http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-heatfreeagency071610

I beleive every word of it.

Wow if true

good article to tie it all together, much of it coming from the Cav's front office and their side of the story after having dealt with Carter for years.

Most, if not all, of what's in there is common knowledge however... It's been known that the 2008 olympics is where the "deal" was originally created.

It was known that the "decision" telecast was created by Maverick Carter.

etc. etc.

Lebron's one huge mistake, IMO...is Maverick Carter. The guy completely shelters him from real life and they make such ridiculous demands it's unbelievable. The Chicago deal fell through quickly because Chicago wasn't willing to give jobs to Lebron's inner circle.

I like Lebron, I don't have a problem with the live telecast of his decision other than it sucks for Cleveland, and I think he's entertainment at its best. However, he's so surrounded by enablers(like the article discusses) and yes-men that he's being blinded to true reality. Like many teen super-stars or teen actors...he never was able to truly grow up and be humbled. Ever since he was in middle school he's been surrounded by people who would do whatever he wanted and posturing around him in order to make millions off of him.

[This message has been edited by J Peterman (edited 7/16/2010 5:42p).]

That article does such a poor job of villainizing LeBron; clearly that's his intent.

Even though he did his best to write off how te Heat sold him, it is clear to the reader that James overcame his faults to sign for less money, in the face of multiple presentations about growing his worth to billions, to sign with someone that just wanted to win.

In the end, Lebron won. The heat won. The NBA won.

[This message has been edited by claym711 (edited 7/16/2010 7:03p).]

it's fing cleveland- the rock and roll hall of fame displays Britney Spears more than real rock bands

point 2- it's cleveland

What was the 2007 All Star incident with James and Carter?

What exactly does this "WorldWide Wes" guy do? His name seems to be linked to a lot of the prominent players in the NBA.

Look up the GQ article about him...

Lebron is a tool. A very rich and athletic tool, but still a tool when all is said and done.

Lots of statements in there without substantiated quotes. I hate articles like this where fact is mixed with conjecture.

Sure, I believe it, but get some quotes from people to back up all these claims. I'm really not sure which ones are confirmed and which ones are just rumor.

fwiw, wojnarowski's been pretty on the mark as how this would play out. I'm inclined to believe more than disbelieve whatever he's writing, though obviously, he's no fan of lebron's so you do have to take it with a grain of salt. and the retelling certainly makes sense based on what we know now after the fact.

when Izzo didn't take the Cleveland job that sent the signal, but a lot media guys ignored it.

This explains it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cO9zxsRzN-M

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7xlzLOZH5c

To me the most troublesome aspect of this article, if true, is this "the commissioner’s office sent word to USA Basketball the league wouldn’t force James on them for the Olympics." Do Stern and his cronies have complete power over USA Basketball????