LeBron's future

[Abravefan11]

Rob I see your point but look at it some what differently.

Lebron doesn't have to win a title virtually by himself to be viewed as one of the greatest players of all time IMO, he already has that coming his way. With that said I can understand his not wanting to be included in the "Best Player To Never Win A Championship" conversation no matter how he has to get it done. He's very young and if he can win a championship in Miami in the next few years he will be able to cross that off his list and move on to other more personal goals if he chooses. I also think it speaks volumes to his desire to win a championship as opposed to being the star and not having anyone else take away from his shine.

One thing to keep in mind is Lebron is a brand and not just a player. At this point winning a championship is more important to elevating the brand than anything else.

[Robextend]

I hear ya Tim. I am just not so sure that his brand will thrive if he isn't the main focal point on a championship team. If his numbers go down to 22 pts a game with maybe 8 asissts, I am not sure his brand will soar.

He was totally wrong about some of the things he spoke about as well. He mentioned how Jordan had Pippen/Grant/Kukoc. Those guys were good role players, just like most of the guys Kobe has with the exception of maybe Gasol. It is easy to say how unselfish he is going to be and how they will all play together in harmony, but we have all seen situations where there are not enough basketballs on the court.

I remember Sprewell and Houston after one season couldn't play together because they both needed the ball to succeed. I am not saying it will be the same, but I would not be ready to hand them the championship or even the East title. I still think Orlando has the edge.

I also think Bosh is a tad overrated. I am always weary of guys who put up big numbers on bad teams, i.e, Charles Smith.

I guess we shall see...should be very interesting.

PS - Over/under on how many games before Riley takes over the team? I say 15...that guy is a snake.

[Abravefan11]

Rob I agree with everything you had to say and I look at it this way. Sports are using the same philosophy as movie companies. If something is a success, copy it and you too will have success. What Boston did in the last couple of years IMO is the model that Lebron and Miami are banking on being successful for them. With that said I think they are certainly poised to be a power house but all involved will suffer if they are not successful.

[Robextend]

I'm with you on that statement Tim, totally agree.

[Jewish-collector]

I feel bad for the fans of Cleveland. Miami will win multiple championships with these guys, if they can stay healthy. I wouldn't worry about them getting the other players to fill out the roster. Guys will be lining up to play with them in Miami.

[barrysloate]

The guys lining up to play in Miami will have to do so at the minimum salary. So that's going to rule out most of the league. I would guess that the other nine men on the team are going to be a pretty weak group.

[Robextend]

I of course sound like a biast Knick fan, but I don't think they will win multiple championships. If you look at Boston, they won 1 championship and the talent that surrounds their big 3 is much better than anything Miami will probably put out there.

I just think it will be extremely tough with Wade and James being ultimately the same kind of player. Pierce/Allen/Garnett all brought something different to the table, plus they had an emerging superstar in Rondo and a very good defensive cranky center in Perkins. They only won 1 championship...it won't be easy for them to beat Orlando in the East, and the Lakers in the West. Also don't sleep on Atlanta, they seem to be getting better every year.