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Staying in Cleveland? Why LeBron James could re-sign with Cavaliers

Dec 21st, 2008
His quote says it all: Cleveland, at 22-4, is winning big. This streak is no regular season fad. With a beefed-up supporting cast and deep bench, the Cavaliers are serious contenders, capable of challenging and even beating the world champion Celtics. The Lakers would be favoured, but a Kobe-LeBron NBA Finals is a toss-up ... Staying in Cleveland? Why LeBron James could re-sign with CavaliersBreaking NBA News mixed with analysis …

Our Very Quick Analysis: ‘The King’ likes his kingdom enough to stay. After years of silence, LeBron James finally acknowledged that he could ink a long-term extension this summer with his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers. 

“You play out this season of course; I will consider,” James said Saturday before the Cavs practiced at the Pepsi Center. The direction we are headed is everything I expected and more.” (Cleveland.com)

Re-signing means the All-Star forward would relinquish his opt-out rights in July 2010 and not become an unrestricted free agent. This would end the much-discussed James-to-New York conspiracy.

Why, after refusing to address the topic publicly, would James speak up?

His quote says it all: Cleveland, at 22-4, is winning big. This streak is no regular season fad. With a beefed-up supporting cast and deep bench, the Cavaliers are serious contenders, capable of challenging and even beating the world champion Celtics.

The Lakers would be favoured, but a Kobe-LeBron NBA Finals is a toss-up.

James also understands Cleveland is positioned to dominate the Eastern Conference for several seasons. After all, Boston is a much older team. And Detroit, after the Allen Iverson trade, is rebuilding.

James staying home is a real possibility. Christmas arrived early for Cavalier fans.

What do you make of James’ comments? Will he re-sign with Cleveland? Get at us with thoughts in the comment box below and return to HoopsVibe the Blog for tidbits. Photo courtesy of pat2757K.
Comments (12)
Seth December 21, 2008
Staying in Cleveland? Why LeBron James could re-sign with Cavaliers
I am a Cleveland fan which means I'm bias, but if you think about it makes sense. They team looks great they will be in a position to sign someone else as well in 2010 and honestly I think their is no way the Lakers could beat the Celtics or the Cavaliers.(Defense wins championships and they don't have any)
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Area Code 440-330 December 21, 2008
Staying in Cleveland? Why LeBron James could re-sign with Cavaliers
Don't laugh but a wildcard underdog team could be introuduced into the mix. I am hearing the Bobcats would offer Bron a trust stake in ownership once he's done playing like Magic has with the Lakers. As well as a max deal. I know they ae known to be cheap and aren't very competitive. But Johnson- Jordan-Brown talked to Bron and convinced him them of the commitmed direction they were headed. This was said by one of LeBron's business executives Maverick. He doesn't usually talk about his on the court hoops too much, but he sounded believeable when he said it in Cleveland a few days ago. I am not saying it would happen, but he might give it some thought. I personally think statying in Cleveland is his best bet.
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a guest December 22, 2008
Staying in Cleveland? Why LeBron James could re-sign with Cavaliers
Lebron had to say this to save face. Lets Go Knicks!!!!!
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a guest December 23, 2008
Staying in Cleveland? Why LeBron James could re-sign with Cavaliers
if lebron had called a press conference and volunteered the info, it'd mean more. the actual case is that the reporter asked the question only because no one else had done so yet.. LBJ was coming off a thrashing of a division leader (denver) on national TV. so he said, yeah, he'd consider it. that's *all* it was. and his not signing an extension in 2009 will not be an indication of whether he'll re-sign in 2010. but crazy media types will frame it that way anyway.
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a guest December 23, 2008
Staying in Cleveland? Why LeBron James could re-sign with Cavaliers
ok we all know that LBJ would re-sign with the CAVS if the team is highly-capable of winning championships as LBJ have said. but looking at the business side, he should get an extension with the CAVS 'cause our recession might hit the NBA. attendance in the stadiums will decline. and other merchandise stuffs.sponsors are getting downedso LBJ would definitely re-sign with the CAVS
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LBJ January 06, 2009
Staying in Cleveland? Why LeBron James could re-sign with Cavaliers
LeBron James I believe should stay in Cleveland because his family is here, it's his hometown, he is loved so much here, and if he resignes, I think Cleveland fans are capable of forgiving LeBron for wearing the Yankee's hat while the Indians were playing in the playoffs. In my opinion, what is the big idea of wearing the Yankee's hat, its his business to wear whatever he wants. He should root for whoever he wants to plus, isn't it better if he roots for the Yankee's than fake rooting for the Indians.
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jjc March 23, 2009
Staying in Cleveland? Why LeBron James could re-sign with Cavaliers
lebron should stay in cleveland becuause he has helped out the cavs so much it would be ashame if he were to be traded.
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Domenic DeFrank March 23, 2009
Staying in Cleveland? Why LeBron James could re-sign with Cavaliers
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Dominique June 15, 2009
Staying in Cleveland? Why LeBron James could re-sign with Cavaliers
HE Should stay on Cleveland Cavaliers because the new York Knicks is no good stay lebron james please
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azia August 14, 2009
Staying in Cleveland? Why LeBron James could re-sign with Cavaliers
hey i think lebron james should stay with the cavaliers now im a big fan of lbj but im also a big fan of cleveland...lb jus think about it u won mvp now its ya turn to take u and the cavaliers to da championship nd win the championship u've made it this far dnt give up on us now the knicks is no good!!
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This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it November 19, 2009
Staying in Cleveland? Why LeBron James could re-sign with Cavaliers
It would be a huge mistake for Lebron to leave the cavs it would be like jordan when he was a wizard just not right ! he is from ohio and should stay there .. I couldnt imagine him ever being able to step foot in ohio without being hurased for leaving ... stay in ohio dont be stupid
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charles December 30, 2009
Staying in Cleveland? Why LeBron James could re-sign with Cavaliers
Who care if lbj don't stay a cav.not me I'm a laker its not about him stayin in ohio and doing it for ohio me I'm a buckeye fan 4 life we got the bucks who gives a crap if lbj goes 2 nyc beside 1 of his bf is jay z the king of nyc so b real how many cav fans was there b4 lbj some never sold out like they r now and if he leaves back 2.1 may 2 hund fans.I think the cavs r dumb for picking up shaq he to old.so like the song goes hay hay hay good bye go lakers yes u guys beat us but who cares get a ring then let's talk about it. Cavs will never will a champship ring they suck
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