More from RealGM
More Cavaliers NewsCavaliers Links
“I’ve never gave any indication of me wanting to leave Cleveland,” said James. “I'm comfortable with being in Cleveland. I'm loving the direction we're in and I'm loving the teammates I have and the organization. So if that's any indication of me leaving, then somebody must be looking out the wrong box,” James says as he smiles widely and chuckles. “Outside the Lines” host Bob Ley says James “all but” says he’s staying in Cleveland but Chris Broussard, during an interview with Ley at the end of the segment, says James is leaving his options open. Broussard reveals that he asked James whether he is more or less likely to leave Cleveland if he wins a championship and James said, ‘I don’t know. Let me get the ring first and maybe I’ll have an answer.’ Broussard says James may consult with Nike representatives “to see what the ramifications would be of staying in Cleveland [versus] going elsewhere.” But Broussard thinks the bottom line for James could be simple: winning championships. If James wins a title or two in Cleveland, he may remain with the Cavs for a long time to come. And Broussard says there is “no way” James signs with the Knicks unless they are in position to contend for a championship immediately with James on board. Broussard therefore believes that the key factor could be whether the Knicks have enough salary cap room to sign a second superstar to join James for the 2010-2011 season. Broussard says James is not trying to hurt Cleveland fans or keep them on edge by putting off a decision on where to play two seasons from now. In the meantime, nobody questions that James’ singular focus is bringing a championship to Cleveland and erasing the city’s tragic sports legacy. “LeBron is very aware of the heartbreak. He grew up here,” said Cavs’ general manager Danny Ferry. |
On Sunday, “Outside the Lines” aired a segment on what LeBron James means to the city of Cleveland and where he will play after the summer of 2010.