Lebron James: His Decision

The most exciting free agency probably in NBA history (at least the one I witnessed) came to an end last night when Lebron James confirmed what has been reported for days, since Draft Day by Stephen A. Smith that he'll be joining Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh to play for the Miami Heat.

It wasn't an easy decision for the self-proclaimed "King" to leave his kingdom for an easy attempt at a championship. Winning was the deciding factor not money. Lebron turned down a max salary in Cleveland to take a pay cut in Miami. Some would argue that it's still a selfish move from LBJ to abandon his team and city especially in the economic woes it's experiencing.

As soon as the decision was announced in a reality-show like style on ESPN, producers cut to burning images of Lebron's jersey in Cleveland. Apparently the fans had also made the decision that he was no longer welcome there. I must say that I was shocked to see him leave and watch what he built over 7 years crumbled like a sand castle at a stroke of a wave. Franchise players don't leave their teams, they ride it out. Michael Jordan never left. Magic Johnson never left. Kobe Bryant never left (no Shaq, no Phil Jackson, no playoffs... He still stayed, look at him now)

As a fan of the game I'm also disappointed and fear that we won't have the same excitement watching Lebron play, because his legacy is now downgraded to the like of Scottie Pippen. By moving to Miami Lebron decided to play sidekick, a supporting role to D. Wade instead of leading his hometown to a Championship.

Prince James took the easy way out, the cowardly way out as Dan Gilbert Cleveland Cavs owner would harshly put it. (Click here to read his open letter to the fans). That letter was another fallout of the the Lebron Saga, Dan Gilbert obviously bitter, let his emotions took over his professionalism and sacked Lebron left and right in a classless attempt at diminishing Lebron's accomplishments in Cleveland. You can't all of a sudden cover your eyes after all Lebron has done for you (financially) and the city. What Dan Gilbert has failed to acknowledge in this heartless diatribe is that he never put together a winning group around Lebron's God-given talent. It's easy to point fingers now but you need to take some responsibilities too. Dan Gilbert also outlandishly predicted the Cavs will win a championship before Lebron does. I had to laugh at that.

If Lebron really wanted to leave to have a shot at a championship, Chicago for me was the best choice. A young and energetic team in Joakim Noah and Derrick Rose, plus the addition of veteran Carlos Boozer had to be the best core team you could dream for. Lebron went for the obvious, his buddies/Olympic teammates.

It's going to be an interesting NBA season, especially that first game back in Cleveland for Lebron. Boston and Chicago are still my favorite to win the East. Miami is still working on rebuilding their team since as of right now they only have one or two players under contract. Michael Beasley was shipped to Minnesota for a future draft pick to clear some cap room to accomodate the three Super stars salaries.

At the end of the day, Lebron had to team up with Wade and Bosh to have a chance at beating my Lakers. It's not going to happen anytime soon. We are going for the Three-Peat next season. His image took a drastic hit, he lost a lot of respect from fans. He's going to have to prove us right.

Get it right next time.