm not a big LBJ fan just because I don't like his playing style, it doesn't look as good and smooth as Jordan nor Kobe... plus he loves to bite on his nails on the bench or whenever he doesn't have the ball.. it's so annoying!

BUT, I'm not gonna knock him for trying to make money. Who doesn't wanna make money? I think almost everybody in this board would make decisions more based on money than that 'love' of the game. Basketball is basketball wherever you play and why not try to make as much money as you can while you're still able to?

 

I've got a high level source in my pants!

 

I've always thought it was likely LeBron would leave Cleveland for a major market after signing his 2nd contract, regardless of his endorsement deals. The fact he only signed for 3 years confirms that. He is very ambitious and his goal of being the first $1BB athlete would be a lot easier if he played for the Knicks or Nets (after they move) instead of the Cavs.

 

NIKE MARKET IS INTERNATIONAL.

Most logical reason is there's a lot of people to watch the game and they're richer.

 

here's my first problem with this story.

didn't lebron sign only a 3yr extention because when the new CBA is made in 3 years the max pay will be higher?

how can he opt out in 6 years? how he's pretending to know when lebrons opt out year is on his next contract? why not just sign with the knicks in 3 years?

ehhhhh.

maybe the point is, no one will remember he said this in 6 years lol

 

The article is also kinda false, as RealGM indicates, LeBron's contract runs out after 2010-11.

The "New York/LA/Chicago is the center of the world" media attitude is not isolated to basketball, nor is it very surprising. They're just being homers, but they have a medium with which to spread their thoughts.

This must suck for the fans in Cleveland. They have been owned pretty hard over the past 10-15 years (Jordan over Ehlo, The Drive, the Fumble, World Series choke, etc.) and now they get to listen why Lebron will go to the Knicks/Lakers/Bulls after his contract runs out for the next 4 years.

At least Yao has made it exceedingly obvious he wishes to stay in Houston, and not jump to the Lakers, while Lebron has made no such indication.