Lebron James tells Trevor Ariza that he'll be staying in Cleveland, tries desperately to hold back uncontrollable laughter

Bob on 07 7, 2009

A source reported that LeBron James said he will remain a Cleveland Cavalier following this season. King James is one of many superstars who will hit free agency in 2010, and would obviously be the top prize. By this point we’ve all heard the chit chat about LeBron dipping to the Big Apple or to New Jersey to unite with close friend and hip hop legend Young Hova (Jay-Z), but it appears that is not going to be happening. How much weight does LBJ’s statement really hold though? I’ll believe it when I see his John Hancock.

It was reported by ESPN that The King told former Lakers utility man Trevor Ariza that he’d be staying put following next season when asked if he was going to remain in Cleveland. Of course he said this! What else is he going to tell him? “Hey Trevor; I might be skipping town after next season, but sign a multi-year deal with us to give me some much needed help this year.”

LeBron has been a loyal guy thus far, so it’s very possible he truly intends to stay in Cleveland, however, regardless of his intentions at this point in time, he could very well change his mind throughout the course of next season.

Why might the King change his mind? The front office! Danny Ferry and Coach Mike Brown are a bunch of bums! The playoffs and offseason have exposed their abilities, or lack thereof. The “I have LeBron James on my team” award given to head Coach Mike Brown prior to the postseason was clearly awarded to the wrong guy. In reality, he’s a pretty awful head coach. Shortly after Cleveland’s Eastern Conference Finals defeat, I remember hearing an analyst claim (I wish I could remember who it was that said it) Mike Brown is a great coach in practice and off the court, but can’t translate his coaching to real-time. Hmm…is there a problem here?!?

Additionally, GM Danny Ferry really bit the big one this offseason. Sure the Cavs got Shaq, but he alone will not help the King get his first ring this season, no way. Why they were “pushing hard” for Ariza and not Ron Artest is beyond me. I’m aware they tried to get Artest, but ESPN reported Cleveland was “pushing hard for Ariza.” Why weren’t they pushing hard for Ron?! Not only has Cleveland’s front office failed to bring in the missing piece via free agency, they shocked the league when they selected Christian Eyenga (who?) 30th overall in the draft. The guy was sitting in the audience for crying out loud! They didn’t even have a nameplate made for him!

Bottom line is this: assuming Odom re-signs with LA, Rasheed Wallace signs with the Celtics and given San Antonio’s acquisition of Richard Jefferson, there is just too much opposing talent for LeBron and his Cavs. As great as LBJ is, it just isn’t going to happen without additional help.

If the Cavs don’t make the right moves, LBJ might have to retract his statement he made to Ariza. They should start by canning that bonehead Mike Brown to make way for Pat Riley.

Update: Sources close to LeBron say he never told Trevor Ariza he was staying past 2010. What is going on here?