Written by G. E. Cousins | 08 August 2010

We have all been 'witnesses' of what will forever remain another infamous date in Cleveland sports history, July 8, 2010. This was the most recent downfall for sports fans in that area, as the 'King', Lebron James, announced his departure from the Cleveland Cavaliers to join the Miami Heat on national television. This sparked an extreme, emotionally driven debate across the country amongst fans of varying degrees, from daily update seekers to the most detached sports fan. No one was safe from being made aware of what was going to be stated by Lebron James on that evening between the hours of 9 and 10PM EST.

No question that those pained the most by LBJ's 'decision' will be the Cleveland natives, but allow this to broken down into the factors and elements involved. How much stronger of a statement can you make regarding your desire to win then, in hopes of winning a championship, leaving millions of dollars on the table? True that Lebron is not, on ANY level, in need of financial security, but one of his personal goals, that has been stated publicly, is to become a billionaire. He believes that a championship(s) will add to his 'brand' and ability to market himself on a global scale. How much stronger of a statement can you make regarding your desire to win then making a CONSCIOUS transition from forever being adored by all located in your city/state, to forever being the villain? Lebron had to be aware that leaving would place him in this light and the anguish could be seen in his face during the ESPN special as the camera zoomed in when the time came for the announcement to be made. He most likely has passed one Art Modell, the NFL owner responsible for the decision to move the Cleveland Browns to Baltimore in the mid-90s, as the all-time most hated figure in Cleveland sports history.

From a purely sports perspective though, I don't know if this was the best decision for Lebron in terms of his legacy once he is done playing basketball. Championship rings in basketball cure most of the negative commentary when discussing athletes, but the manner in which you win one or more of these is also of some significance to many. Joining forces with two other perennial all-stars is a throwback to the 1980s when teams of note consisted of more than one (Magic's Lakers, Bird's Celtics, Isiah's Pistons), but that is not the way of the League since those times. Even Michael Jordan had Scottie Pippen with the Bulls, but these days, there is usually 1 consistent all-star year to year teamed with complimentary players of various skill levels. But, when the discussion of 'greatest ever' comes up, I don't think Lebron will be highly favored. General perception is that Jordan is the BEST, followed by Kobe (as he continues to win rings). It is also accepted that both of these players have a competitive drive unrivaled by the majority of their peers and that this would not allow them to go to any team/situation where they were not THE man. It is going to be debatable, who this Miami team 'belongs' to between Lebron and Dwyane Wade. Wade already has won a ring in Miami and Lebron is going there to increase his chances of winning his first, albeit WITH Wade. We will have to see how this plays out and is perceived once Lebron's career is complete.

Now, I think Lebron had no choice in leaving Cleveland, as the personnel on the Cavs team, as it currently stands, provided absolutely NO chance for Lebron's championship aspirations to be met. This was no more evident than when Chris Bosh, who is also part of the all-star threesome in Miami and who since the beginning of the free agent frenzy was attaching himself to Lebron as his intended on-court running mate, made it known that he did not want to join forces with Lebron in Cleveland. Bosh stated he would rather have this union occur in either Chicago or Miami. One cannot really argue with wanting to spend the next 6years, which will be the mid to late 20s for those in this discussion, in either of those locations. The logical correctness associated with leaving was given extra legs in support of this when the owner Dan Gilbert, wrote an extremely disparaging and divisive letter to the Cavaliers fans (link below) immediately after the Lebron provided his intentions to the world on television. It is amazing how someone in an ownership position of a sports team could attack a player that gave 7 years of their career and afforded huge financial gains to the franchise during this period of time, as if it is a MUST that this relationship continue. But that is a discussion for another day, that I would love to have and hear your thoughts about in the near future. In any event, the pressure associated with this monumental 'decision' is going to be just as legendary, in terms of how he will be judged, as the actual 'decision' itself.

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