FanHouse was all credentialed up for Tuesday night's Cavaliers-Knicks game in New York. Here's a report from Madison Square Garden.With 26 points in just 30 minutes of action, LeBron James helped lead the Cavs to an easy 119-101 win over the Knicks in New York on Tuesday night.
But the big story of the night didn't take place on the court, it went down in James' press conference after the game.
If you consider a player admitting that he's still undecided about his future to be big news, that is.
During his post-game presser, James was first asked about the reception he received from the New York faithful. He said it was humbling. Then ESPN's Rachel Nichols asked him what he thought about Knicks fans pulling for something in 2010 ("something" being LeBron signing with the Knicks) that might not even happen.
"I don't know if it's going to happen," said James. "I'm so focused on this season and what we have at task with the Cavs that it's hard for me to even think about that date. But at the same time, you have to stay open-minded if you're a Knicks fan."
LeBron was then asked about things like: the Cavs' new offense, shooting set shots, if the Cavs were using all the talk about 2010 to go under the radar (LBJ: "No team that LeBron James is on will ever be under the radar. It's impossible."), and if any Russian billionaires had contacted him about playing for $50 million a year in Europe. LeBron said no, he hadn't received any calls from Russia, Greece or Spain. Laughter ensued. At this point it looked like the media session was done.
But then just as the presser was breaking up, a cameraman boldly stopped the King and asked him if Brooklyn was still an option if and when the Nets move there, and what he likes about that situation.
And at this point, LeBron basically left the door open for every team in the league.
"Well, I think with free agency in 2010, every team is going to try to get better," said James. "It's not just New York, it's not just Brooklyn, it's every team. Every team wants to strive to be the best, and every team wants to win an NBA championship, so it's not going to be a two-team race between Brooklyn and New York. It's going to be a lot of teams that are going to try to strengthen their teams, and there's going to be a lot of free agents out there in 2010, so if you guys want to sleep right now and don't wake up until July 1, 2010, then go ahead, because it's going to be a big day."
So what does all of this mean? Well, everything and nothing. Basically, LeBron's a savvy negotiator and knows that he can't admit to anything right now. For instance, even if he intended on staying with the Cavs, if he told them as much, then they might grow complacent and not put as much pressure on themselves to continue to improve the team. If he knew in his heart that he was going to sign with the Knicks, he still obviously couldn't admit to it, because then he'd get pelted with rocks and garbage every time he went outdoors in Cleveland. And he can't sign off on Jay-Z and the Nets because of tampering issues, not to mention the fact that the team hasn't even broken ground on their stadium in Brooklyn yet.
But it's safe to say that at this point, Cavs fans have to be at least a little bit nervous at the prospect of losing the King. One gets the sense that if he really planned on staying with the team, then he'd speak a little bit more highly of them at this point.
Instead, when it comes to 2010, it appears as though the only teams the Cavs have a leg up on at this point are those based overseas.
Comments (Page 1 of 1)
How are the Knicks already allowed to realease 2 top players to make salary cap room for Lebron in 2010?The N.B.A. is about as orchestrated as the World Wrestling Federation and David Stern is the big manipulator Vince Mcmahon.Not only do the Knicks get to purposely make salary room for 2010,but that also means their record will suck, enabling them to get great draft picks in the next 2 yrs. as well.If Lebron leaves due to enticements of New York,E.S.P.N., and N.B.A sport columnists because Cleveland isn't a big market like New York is,Cleveland should kick David stern and the N.B.A. out of Clev.And in all fairness,if Danny "fairy" can't do better than just Mo Williams,he should be sent packing as well.I 4 1 think Randy Lerner should offer LBJ majority ownership if he retires there.
LBJ is gone. He is done in Cleveland and hes moving on to the Knicks or Nets in 2010. Why does he always wear shoes and make it such a big deal whenever he plays in New York. BECAUSE he likes the attention plus he wants to be there! Its imminent he'll be a knick come 2010. my thoughts http://jib-sports-culture.blogspot.com/2008/11/lebron-vi-big-apple-foreshadows-lebron.html
lol looking at my comment above I meant he always showcases some sort of new shoe in New York and makes it an event. I don't mean he wear shoes in New York.
Lebron will not go to New York, his mom is in Bath, Ohio, and he will stay there as long as he can sell gear in New York, talk it up.
New York for their good football team is now without a good basketball or baseball team until someone buys them one.
IF Lebron goes to NY I hope he breaks his leg or rips out his knee. His sole purpose is money and attention, as if he is not getting that from being in Cleveland. Does any athelete understand, if you WIN IT ALL IN CLEVELAND, yes, WIN IT,,,,ALL,,,you will be given the KEYS to ANYthing you would ever want and addored by millions, both in and out of Cleveland. He is from OHIO and is living a childhood dream being there. STAY PUT and REALLY make a name for yourself as UN arrogant and Content with what you have,,,stay BLESSED or I will put the CABASH ON YOU LEBRON,,,,and that's no joke buddy.....The grass is NOT always greener,,,,,,,,
New York folks believe they have the right to have anything they want...It;'s a well known east coast mentality. The hype and media coverage that is being expressed is only formulated by those who believe they can gain from it. Sorry NY....go hit on someone else, LeBron is loyal, and merely allowing you to make fools of yourselves.. It's obvious you have nothing at MSG to cheer for.
The media is too funny. LBJ isn't going anywhere.
LeBron is a great spokesman and negotiator. He's already the King. NJ or NY does nothing for him that he hasn't already achieved. Did Michael leave Chicago? Did Kobe leave LA? Did Tim leave San Antonio?
I believe 2010 will be a big date, the Cavaliers will also land another big name to their roster w/LBJ.
When it's all said and done the Cavaliers will win several championships w/LeBron. Maybe one prior to 2010.
NY is just another crappy team in the NBA.
as a bulls fan and being from ny i hope that lebron stays with cleveland. i cant stand knick fans sorry but its true. i rather face cleveland knowing they have lebron and whoever else they have then see the knicks get him. as for the bulls i hope paxson can do something and maybe bring us a post player thats good.. bosh amare.
I don't like Lebron James period. Let his getto behind stay in getton Cleveland they are not going to let him go anyway. They will pay him and bring in Wade or somebody. He wines to much to the refs for me. He got Mad skills but doesn't think he should earn his stripes as other great NBA players have. As for the king James thing--no--class wanta be king.
The way that LeBron leaves the Cavs walking on eggshells, trying to figure out what to do to keep him, reminds me of a particular episode of The Twilight Zone.
In that episode, there was a small boy who could read the minds of everyone in the town he was in. Any time someone thought an unhappy thought, he "banished" them to "the cornfield" -- basically removing them from existence.
LeBron is continually threatening to banish the Cavs to the cornfield, and it isn't fair to them.
Danny Ferry and friends are doing their best to think happy thoughts, and the truth is that sometimes the world with problems is better than the picture-perfect one we imagine. If LeBron is truly concerned about winning, he needs to start by working with what he has now and always seeking to improve.
As a KNICKS fan and New Yorkewr I must say we would welcome Lebron. BUT of all the free agents available in 2010 I think there are many other players who bring less drama that would suit NY. After the Isiah Thomas travesty and now Starbury nonsense I would welcome some quite, watch my actions not my flagrant lifestyle players.
Lebron is great in a Kobe way....tip top scorer and top notch whiner. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE NY bring in some hard working players who would rather let their performance on the court do the talking...