Lebron James / Braylon Edwards Conspiracy

[Dave Gray]

I'm not saying that I believe this, but something dawned on me when I heard that Edwards and Lebron were fighting, and then the next day, saw Edwards traded to the Jets.  Is it possible that Cleveland wanted to unload Edwards and he was pushed to the Jets as a way to discourage Lebron from leaving the Cavs and going to the Knicks?

I don't know that that would even be a deterrent, but it would be an interesting story if true.

And even if it's not planned, do you think that it will be a happy coincidence later on for the city of Cleveland?

[TonyB0D]

lebron is still going to the kicks!

[Sunstroke]

I can't see LeBron staying in Cleveland...I think he really wants that "toast of new york" situation.

[Phishfan]

I don't see Lebron going to New York. I think it is just hype.

[Brian Fein]

I saw that Braylon punched one of LeBron's friends and then immediately got fired off to NY.  My initial thought was "we know who's the King of Cleveland..."

I didn't even go the extra step to consider the Knicks situation.

But it could be that, after the Donte Stallworth ordeal, they don't want to get caught up in another off-the-field legal battle.

[Phishfan]

Another report says Braylon didn't punch the guy. Apparently it was friends of Braylon. His posse if you will.

[jtex316]

I really don't understand LeBron James, except for the fact that he is the Alex Rodriguez of the NBA - you know, choke artist when it counts.

Can someone explain to me why anyone would ever want to play for the worst team in the history of professional basketball, the New York Knicks?

Please don't say "money". He's EXTREMELY RICH and has mega-mega-mega millions of dollars and is on a team that is an actual serious contender for a championship with good role players (and Shaq). Why the F would he go to a team owned by an idiot with thug players like Nate Robinson and an over-rated coach like Mike D'antoni?

Please also don't say "TV Exposure". LeBron is EVERYWHERE, all the time. Who gives a crap about New York?

Besides as long as Kobe Bryant and Phil Jackson are still around you can forget about any championships for LeChoke James.

That is all. Have a nice day.

[Brian Fein]

I actually agree with Joe here.  LeBron is the King of Cleveland.  In NY, he's a big fish in an even-bigger pond.

[Dave Gray]

I think that NY is a big market and will open Lebron up to a level of super-stardom like Jordan saw: movies, video games, shoes, sponsorships, etc.

Also, it doesn't matter that the Knicks suck.  In football, there are 22 starters, plus special teams, in basketball, there are 5.  Bringing in Lebron is 1/5 of the job, and I'm guessing that other people would follow him there.

I don't advocate him leaving the Cavs...I think there's more to loyalty.  But, NY is a big city and probably a nicer place to live than Cleveland.

[Phishfan]

I think that NY is a big market and will open Lebron up to a level of super-stardom like Jordan saw: movies, video games, shoes, sponsorships, etc.

He already has most of that.

[Dave Gray]

He has some of those things, but not on the level that Jordan did.  Jordan was in multiple movies, music videos, had his own line of shoes and clothing, cologne, and all kinds of stuff.

Every pro athlete can get sponsorships, but few become their own brand.  Air Jordan was a brand.  Shaq started down that path.  That's what NY can do for Lebron.

[Phishfan]

The only way I think James' brand goes any higher is to add championships, location isn't going to matter.

[YoFuggedaboutit]

But, NY is a big city and probably a nicer place to live than Cleveland.

One thing is for sure.... the winters are much easier to deal with in New York than Cleveland.

[NADS]

I agree with Dave.  All that exposure in New York and definitely money.  It all started when LeBron showed up at that baseball game wearing a Yanks hat--immediate exposure.  Tiger is the first billion-dollar-athlete and we all know that cash didn't come solely from golf.  Yeah, nobody in sports is greedy JTex.  Also, who hasn't heard Cleveland called the asshole of the universe at least once in their lifetime while, conversely, NYC is always the greatest city in the world...unless you're from Boston. 

I wouldn't exactly call James a choke artist.  Jordan didn't win a championship until he got Scotty Pippen.  Shaq should help, but Shaq from 10 years ago would most likely seal the deal.  That bit about Kobe and Phil Jackson definitely has some merit, Tex.