Recordpub.com - Reasons why LeBron James will not leave the Cavaliers

As the summer of 2010 continues to inch closer, I must balance my feelings between being a fan of the Cleveland Cavaliers and the reality of the chance that LeBron James will leave.

The talk and speculation of whether or not James will leave the Cavs is something we have had to deal with for years. And as the 2010 free-agency period gets closer, the talk will only continue to get louder — and more annoying.

I understand why the attention is there. James is the NBA’s reigning Most Valuable Player in a sport where individual stars garner more attention than any other. In reality, if he sneezes, you will know what time it happened and how many tissues he used.

Even with my most balanced of thoughts, I just don’t see James leaving the Cavaliers. There are many scenarios that have been — and will be — created that paint a pretty picture for James to leave, but here are some that tend to get overshadowed during the discussion.

• James has said repeatedly that he wants to play for a team that is a winner and that is ready to compete for NBA championships right now.

For those thinking that James is headed to the limelight in New York, consider that the Knicks’ combined record over the last three seasons is 88-158 (.358 win percentage).

For those thinking James will join up with friend Jay-Z and the New Jersey Nets, who may soon relocate to Brooklyn, consider the Nets’ combined record the last three years is 109-137 (.443).

The Cavs’ record in those same three years? 161-88 (.655), including three trips to the playoffs and an appearance in the NBA Finals. The Knicks and Nets have combined for only one playoff appearance in those three years.

A decision to play for the Knicks or Nets would mean a serious backslide into rebuilding franchises. However, there is something to be said about Sam Smith’s www.bulls.com exclusive, which states that he thinks James could end up in Los Angeles playing for the Lakers based on the opportunity to win titles and still be in a big market. It is a scenario that is not all that far-fetched, but is there enough money, shots and fame to go around between James, Kobe Bryant, Lamar Odom, Ron Artest and Pau Gasol? I’m not so sure it can happen when it comes down to the details of James going to the Lakers.

• For those who think money will become an issue, here are some things to keep in mind.

My hat’s off to Cavs majority owner Dan Gilbert for his willingness to give general manager Danny Ferry the freedom to search and sign — or trade — for premium talent to surround James. Gilbert wants a title just as badly as James, and has made it known that he is willing to spend the money necessary to make it happen.

Understand that the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement permits the Cavs to exceed the salary cap to sign James.

Understand that the Cavs can sign James to a six-year maximum contract, while all other teams can only offer a five-year deal.

Understand that based on the projected salary cap, James could sign with the Cavs for approximately $125 million in 2010, while other teams could only sign him for approximately $96 million.

Understand that the Cavs can give James a 10 1/2-percent raise per year, while all other teams can only offer an eight-percent raise per year.

The biggest money will be in Cleveland.

• Don’t underestimate the loyalty factor. James is playing for his hometown team and seems determined to bring a title to the Cavs.

Those wondering why James will not just come out and say that he is going to re-sign with the Cavs, or why he doesn’t simply sign a contract now, should keep this in mind: Keeping it a secret keeps James in control, and keeps the pressure on the Cavs to sign quality players that continue to keep the team in title contention.

Keeping the team in title contention would be Gilbert’s No. 1 goal regardless of what James does, but the uncertainty of James’ decision creates a sense of urgency that has been shown most notably this past summer, when the team made four major acquisitions: Shaquille O’Neal, Anthony Parker, Jamario Moon and Leon Powe.

Regardless of James’ decision, the summer of 2010 will remain a hot-button topic until it comes and goes. The number of high-quality players that will be floating in free agency is shocking: Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Amar’e Stoudemire, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, Manu Ginobili, Joe Johnson, Tracy McGrady, Yao Ming, Steve Nash, Dirk Nowitzki and Michael Redd.

But no star will be coveted more than James. And no team’s fans will be tormented more than those in Northeast Ohio.

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Tom Nader can be contacted at tnader@recordpub.com