posted by friendfromlowry

So, if they don’t manage to trade for Kawhi (even if they do?) lebrons first year in LA is going to be a total waste. 

I don't think him going to LA was about winning championships. If that's what he wanted, Philly would've been a better option. At least he'd likely be in the Finals. He'll be lucky to get there in his 3-4 years with the Lakers, imo.

On a side note, it may sound a little crazy, but I wouldn't rule out Lebron returning to Cleveland a third time, on a one year deal, for his "farewell tour."

I would only do that for a vet minimum.

posted by BR1986FB

I don't think him going to LA was about winning championships.

Jerseys and shoes

posted by Verbal Kint

Jerseys and shoes

Lebron doesn’t need to go to a big market to make himself more marketable. He has proven this his entire career. 

posted by like_that

Lebron doesn’t need to go to a big market to make himself more marketable. He has proven this his entire career. 

No but a new team jersey and shoes will be an inevitable big seller this year. But yeah he doesn’t need LA for that. He could have gone to Utah and sold the same amount. 

posted by kizer permanente

No but a new team jersey and shoes will be an inevitable big seller this year. But yeah he doesn’t need LA for that. He could have gone to Utah and sold the same amount. 

23.8 > 3.1

posted by Verbal Kint

23.8 > 3.1

Lebron is a world brand.  This does not matter at all.  Using this logic can you explain why NBA reached the highest ratings for the finals when Lebron was in Cleveland vs Miami? The state of Ohio mainly carried those ratings btw. 

Lebron doesn't need to go to a bigger market to increase the value of his brand. 

posted by Verbal Kint

23.8 > 3.1

Dude go around the country and see how many people wearing Cavs gear lol Do you think a single one will be next year? No. They’ll all be in Laker gear. They all would have been in whatever team he went to gear. 

I don’t know how old you are, but when I was a kid everyone wore Bulls gear in Ohio. Bulls starter jackets galore. Jordan had fans in every city. And Lebron has them in every country. The city he’s in doesn’t matter anymore. 

posted by kizer permanente

Dude go around the country and see how many people wearing Cavs gear lol Do you think a single one will be next year? No. They’ll all be in Laker gear. They all would have been in whatever team he went to gear. 

I don’t know how old you are, but when I was a kid everyone wore Bulls gear in Ohio. Bulls starter jackets galore. Jordan had fans in every city. And Lebron has them in every country. The city he’s in doesn’t matter anymore. 

I truly underestimate the bandwagon effect

posted by like_that

Lebron is a world brand.  This does not matter at all.  Using this logic can you explain why NBA reached the highest ratings for the finals when Lebron was in Cleveland vs Miami? The state of Ohio mainly carried those ratings btw. 

Lebron doesn't need to go to a bigger market to increase the value of his brand. 

100% agree

He went to LA to be mentored by Magic on life after basketball.  Magic isn't a business man. He's a business, man. 

posted by BR1986FB

 

On a side note, it may sound a little crazy, but I wouldn't rule out Lebron returning to Cleveland a third time, on a one year deal, for his "farewell tour."

I've been thinking about this all day.  

I think it is a possibility.

posted by BR1986FB

On a side note, it may sound a little crazy, but I wouldn't rule out Lebron returning to Cleveland a third time, on a one year deal, for his "farewell tour."

I don't see it, but who knows. Right now I think you have a better chance of doing a farewell tour with the Cavs than he does. 

posted by friendfromlowry

I don't see it, but who knows. Right now I think you have a better chance of doing a farewell tour with the Cavs than he does. 

Gilbert was happy to “have his team back.” A return would mean he would have to give it back to Lebron all over again. I’m not counting on that to happen, but several years in the lottery could humble him like it did last time 

posted by like_that

Lebron doesn’t need to go to a big market to make himself more marketable. He has proven this his entire career. 

He can always get bigger and this likely opens up a few more things for him, some of which he hasn't even attempted yet.

Sucks he had to screw over the fans of Cleveland a second time.   

Lebron cannot get bigger. You literally cannot become more of a star than LeBron James. 

posted by thavoice

He can always get bigger and this likely opens up a few more things for him, some of which he hasn't even attempted yet.

Sucks he had to screw over the fans of Cleveland a second time.   

I don't really think he "screwed over the fans" this time. His leaving was kind of expected. I wish him the best but I really don't want to see him win another championship somewhere else.

posted by BR1986FB

I don't really think he "screwed over the fans" this time. His leaving was kind of expected. I wish him the best but I really don't want to see him win another championship somewhere else.

True. The team had peaked. They weren't going to beat whoever the west threw at them nor perhaps Boston/Philly next year. That's why I don't particularly care about Cousins signing with Golden State. If I was a fan of anyone else, I'd be really pissed. But Cleveland is back to mediocrity and Golden State went from what, 80% likely to win the 2018-2019 title to 95%? 

posted by SportsAndLady

Lebron cannot get bigger. You literally cannot become more of a star than LeBron James. 

Yes you can. I don’t think he’s at Tiger Woods level

😀

posted by Classyposter58

Yes you can. I don’t think he’s at Tiger Woods level

He's bigger. 

You think kids in China gave a fuck about Tiger Woods? 

What about now?

It is not a coincidence that he is now in Hollywood.  

posted by Automatik

He's bigger. 

You think kids in China gave a fuck about Tiger Woods? 

I can tell you the women do. Holy Hell

posted by Automatik

He's bigger. 

You think kids in China gave a fuck about Tiger Woods? 

Yes, they do. 

But also yes, LeBron is bigger. 

Tiger is half Asian. They fucking love him over there.