LeBron’s fun in the Sun Leads to a Dark Day in Cleveland

He is who we thought he was. Not a ruler. Not a king. Not a champion. Lebron James. The Jester.

On to the NEXT ONE.

I have lost all respect for Lebron. This was a media circus with no respect to Cleveland. If the Heat win a championship it won't be his. I don't see this Big 3 sharing the ball like the Big 3 in Boston did.

LeBron had to deal with the immense pressure of winning a title in Cleveland while dealing with an organization that, instead of surrounding him with a championship caliber supporting cast, shoved the weight of the city onto his shoulders. LeBron took the challenge but after seven years, the "King" deserves his crown and to play where he is going to be the happiest. Personally, i think the special was a bit much, but then again, so is the reaction from Cavs Owner Gilbert. This is a highly emotional situation.

If LeBron's mother, who was the one who raised her son in Cleveland, can tell her son to do what is right for him and express she feels he will be happier in Miami, why can't the so called fans cut the chord? If the owner, whom all of a sudden have such harsh words for Lebron, would have utilized his time and energy five years ago or even last year, ensuring he acquired the necessary players to produce a championship team, equivalent to the same type of energy he had writing his "open letter to the fans" then LeBron would still be in Cleveland and not in Miami. Please, LeBron owes these people NOTHING. As he stated, his TRUE fans will definitely support him!
I totally disagree Raeford, LeBron lost nothing in this decision. Who cares who hates/dislike him outside of Cleveland. None of you, fans, owner or other media personalities have a payroll check to give him, nor none of you have a heaven or hell to place him in, so who are you and the people so disappointed to judge his decision. Media and "so called fans" are the one who "think" he lost something. All of you need to fall back LeBron is NOT living for none of you all and obviously he is not living for the money, he is living for him and his family. Where do you "disappointed individuals fit in? YOU DON"T!!!!

I think people should leave LeBron alone. He did what he could for seven years and a player like him deserves a championship. It wouldn't be fair for him to wait around until cleveland puts a good team together. Just because he's from Ohio doesn't mean he has to play there for his whole career. If anything, blame the organization for not doing anything to make him stay. Bulls got Boozer, Knicks got Amare, and they did that in hopes of Lebron coming. He did everything he could and if people were true fans of LeBron they would be happy for him and stop being so selfish. I wish Lebron the best he deserves it!

Labron gave Cleveland some great years. Don't they get it ? Its not about the money! It is about a winning team! The owners of the Cavs
have done nothing over the years to build a winning team so someone
with his talent would stay in Cleveland. He had brought excitement
and enthusiasm to an otherwise dreary sports world in Cleveland !
Thanks Labron for all your heart and soul that you gave! We will not
be burning your jerseys or the shirt from St.Vincent Mary that we have!
We will say proudly that we were from the same area as Labron James
and he was/is a fantastic player who needed to move on just as any of
us would do if we were no longer happy in our job!

Hey Lebron, did you finally find out that Art Modell was your father?

people like him enter pro sports to WIN. if he isnt doin it with the Cavs and doesnt feel he will, hes got every right to go to another team. There is no
" i" in team, people shouldnt expect him to carry the team.

I personally find it funny how Lebron is all of a sudden so hated. People have to realise he left to actually win and play with a team rather than play alone at the Cavs. He has enough money he isn't worried about the pay at Cleveland he is worried about NBA Championships. Best of luck King James.

My dissappointment goes deep. I was shocked when LeBron said he did not call the teams, except for Miami, prior to the announcement. This , in my mind, was cold hearted, and unprofessional. Your boss should not find out you are leaving the in a public message! As dissappointed and angry as I am, I won't down LeBron. He did what he felt he had to do, and he showed what kind of man he is. Now it is time for Cleveland to get together a team that can kick Miami's ass!!!! GO CAVS

WHO CARES?! i realize that we need some "fluff" in our news because of all the awful sights we're bombarded with every single day, but the outrageous emotions are TOO MUCH! burning of jerseys? gimme a break. the only statement you're making is that you need a life.

All this hype over James and what has he done? Nothing. He is not the first or only person to win a MVP All he has is an inflated ego. How in this world dose he think he is "King"? He better prove himself first. I feel his ego will get in the way in Miami

Lebron's decision – A unique perspective:
The Akron Hammer is now – Thor.

In hindsight, if ‘the man’ would have worked this process sooner and controlled the situation better (aka – like in the real business world) instead of being about him and his ego, he could have done what he always talks about… being a ‘Cleveland guy’. So much for talk about that. He could have made this happen if he wanted to. He held the NBA hostage and could have done whatever he wanted and however he wanted to do it… and maybe he actually did.

So does this mean he actually conspired all along with D-Wade & Bosh and they are the ones who really worked the deal and it really had nothing to do with the teams and what they were offering? Did he let them announce first and then he ‘came along’ to ‘sell it’ to everyone else as a good basis for his decision and rational for leaving his ‘home’? He did what he wanted and dissed Cleveland. If he wanted to he could have gotten Bosh there if he really is ‘the man’.

And if someone is ‘The King’, then shouldn’t he want to be ‘the man’ with a great supporting cast and be focus in order to receive the credit for being THE reason for winning titles instead of being ‘one of the guys’ and A reason for winning titles.

Using superheroes as a metaphor, maybe we can draw some parallel comparisons to this situation.

Superman could do it alone, but there is only one Superman (and Lebron sold himself as Superman – aka ‘The King’).

Batman needed Robin; but we all still knew Batman was the man (aka Jordan & Pippen).

So how does the Miami Heat translate to this metaphor? Let us look at it from two different angles. First, it’s like the Avengers getting together. It would be like at the end of the fight who do you look to give the credit to and you have to decide between Iron Man, Spiderman and The Hulk. All phenomenal in their own abilities and the cream of the crop but you can’t really give credit to any one person and if your used to being the man, that may be tough to adjust to (especially when there are two of you – the third one knows he is the #3 guy ie – Bosh; but yet a vital part of the team).

Second: Another way of looking at this move is it’s like the self-proclaimed Superman – aka ’The King’ deciding to join Batman and Robin. Sure, great team, great move; but if your Superman you shouldn’t ‘need’ to join another team. Dude, your Superman. Others come to you and you don’t ‘need’ anyone. Yea it always helps to have a great team and a good lieutenant and it helps your odds and takes a little of the load off; but if you want to be known as Superman, wouldn’t you want to at least prove you can do it on your own or can recruit the team yourself. And wouldn’t you want to bring them into the Fortress of Solitude which you have called home your whole life and have built your reputation as ‘the man’ instead of leaving your home and life and move to the bat cave and join them (sidenote: sure the bat cave is cool and is intriguing and has lots of toys – a lot like Miami and a lot warmer also)? When your ‘the man’ and you have the power and everyone already knows and acknowledges it, why do you follow along with the others instead of making your own mark.

If they win, then it really won’t about him where as in another situation, you could say “Look at what he did”, now it’s “Look at what they did”. He, ‘The King’ couldn’t do it alone, maybe he isn’t the man we thought he was. Great; but not that great (like the other 23)? Sometimes it is about how you handle your business and that always isn’t just on the court, just like a king can be amazing in battle; but not so great in the castle. If that’s what ‘The King’ wants, then fine, that’s his prerogative, but I wouldn’t suggest trying to maintain that your ‘the man’ when you decide and state that now it’s not all about you. When he decided to be a ‘team player’, he should have announced it with them just like a team player would do.

Let’s see how this works out and if Lebron can back up what he is saying or if he is a hippocrit and truly an ego maniac.

So long Akron Hammer or should we call you… Thor. Enjoy the cave and the ‘team’.

Food for thought.

Lebron James did this for publicity, although he wants to be like Shaq and Jordan, he NEVER will. He should have stayed in Cleveland, now he's lost so many fans. Its ridiculous!!!

All I'm saying, is when Detroit was beating the Bulls, Michael Jordan never cut and run. The Bulls didn't revamp the team. With minor changes, they learned to win as a team. And eventually whipped the Detroit bad boys. Michael never jumped ship. Of course Lebron is no Michael.

The Browns might actually be good? What Browns team are you looking at?

When are the fans going to realize it is not about the game anymore or about the fans and their loyality. It is all about the money. These prima donna players like LeBron believe their own hype and could care less about the fans who pay big money for their gear. Let's stop spending our money so foolishly on them and put it where it will do some good in education which LeBron could use.

What do you expect, Im not at all surprised by his decision. He has asked for help so they can secure a championship, and he gets a coach. The cavs have done nothing to lighten his load and game after game its always a one man show. He has done a lot for the team and he deserves to do whatever the hell he wants. Besides who wants to play along side a teammate "friend" who is sleeping with your mother behind your back. I dont blame him one bit, I would leave as well. I will continue to cheer him on, only though;now with minami

My heart goes out to Cav fans,this is a bitter pill to swallow,but as a
Packer fan we went through this with Favre,and we all cursed the
day he was born etc. but lo and behold a guy named Rodgers came
through the gloom and doom and there was light at the end of the
tunnel,and now its Favre Who?,the sting will go away and the CAVS
WILL PREVAIL. hang in there!

not a big basketball fan, but since i was force fed the LeBron circus i hope he signs up for the Tiger Woods intitlement program

I can't believe that people are vilifying Cleveland for being angry with LeBron's decision and claiming that we never put a team around him. The fact is he had a huge influence on the front office when he was here in Cleveland and he got the players around him he asked for. He claims he was "too good to us" well I have news for him, we were too good to him. Fans and the press in Cleveland are loyal and the first time he blows it or just gives up like he did here in Cleveland he will go from being the self proclaimed "king" to the chump. I applaud the open letter Dan Gilbert posted and those of us back here at home in Cleveland think that having an owner like that just may be better than having LeBron. Good riddance to the self important blowhard!

Keep in mind it's a business. Keep things in proportion. If you attach yourself to a team or a player then don't be surprised when things go the way the player wants rather than what you want.
Hey Natasha, your really quick on your feet. Nice move.

Not all of us in Ohio hate Lebron James, some us are just counting down for our Ohio State Buckeye FOOTBALL to start!

If you are a true fan,you will follow lebron wherever he goes that's a true fan! Good luck lebron! Love the man.

How many of you quit a job and start a new one at a different (better) location? I have, let the man be human like us, he's not a real "King."

I live in Michigan. Every season my daughters choose which NBA game we attend for a family trip. Because of narcissistic "King James" we have not yet been to Cleveland or any game involving the Cavaliers. Maybe this year we can finally get there!

Note to gislyrics: Lebron's mother raised him in Akron, not
Cleveland. Gilbert has no room to talk about loyalty after he
tried to lure Izzo from Michigan State.

LeBron did what he needed to do to win a NBA title. Why is it when the owners pass around players it's business, but when a player steps up to decide his own fate, it unacceptable. This is a business and LeBron is a businessman. I wasn't a fan of his in the past but I am now. Wake up owners, you are not the only business minded people in this arena!

Fans in Cleveland need to stop acting like Lebron owes them something. For everything Lebron has done for Cleveland, fans should understand that for 7 years he played his heart out and nothing was done to keep him and he deserves the opportunity to win a championship. Money wasn't going to keep him because it was a one man team, so the fans should direct their anger to the organization and not Lebron!

All of this is insane. LeBron owes Cleveland nothing. Before this circus even started, he expressed what he wanted and needed in order to stay in Cleveland. He needed a team that could support him in play. He received nothing. The owner should be ashamed of himself for the remarks he made last night. As LeBron stated from the beginning, at the end of the day, this is a business and he is taking his business and brand elsewhere. If the fans in Cleveland are truly fans of Lebron and basketball itself, then it really shouldn't matter where he plays as long as he's happy.

Rafer, we would have loved to have LeBron James stay with the Cleveland Cavaliers–as it is our beautiful girl Robin's home state (Ohio !! ). We are sure that she was also hoping for that decision !! If Mr. James is comfortable and happy with his choice, then let it be . . . he will still have a fat wallet and all the game followers he needs !! We are in a quandary state as to all the extensive hype and media coverage concerning Mr. James and his career move–not even our own Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints winning the Super Bowl this past February gathered all the nation's interest and enthusiasm !! Go figure !! Now a message to our Robin, we wish you all the best tonight as you sing your little heart out in Nashville !! As always, you succeed in accomplishing anything you put your mind to: bestseller author; anchor for "Morning Express"; singing the "National Anthem" in Sonoma, California; and the list goes on !! Remember: we love Ya, our Ohio girl !! Robin's Follies.

Look out Rafer!! The next big prime time sports special could "star" Brett Favre announcing whether he will play or retire (again, hopefully, for the LAST time). Are there any TRUE class acts left in pro sports? Give me the days of Montana to Rice, Jack and Arnie, Michael Jordan, etc. BTW, we love Morning Express and your sports news. You aren't afraid to tell it like it is!!

LeBron is free to choose where he plays, as were the other free agents. The difference between LeBron and the other free agents is that they did it with style and class, while he ....

Please!! So what if he had meetings in Cleveland, and decided to tell the nation before a live television audience? We are too picky. We never had a problem with him having those meetings till he decided that he was going to Miami. The guy has done a lot for the Sport and for Cleveland. They are ungrateful and ridiculous including the Owner of Cleveland. I'm from Philadelphia and i'm gonna continue to be a Lebron fan. Good bye Cleveland. I will forget you soon

Yes April, Lebron has lost many fans – Cleveland – but he has also gained many – Florida. Change always involve losses but also gains. For Lebron. the highest gains were in Miami

Rafer, you say you don't like how he went about revealing his decision but you and the media built him up (I know you were just doing your job). He was just doing his job, by living up to the hype.

Dan Gilber sounds like a jilted lover an ungreatful slave owner. LaBron gave him what he paid for 7 (the number of completions) great years.

If he would have use the same energy getting LaBron some help in Cleveland as he use in blasting him,LaBron would have stayed.

Get over it!

WE all do what makes us happy. Why can't LeBron do the same thing. After all, we are human, right?

I'm not a basketball fan at all but for $30 million, hell I would have stayed in Cleveland!!!!

it's okay....my Johnny will play for the browns one day....and HIS mommy will tell him...nevr walk away from the ones who love you most....I just can't b lieve what a sell out mr james is ....and our city CLE has some of the most brutal people in the world...he should know he is not welcome here anymore

Lebron has fans all over the NBA ,he is not the property of cleveland. and the way the owner and fans have turned on him in the blink of an eye,is exactly the thing the owner was hoping would keep him there. congrats to Lebron for making the best decision for himself and family. He is loved and will continue to be loved by many

Good Luck LeBron and thanks for some really good memories. If only you had some class with the way you courted the media and then announced your decision to move on to south beach, I would still have some respect for you. You did it the wrong way and hurt too many people to not expect to receive some harsh criticism. I guess you have no conscience – but if you do, then it is going to be tough for a long time to not forget what you did to NE Ohio.

Last night the whole world was a "Witness" to the massive ego of Lebron James. The main fact in this whole scenario is not the fact that he's leaving Cleveland, thats a whole other discussion. The problem that I personally have with him is how he went about his free agency. The hour long special was not necessary. It felt like he was just spitting right on the city of Cleveland, a city that I might add has given to him so much over the past seven years. I have lived in the city of Cleveland all my life and I have felt all of the heartbreak from the Cavs, Browns and Indians over the last few years but nothing could compare with what transpired last night. I'm not mad that he wants to win but to leave a franchise that he himself has seen struggle is pretty bad. He was a hometown kid with no loyalty.

What a coward Lebron has turned out to be. After playing half-assed in the play-offs, he decides to conspire with some friends so that he can be on a championship team! As we see, money CAN but anything in sports! But why are the athletes allowed to do the buying? LeBron gave up 30 million to get the team to allow him to become a champion.

Don't tell this Cleveland fan that it was a hard decision for him. He is just a coward and will ALWAYS be a loser!

Can't blame James, he wants a championship. He knows he can't do it on his own. Cleveland should have took some of the money they offered him and hired 1 or 2 great players to help win a tittle for them.

With all the love we've showed him over the last couple of years, we don't desirve this. I don't feel slapped in the face, I feel like my heart has been ripped out of my chest! It's ok to move on and want better things for yourself but this is such a cruel blow too us, the ones who are the true fans of basketball, Cleveland, and LeBron James himself. What happened to home town pride?? What happened to loyalty to your fans?? I guess it's all 20/20 at this point, He's gone and all we can do is continue to support OUR team and hope for success for the NEW Caveliers, which ever direction they may choose. It's a sad day in Cleveland but we will overcome. We have before. HOME TOWN!!!! GO CAVS!!!!!!!!!!!GO TRIBE!!!!!!!!!GO BROWNS!!!!!!!! "I <3 ya Cleveland!!!"

Lebron again and again demonstrates why he skipped college. This is not a smart man. He’s changing his number because Michael Jordan is the “greatest”. He’s switching to Number 6 – Bill Russell’s number. Russell won 11 championships in 13 seasons. Jordan 6 in 15 seasons. Jordan won 6 NBA finals MVP. Russell 0, but when Russell played, the award wasn’t given out. Now it’s named after Russell. Lebron, you flunked history. I don’t think you want to try math.

Blame the General manager? I don't blame the Player or the Game I blame the Media. It's all about television market size and glamour and red carpets. LeBron would get none of that in Cleveland nor would any coveted second fiddle to LeBron. There was no lack of effort to bringing another star to Cleveland by Danny Ferry. It was that no one wanted to come here. It's all about perception and the Media paints Cleveland as some sort of Hell on Earth. I live here it's like any city, it has it's problems. I also travel around the country and all I see are the same strip malls, fast food joints and chain restaurants as any other place.The only differences is the Weather and the availability of places for Athletes to get in trouble. Oh yeah, New york has more brown buildings and delis.

For Real People , Lebron James is just a Man! He was fortunate enough to get paid very well for something that he loves to do. Most people don't get a chance to do that in a lifetime. He do not deserve to be treated as badly as he is being treated by Cleveland and Dan Gilbert. This man has done alot for Cleveland , he can't do anymore. What is he suppose to do? Waste his time with a losing team, he is much more than that . I am Glad he left Cleveland to further his career it was time to go. He gave them seven long years, it is Dan Gilbert's fault for not utilizing his time. Hail to KING JAMES.

All those who say the Cavs did not do everything to get Lebron the nessary pieces are casual fans who are misinformed. They were not able to sign many of the big name free agents they sought because the free gents themselves were scared of Lebron leaving Cleveland. Had he showed some heart and made a commitment to the city, better talent would have easier to acquire, he did this to himself and left cleveland with nothing. I live in South Florida. We don't need you down here, we have this guy called Dwade down here who already has a ring. In fact I enjoy watching his more skilled brand of basketball as opposed to watching you bulldoze your way to the basket everytime. If you wanted to win a title, develop your mid range game and stop blaming everyone else around you. The next time you hit a sweet turnaround fade like mj will be the first.

Those of you, including the author, who are poo-pooing the Cavs front office for not putting talent around him must not know much about how the NBA works.

First, if you trace the Cavs from where they were when LeBron was drafted in 2003, they improved their roster EVERY year.

Second, LeBron handcuffed the Cavs from adding another big free agent over the last few summers by refusing to commit to a contract beyond 2010. No one wanted to sign if they thought he might abandon the team.

Third, almost every trade Danny Ferry made resulted in the Cavs shedding garbage and adding talent. He got Mo Williams for Damon Jones and Joe Smith. He got Shaq for Sasha Pavlovic and Ben Wallace. He got Antawn Jamison for the 30th pick in the NBA draft. All of these were moves LeBron either approved or even ASKED FOR himself.

Fourth, it was the Cavs relentless struggle to improve (rather than dump salary and get WORSE) that put them in the financial situation they faced going into this off-season. It was BECAUSE they tried to win.

If Bosh had taken the S&T to Cleveland (instead of hating on the city), he and LeBron would be on a better team next year in Cleveland then the Triumvirate + Skeleton Crew they'll have down in South Beach.

Also, Miami is a terrible sports town and they will never cut LeBron the slack that we did because he was one of us.

If LeBron wants to switch teams, fine. That is his right. To announce it on an international stage could not have been more self-promoting or classless towards his hometown friends and neighbors. I agree with the article–he absolutely will regret this someday. Art Modell is 85 yrs old and has stated that there is not a day that goes by where he doesn't question himself about moving the Browns. He was once loved in Cleveland too. Right or wrong, getting insults hurled at you night after night in NBA arenas across the country for being a coward, being classless, etc. will take its toll on anyone. When LeBron begins to have sleepless nights where he replays this night over and over in his mind he'll begin to understand how foolish he really was.

To George Good.... I know he was raised and born in Akron, and I also know that it is in OHIO! Therefore, allow me to reiterate, the fact remains if his mother, the woman who bore him, raised him,(the very person that gave him the abiltity to call the state of OHIO HOME... Cleveland is in OHIO correct)? Therefore really doesn't matter what CITY... It is the place he calls "HOME" !!) if she can cut her chord and realize he has to do what is best for him, then the people who are supposedly fans need to cut their imaginary "chord" ! they do not/have not provided anything close to sustain, noursish and make a difference in this man's life as his mother has.
Rafer, media personalities and supposedly fans seem to think the "decision" was a mistake and he lost something... integrity, respect, his "crown" ... His decision is evident, he obviously didn't/doesn't think of himself as a "King" he thinks of himself as an athlete, a man who wants to be happy and win! A man that does NOT have to be the ONLY face of the franchise. That is admirable, unselfish, respectable and humbling. All his life he has been the "best player" on a team. For him to make this decision, this move after so many years of being the "MAN" for teams that says more about this man than anything else. If people, so called supposedly fans, can look beyond their own selfish perception of this man playing with a particular team, they too could see what this man really and truly sacrificed.

As a loyal Cavs fan, I am going to have to dispute your argument against the Cavs. Dan Gilbert and Danny Ferry did everything they possibly could to build a great team around LeBron James. They've attempted to bring another star to Cleveland on several occasions. LeBron's noncommittal attitude and the possibility of ending up in Cleveland, left to pick up the pieces, was more than any of them was willing to take on. Even back in 2008 Lebron was claiming that "the summer of 2010 is going to be like no other." I truly believe that there is a much bigger story and it will come out soon. They just played the NBA, devastating the Cavalier's in the process. I honestly believe that there is going to be a huge fall out...

Id rather stare at the backsides of my eyelids then watch basketball, who cares?

Well written – been a Cleveland fan my whole life. WE ARE AS TOUGH AS NAILS!!
This isn't the first time we've been stung – we have 46 years of angst – the drive, the fumble, jose mesa, too many to mention. In order to change behavior, one has to create a "significant emotional event". This could be the event to rid Cleveland of the curse.

Rafer, i know being from chitown, you are more empathetic than most.

Clevelanders thank you

Living in Kansas & watching the NBA only during playoffs, I was a fan of LeBron & the Cavs the last few years as they were underdogs to the Lakers, Celtics, Magic. Although I don't blame LeBron for choosing Miami since he'll pocket more cash (no state income tax in Florida vs Ohio, Illinois, New York), I will not be rooting for LeBron or the Heat. I'm tired of the Lakers & Celtics winning so many titles but I'll cheer for them or any other team if they play the Heat in the playoffs. As a sports fan for years, I find myself cheering against players or teams as much as having a team to root for. I marvel at LeBron's talent just as I do with Tiger Wood's talent, but I don't want either to win championships.

Ladies and gentlemen the truth was hidden in plain sight. We saw the powder rituals before games, that powder was thrown in our eyes, in the form of words "I am a leader, I will lead my team to a title" , and blah bla blah. I don't care that he left, honestly, it was becoming more painful in the last couple of years because he would put his "i don't care" face on and simply quit trying. I think that there's a clear difference between the real players. I'm more than ever excited about the team that we have right now. No hard feelings at lebron, he only showed how incapable "himself" is.

Who are you all fooling? You would be JUST as pissed if left with what you call more class. Nobody would have been mad if he wasn't playing well and Cleveland put a note in his locker that he was done. He did the same thing the Organization wasn't getting playing well by getting the right people there and he went to one that knows how to draw talent.

He was drafted and had to play in Cleveland. He had no choice. He paid his dues and I think he should be able enjoy the right to live and work where ever he wants to ... just like everyone else in America.

To George Good: I replied yesterday to your comment, however, the moderators obviously did not deem my comment worthy of posting, maybe it will be posted today.

First of all, regarding LeBron's ACTUAL hometown. I KNOW he was born in AKRON, however, PLEASE correct me (WHICH I KNOW YOU WILL GEORGE GOOD) isn't Akron in Ohio? It is about a 40 -60 minute drive, depending upong traffic correct? Ok, LeBron could jog to his ACTUAL home if he pleased! Therefore, let me reiterate, he call Cleveland home due to the fact he is from OHIO. His mother, the one who birthed him is the person that enabled him to call OHIO (Akron, Cleveland...both in OHIO) home! If she, the person an OHIO native, who have been in OHIO her entire life can cut the chord and let her baby do what enables him to be happy and attempt to accomplish his dreams. The so called supposedly fans need to cut the imaginary "chord" they have seemed to attach to LeBron. Their "chords" in which they obviously thought provide nourishment, nutrients and life needs to be cut, because they haven't given that man anything. The person, who mattered the most, the one person who nurtures, support and sustains him, told him to go and that is because she is a real fan! His MOTHER...All these people who are mad, upset and talking negative about him are selfish individuals who could care less about LeBron.

Just as Rafer, media personalities and Gilbert want to say Lebron has lost his integrity, respect and fans due to his "decision" if they truly respected LeBron as a man first and foremost and then as an athelete, they would not perceive it in this manner. LeBron, since junior high and high school has been the "man" on the team. I see Gilbert didn't mind calling him the "King" when he was in Cleveland and courting him to remain there. Lebron never thought of himself nor thinks of himself as the "king" his decison made that evident. If these negative, hating, selfish people took the time to see this man is making a huge sacrifice. All his atheletic life he has been the "man" on the team. He realizes he does not have to be the face of the franchise, he does not have to be the man, but he does want to be a champion. He has humbled himself and took a step out on faith because he has left what his athletic identity became.... "the face of the team, the go to man". That takes a big man, someone who does NOT think of "self" and "self" only.While these supposedly fans burn his paraphernalia and disrespect him, they need to look at the big picture. Can anyone with intelligence, morals and values really look at this man's decision and NOT see what a huge sacrifice he has made? Being the go to man on a team is ALL this man has ever known, ever! It takes a very humbled man to make such changes in life, he has surrendered all to "THEE" and he will be just fine.

As for Gilbert and his public tantrums on paper/e-mail, he has all but shown his TRUE colors. He may as well put on his white robe and called LeBron his "BOY" his "prize slave" his "best cotton pickin' N#$%^% he had in the fields" because if he had one ounce of dignity he would have kept that rant to himself. If I was LeBron, that tantrum would have been a confirmation, because he publicized what and how he truly felt about about LeBron. Had he not left, he would have never known his true feelings. LeBron, it is a good thing D'Wade, Pat Riley and Bosh helped you get to the Underground railroad, because Masa' Gilbert really wanted to whoop and hang you!

The King of rock n' Roll- Elivis ended in tragedy

The King of Pop- Michael Jackson ended in tragedy

The "King"- Lebron, I hope you have better luck with that title.

When it comes down to it... its not that LeBron didnt' believe in Cleveland, its that he didn't believe in himself. He feared becoming another Patrick Ewing or Reggie Miller... a great player with no rings... He didn't feel that he could carry that weight, so he went to a team where the pressure is not on his shoulders.

Miami was literally the LAST place i thought he'd choose, and this was even before Bosh decided. I just didn't think LeBron was wired like that... but looking back on it now, it should've been obvious.

He's a frontrunner fan (Cowboys, Yankees, Bulls). Don't get me wrong... his Game 5 performance against the Pistons was the greatest performance i've seen in any sport, however, i don't think he will ever top that. He doesn't want to try.

Looks like freedom of speech does not apply in the NBA. So the coach vented in public...No one fined Dick Cheney for venting, in fact, they actually paid him. Come on Commissioner! Everyone is entitled to their opinion and making them public tells us a lot about the person who did so. But now you've interfered with your opinion that he should not ... and rather than be appalled only at his behavior, I am now appalled at yours as well.

I don't think some of these heartbroken fans realize who is truly in charge of leBrauns future, it's LeBraun. The fans can't make up this mans mind for him, they are not the ones signing the contracts or paying his salary. If you love him so much go to his home and cut his grass.

Are you kidding me. The owner of the CAVS is just acting like a rich spoiled brat who lost his best toy. He looks and sounds like my 5 year old when he cant find his favorite toy. It makes me laugh.
LeBron finished his contract there and moved on. He dose not owe them anything and they do not owe him any thing. look at the good years Kevin Garnet wasted in Minnesota. LeBron finished is contract.

Basketball players are nothing more than over rated, over paid drama queens with pricey shoes! There comes a time in a basketball players life(typically after college) when its not about the love of the game rather it becomes greed and what city wants to pay the highest bid.

"Seven years should have been enough time to bring in a guy to compliment him." Well, I'm sure there was no shortage of guys complimenting him. What I think you meant was "complement". (The spell checker won't catch that; it's an error of context.)

Too bad LeBron James has "kiddies" for PR consultants. That was a PR disaster if I EVER seen one! What a MASSIVE ego trip! I cannot believe he ripped the heart out of Cleveland on National TV. He was on the path to equal Jordan caliber or surpass it, and now he has NO CHANCE in even coming close. You have to be the leader to be the ONE. All we saw is LeBron turn into a follower. Following Wade. What a shame. I thought I was witnessing something/someone special. LeBron is an extremely talented ball player, don't get me wrong.....but he could use a little lesson in class. How he left Cleveland was nothing but a me-fest, it was arrogant, classless and he disrespected the very hometown fans who supported him from his high-school years to his professional 7 years. Shame on you LeBron!

The whole Lebron deal is over,now Cleveland put your energies
toward the remaining team,and give them the support,give them
the backing and knowledge your with them,Lebron is all talk now
get behind your CAVS to show him ACTION.

we ohio people are die hard sports fans, Lebron is a small town guy & did alot in/for Ohio. He should live his dreams & enjoy what HE accomplished.
Not all Ohio fans act like asses , only the ones that burn things & talk trash.

GOOD LUCK LEBRON!!! & thank you from a Ohio fan. I'll be wathing you.

Rafer

I hate to see it, but Tiger Woods will in your life time play like he did while the Lord smiled on him!

What did this guy do – find a cure for cancer or AIDS? My God, the way America elevates these sports "heroes" to demi-God status is pitiful, painful, and embarassing. Let's work on getting priorities in order – sports has its place, but let's be real...

OMG, Not another writer with the same old story. Just remember Cleveland, that every one of these "so called" writers still have to make a living interviewing King James and do not want to Up Set him by writting the truth. Lebron will get his later in life when he understands that once you leave, you can never go home. There is only one word that will follow LeBron for ever, and that is "Quiter". And in the end, NO ONE LIKES A QUITER!.