What LeBron James’ signing means to the Miami Heat
Photo. Ryan Hurst (@NBA_Photos)
That noise you’re hearing is Dom Perignon popping behind V.I.P ropes at every nightclub on South Beach. LeBron James has decided on South Florida as his new home, effectively ending the most frenzied free agency pursuit of all time. With his decision to join the Miami Heat, combined with those of Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, King James has helped cause a massive power shift within the Eastern Conference.
Pat Riley still has decisions to make, however, including which players should join his new superstar trifecta and whether or not to re-enter the fray as head coach. Despite all the question marks that may linger, including how three perennial All-Stars are going to share the ball on the offensive end and what kind of salary cap room the team has left, Miami appears to be an immediate contender for an NBA Championship. Make no mistake about it, South Florida is now divided into three counties: West Palm Bosh, LeBroward and Wade.
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July 8th, 2010 at 9:33 pm
the cynic says:
it means Lebron can’t handle the pressure of being the man so he is going to let Wade handle the crunch time plays
July 8th, 2010 at 9:33 pm
clips says:
wtffffffffffff man wow
July 8th, 2010 at 9:35 pm
Pedro says:
Who’s your daddy Lebron?
Wade is..
Coward, Coward, Coward
Kobe Bryant is the real deal…
July 8th, 2010 at 9:35 pm
asmaticasiatic02 says:
This is crazy, can’t believe it …..kobe is probably training now he’s gonna have to get some consistency from Ron-ron and Lamar somehow….
July 8th, 2010 at 9:35 pm
b says:
i feel bad for cleveland and byron scott. chris paul would’ve gone to cleveland for sure. good luck to him – he’s made the best basketball decision short of playing in chicago – still think chicago is the better choice
July 8th, 2010 at 9:37 pm
LakeShow84 says:
i was completely off haha
Maybe he is about winning.. i just actually gained a little bit of respect for the man on this decision..
OOoooooo that Finals will be NASTY.. if they make it.. Still one ball between the 3 of em..
July 8th, 2010 at 9:37 pm
Stunnaboy10 says:
4 thoughts
1. Gotta feel for Leaveland fans, having your heart break on National TV has GOT to be devastating
2. The Heat still have MAJOR issues, floor spacing, no bench, lack of size still this team is scary
3. LA repeat
July 8th, 2010 at 9:38 pm
Stunnaboy10 says:
Oh and the ESPN crew are feeling like true G’s for predicting this
July 8th, 2010 at 9:39 pm
nodizzel says:
I’m speachless…
July 8th, 2010 at 9:40 pm
leGroin says:
so whose team is it now?
July 8th, 2010 at 9:40 pm
Gunner J says:
Lebron just made himself public enemy number one. Art Modell is finally off the hook.
July 8th, 2010 at 9:40 pm
Basketball Spew says:
It’s the Miami Slaughterhouse… LBJ might average a triple double this season. Very interesting to see what piece they’re able to put around the new “Big 3″. Somebody needs to put Dan Gilbert on suicide watch… Delonte West too. (Sidenote:Looking at Danny Green and Delonte dancing seems all to funny now hahaha)
July 8th, 2010 at 9:41 pm
That's What's Up says:
Yo, Lebron, Chalmers wants your mom’s digits…….holla back
July 8th, 2010 at 9:41 pm
Spliff 2 My Lou says:
Hopefully it means that the Heat can finally fill some seats.
July 8th, 2010 at 9:42 pm
Jah says:
Haters gonna’ hate…
PG – chopped liver
SG – Dwyane Wade
SF – LeBron James
PF – Chris Bosh
C – a napkin
They will win. Mucho.
July 8th, 2010 at 9:42 pm
GameOn says:
All those haters who wanted to place an asterisk next to Kobe’s 3 rings, saying he never would’ve won without Shaq. Guess that means if LeBron ever wins a chip in Miami, he’ll be a walking asterisk.
July 8th, 2010 at 9:44 pm
That's What's Up says:
nodizzel….I think your peachless
July 8th, 2010 at 9:45 pm
john says:
YYYYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Patrick James Riley, you bastard !!! You did it !!!!
July 8th, 2010 at 9:47 pm
fallinup says:
Wow… just wow.
July 8th, 2010 at 9:48 pm
SKY says:
Pedro and cynic have it right. This dude is a joke and a fake. Biggest ego-maniac with no… absolutely no competitive greatness.
I hope everyone boycott’s his games on TV. I know I will.
Loser.
July 8th, 2010 at 9:49 pm
Jah says:
@SKY:
Shut up.
July 8th, 2010 at 9:49 pm
lebrons a fag says:
lebron gay…dwade gay…bosh looks like a avatar and he is gay!!!
July 8th, 2010 at 9:50 pm
Basketball Spew says:
This has all the making of a E! True hollywood story… Sex, drugs, and championships. There is going to be alot of tricking in South Beach….I hope the big three got their rubbers ready
July 8th, 2010 at 9:52 pm
jnuh says:
all this means is that erik spoelstra is out of a job in about an hour.
July 8th, 2010 at 9:54 pm
Zion says:
Have fun in Miami being overshadowed by Wade. Say goodbye to a great legacy, Mr. Media Whore.
July 8th, 2010 at 9:54 pm
Spliff 2 My Lou says:
It means 2 Live Crew is no longer the most popular trio in Miami.
July 8th, 2010 at 9:55 pm
Basketball Spew says:
Burning Bron Jersey’s and Cleveland fans wonder why they have no goodness in their lives… stay classy Cleveland(Anchorman Voice)
July 8th, 2010 at 9:56 pm
RICK773 says:
Just glad it’s over. Gotta give Mia its props for pulling it off. But even Bird, McHale, and Parrish needed a DJ to win. Likewise with Magic, Worthy, and Kareem. If they can add some quality role players around them then I’ll be worried but until then I’m reserving judgement
July 8th, 2010 at 9:57 pm
leGroin says:
at least NY has Amare and…
July 8th, 2010 at 9:57 pm
Jah says:
I’m thinking that they’ll need some players in the Charles Oakley mold — big and mean…and some pass-first guards, along with a few shooters…yeah.
July 8th, 2010 at 9:58 pm
Mateus says:
i dont feel too confident about lbj averaging a triple double for the season. if hes the primary ballhandler his assists average is def gonna go up, but chris bosh rebounds too much for him to average 10 boards a game
July 8th, 2010 at 9:59 pm
JJ says:
Wow, just wow!
People should stop hating! 3 superstar in their prime! Its all about winning and and not about money, if it was he would have gone to NY!
Wow! Im shocked!
July 8th, 2010 at 10:01 pm
leGroin says:
will they keep Beasley and Chalmers?
July 8th, 2010 at 10:01 pm
windelroj says:
pat riley greatest executive of all time..wtf
July 8th, 2010 at 10:02 pm
JustHoop says:
To me this was not about basketball to me. The basketball decision was in Chicago easy. But hey I can’t wait to see who signs in Miami and I hope they know if they don’t perform up to par the blame will be on the supporting cast.
July 8th, 2010 at 10:02 pm
jnuh says:
michael beasley is totally crying himself to sleep tonight.
July 8th, 2010 at 10:04 pm
Brazzle says:
Bring back the free agency tracker.. need to see what shooters and bruiser the heat can pick up for cheap now.
July 8th, 2010 at 10:05 pm
Daniel says:
it don’t matter they gave up their whole team for him.
three people won’t win a championship they need role players. they are going to lose in the second round and there are going to be riots in South beach.
July 8th, 2010 at 10:06 pm
leGroin says:
blueprint for greatness
July 8th, 2010 at 10:13 pm
se7enboy says:
thank good i live in miami. buckle up!! its gonna be crazy
July 8th, 2010 at 10:13 pm
wifey says:
WHOOOOAAAAAAAAA!
July 8th, 2010 at 10:15 pm
Stunnaboy10 says:
Am I the only one seeing Lakers 3peating. I still say you need size to win a chip, and bar Shaq and Miller signing for cheap I see LA handling them.
And as a Celtics fan it’s gonna hurt see Kobe win number 6
July 8th, 2010 at 10:16 pm
Twee says:
You made the best decision Lebron. This is just once in lifetime opportunity, where you can team up with the best players in the NBA. Miami Heat’s powerhouse is ready to kick some Ass. Go Heat!
July 8th, 2010 at 10:18 pm
Dennis says:
Props to Riley. This can’t be good for the league, can it?
July 8th, 2010 at 10:20 pm
jzsmoove says:
i’m pretty sure i had a few posts in Smack couple yrs ago about the trio about the plans to join forces after their 3 yr term was up. here it is folks. enjoy.
i aint against any of these. it’ll be fun to watch. enough of criticism of LBJ, and Bosh for not wanting to be the man. I will miss Bosh playing at the ACC, nobody to watch now but cant fault the dude. same as LBJ, it shouldnt be looked at as an easy way to get a chip. you still need to put the ball in the basket. 5 VS 5 ball.
Dynasty. dynasty.dynasty.
We have talked about Michael Jordan for a long time. Now is a new era, of having something to talk about for a long long time. respect.
July 8th, 2010 at 10:21 pm
joross says:
how many years did lebron signed and how much?
July 8th, 2010 at 10:22 pm
Jah says:
I’m calling the “last shot” pecking order as:
1. Dwyane Wade
2. LeBron James
3. Chris Bosh
July 8th, 2010 at 10:25 pm
Billyians says:
Does anyone that actually pops Dom in a club really care about LBJ
July 8th, 2010 at 10:26 pm
BiG_RoB_n_cali says:
Wow look at all the LeBron haters where the true basketball fans at man? Go learn some NBA history like LeBron said Teams with more than one superstar win rings period. I’m alittle scared for my lakers but we go as far as Kobe can take us he’s ass go down thats it. Maimi got three legit big time all stars.
July 8th, 2010 at 10:27 pm
MarshalGayBoy says:
Jordan stuck it out with bulls, didnt win a chip until he was 31
Bron left after his team won 60 games 2 years in a row plus 2 MVPs at 25
he could have been one of the greatest ever, what a sellout..
July 8th, 2010 at 10:27 pm
Celts Fan says:
@gameon – no one talks about an asterisk w/ Kobe just that he wasn’t THE MAN on those squads. That shit only comes into play if you’re talking top 10 ever context. Bron will win his rings but he mayve just made it reeeeally hard to get into that discussion unless he is the man on this squad (it’s not def Wade’s team, we’ll see what happens). But ya, what you’re saying is potentially on point. I coulsa seen this if he already had a ring on his own – then why not go play w/ your boys? – but I’m kinda surprised. Dude’s def not even close to as competitive as guys like Kobe and MJ but you know what? I always got the impression he was more comfortable deferring to other guys (think KG in Minny.) His “clutch ability” always seemed overrated to me. Other than the Orl shot last year, it was always layups. Now DWade’s got that covered. They may not winit all this year, but give oit a year or 2 of rounding out the bench, draft picks developing, and MLE stuff next year and this team will be a juggernaut if these guys can share the rock. How do you defend them???
July 8th, 2010 at 10:27 pm
yeahokayguy says:
i hate lebron even more..he made a spectacle of himself with his egocentric biznatch…i wish to have the lakers win the title vs these douchebags…he will realize if he does win, its not gonna feel better than if he won @ home or for a resurrected NY…good job lebrick
July 8th, 2010 at 10:32 pm
LABaller says:
My quick thoughts..
Got to say one thing, I did not think he would do this due to his ego. Didn’t think he would give up the KING James name to do this to win. So with that I give him some respect haha. But, don’t call him King James anymore. Sorry. Just don’t do it. He admitted he isn’t and gave up the name by doing this. Plain and simple. Took less money to make this happen, I didn’t think he’d do that.
Riles is a fucking BBall God. He runs shit. They pitched the biggest city for ball in the world with the most money and potentially becomming a billionaire with them or the nets. They sold him with the heart talking about his hometown, his city, the pitied city all that, didn’t happen. They sell him on the legacy aspect of being THE guy and if played right, be seen as Jordon without arguement as Kobe gets..didn’t happen. Riley is God.
Still don’t think they win it all..sorry. Kobe takes Wade. Artest guards lebron. Pau takes Bosh. We’re gonna leave the D leaguers alone and see what they can do. Haha. That’s just the lakers. Boston’s loading up this year too, they got a shot. Bulls are still pretty damn good and I’m not even talking about the Magic yet. So, nah don’t think the chip is coming, especially this year.
LAKERS ALL DAY
July 8th, 2010 at 10:34 pm
Dr.Goggles says:
Damn Lebron got haters on deck now..
July 8th, 2010 at 10:34 pm
BC says:
Miami HATE jerseys for sale… 29 NBA cities just sold out
July 8th, 2010 at 10:37 pm
Mateus says:
people worried about the team not having role players by now… cmon are you guys serious? players wil beg to play in miami now man
July 8th, 2010 at 10:38 pm
Celts Fan says:
Btw. Gotta hand it to LeBron. In an era where athletes take the $$$ and don’t care about winning (looking at you Joe Johnson and you too Amare) he’s def more interested in winning. Can’t say I blame him either. When you’re annoited as the next fucking legend as a sophomore in hs the bar’s set pretty high. My boys and I were talking last night and the general consensus was that he’s gotta win multiple titles to justify all that hype. That’s pretty big expectations but that’s generally what’s been expected of him since before he could even drive. “Go win a chip or 3 kid, you’re gonna be a fucking stud.” With those expectations he had to leave Cleveland. I’m still surprised he didn’t go to Chi but he’s gonna win. Fuck a legacy. Go live in paradise, play with your good friends on a potential juggernaut and have fun. Dude finally has guys on his squad that are legit peers. He probably oxxed himself outta the top 10 ever conversation (or at least out of any chance at top 5 unless Wade gets fucked again and they win a few without him) but he’s gonna win a title now for sure at some point. Good for him but fuck dude and his narcicism and hour-long @$$rape to Cleveland. Love his game (the first 46 min anyway) but what a douche.
July 8th, 2010 at 10:39 pm
Mr. Brogden says:
Basically, I’m now a fan of the Miami Heat. Thinkin’ about gettin’ a half Wade/ half Lebron jersey. Maybe I’ll grow some dreads too.
July 8th, 2010 at 10:39 pm
Mateus says:
Now the other squads, especially the contenders,if they’re not shitting their pants, are more than waiting for an opportunity to defeat this team and go to history
July 8th, 2010 at 10:39 pm
bandolero says:
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs100.snc4/36352_1334419888987_1485757083_833073_3672686_n.jpg
July 8th, 2010 at 10:42 pm
Tim says:
Yeah I still think the Lakers can top them. Bosh is a joke.
July 8th, 2010 at 10:47 pm
flavur says:
Dime you guys need to write an article about how great Pat Riley is and what his legacy will be because to get the three top players in this free agency class and two top players in the NBA on one team is amazing.
July 8th, 2010 at 10:50 pm
IAMRICH says:
Clevelands economy just went “down south” with Lebron….
July 8th, 2010 at 10:50 pm
Cha-Ching says:
Lebron basically did a 60 minute show giving the finger to his hometown. Classic!
Shots out to Brian Shaw. Let Byron Scott gamble on Lebron while giving up the keys to Kobe & cru when Phil leaves next year.
July 8th, 2010 at 10:55 pm
Scott says:
Kobe just tried to recruit Raja Bella and Mike Miller, then called a team meeting. He also txt’d Pau and told him to get some rest. lol
July 8th, 2010 at 11:04 pm
Celts Fan says:
So the next move should be sig some minimum guys like:
Eddie House
Anthony Morrow
Ime Udoka
Kwame Brown (I know, I know, but you gonna start Dexter Pittman at the 5?)
Resign Haslem
Get Mike Miller for either the deal that was proposed earlier or maybe an S&T for Beasley or the min.
Thatd give you a core of:
Chalmers (I’m higher on him than most. He can shoot, d up like crazy, and we know he’s clutch, just ask anyone in Memphis…)
Wade
Bron
Bosh
Kwame (ya, I just threw up in my mouth a bit too)
House
Morrow
Miller
Haslem
Udoka (poor-man’s James Posey)
DaSean Butler (woulda been a 1st rounder if the knee was right. Should be good by Feb, really ready to go in 2011 and could be the steal of the draft if he gets all the way back. Big if, I know)
Dexter Pittman (300 lb center. Could become a Perk-like space eater or just an eater like Eddy Curry.)
Jarvis Varnardo (alltime leading shotblocker in college, weighs as much as LeBron’s right bicep.)
That’s not a bad start. Add in some draft picks and MLE signings over the next few years and you’ve got a juggernaut. Prob not enough to win it this year but they’ll be there very very soon.
You know Kobe’s already called Lamar like, “yo. Put down the Skittles and send that fat bitch back to IHoP and meet me at the gym. We got work to do.” I hate that guy worse than AIDS but there’s no doubt he’s in the gym right now working on something w/ that special on repeat muttering to himself,”these guys think they can beat me” (3ball swish) “it takes more than 3 all stars” (fadeaway, swish) “no way. Not ever” (foul shot Swish, find camera, kiss his daughters, but only once the live feed’s rolling) “I got something for you guys” (another jumper. Net.) Goddamn I can’t wait for ball to start. Kobe’s gonna drop 50 on em. I hate dude but THAT’S what Bron doesn’t have. The difference between all-timers like Kobe and just great, HOFers is that killer instinct, that and raping bitches.
July 8th, 2010 at 11:06 pm
ScoGo says:
Things I know:
DWade will always have 1 more ring than LBJ
The big 3 are no longer means guys in green jerseys
If any one of these guys goes down, it’s curtains for the Heat
Things I ponder:
Can the Bullies renege on the Captain Kirk deal?
Can the Heat send BEazy (and Mario) to The Big Easy for CP3?
Who loses more games next season: The Cavs, The Raps or the Nets?
July 8th, 2010 at 11:17 pm
bobby stew says:
Iverson Wade Bron Bosh Shaq
July 8th, 2010 at 11:18 pm
bookkwormmaster says:
WOW. I am completely shocked. I didn’ think that he would do that to Cleveland but damn that had to be a HARD ass decision to make especially on live tv
With those 3 in Miami they WILL win at LEAST 3 championships. I predict Year 1 they will work on their chemistry, experiment with the roster, figure out how best to execute the offense, etc. They will, barring injury to any of the Big 3, make it to the NBA Finals against the Lakers and probably lose. But Year 2 and beyond they definitely will be running shit.
July 8th, 2010 at 11:33 pm
Blue says:
It doesn’t seem to me that people (Laker fans) remember Kobe bitching in front of the cameras and on the radio that he wanted to be traded or that he wanted Bynum to be traded away. The only thing that saved him from himself is Mitch Crapchek! Once he stole Pau Gasol for a bag of peanuts and an old tampon, suddenly Kobe became a warrior for sticking it out with one team. Please!!!!!
MIAMI HEAT BABY!!!!!
July 8th, 2010 at 11:33 pm
dapro says:
I respect his decision to leave money on the table cause he thinks he can win in Miami but the better option was Chi-Town. As for the one-hour suckfest of Lebron, completely pointless and possibly the biggest reason why this won’t work besides the fact that they have no one else signed!! It was cold and his rep will take a huge hit reardless if he wins a few titles. His PR people may haved screwed him! He could have simply pulled a Durant and made a simple announcement rather than kill the collective souls of Cleveland fans.
The Bulls have quietly put themselves in a great spot and Boston will find the fountain of youth once more because of the over hype of Miami.
July 8th, 2010 at 11:36 pm
uqk says:
Carmelo being left out cold by his rookie classmate….
July 8th, 2010 at 11:38 pm
uqk says:
riley should recruit darko as starting center..
July 8th, 2010 at 11:38 pm
Marparker says:
celts fan wins the thread
“Find’s camera kisses daughter”
on the floor
July 9th, 2010 at 12:01 am
vic says:
The king won 60 games with nobody as his team nobody thinks this is a coop out. I felt he should of built up chi or ny with either team he would of won’t atleast 50 games no? Ne seems lazy to me now. I understand wanting a ring but if he doesn’t get on now!!! I have so much more respect for KOBE now. He did it his way!
July 9th, 2010 at 12:07 am
fallinup says:
In word. This signing means…. RINGS.
Maybe not this season.. hell, maybe not the next… but for every season from this point on… they will be in the discussions. And yes… the dynasty is there. And when… WHEN… it happens… it’s gonna be ugly.
Riley just pulled the most ultimate jack move in the history of the NBA. It’s your move now, league. I don’t know what’s more interesting… watching the Heat get the pieces put together for the chip… or watching how bad some of the other teams are going to be making PANIC TRADES and the like.
July 9th, 2010 at 12:26 am
dk says:
I told you idiots so…
July 9th, 2010 at 12:28 am
Jas2:26 says:
@LAballer
lmao u must be out of your mind.. Kobe cannot check Wade, Artest for sure has nothin on lebron. Gasol on Bosh i’ll give it to ya. Dude Kobe is washed up.
July 9th, 2010 at 12:34 am
Arno says:
The salary cap multiple provisions made to avoid this kind of situation didn’t work. How is it possible ? You have to admit that the New Big 3 were probably all unselfish enough to give up some of the mega money they were gonna get. Which means that they are grown up people. They know that they have enough money in any case, they want to play with good friends and they want to win. And they do what’s necessary to achieve that.
You have to respect this.
This decision is not only reshaping the NBA. If it works, it is also an interesting lesson for star pros of all sports.
July 9th, 2010 at 12:48 am
Reno says:
Correct me if I’m wrong but when you bout to play ball and you picking up squads, aren’t you picking up the best possible team that you can to stay on the court all day??? Or you trying to be calling next all day???well that’s what Lebron just did and people killing him for it….. What’s wrong with wanting to be Scottie Pippen? I believe he’s on the top 50 team as well, with several rings. I don’t get what the problem is, isn’t that what teams are doing to the players when they trade them? It’s a business and he did to them what they would do to him if it meant multiple rings. I may be off but it’s my opinion.
July 9th, 2010 at 12:48 am
frmkt says:
Lakernation…. I don’t give a shit… that is going to be one bad ass team in Miami, bar none… Kobe will win his 6th and final ring. PJ leaves on top and Miami is on it’s way to becoming a dynasty. They will a min – 4 in a row… Bron can finish with 6 or 7 rings… He deserves them… The young fella wants to win it now. It’s the ultimate playground pick-up team. Don’t tell me he made a mistake. Those guys are pros and there’s not a selfish one among them.. We about to witness some good basketball from this team. It’s gonna be beautiful, you watch…
July 9th, 2010 at 12:52 am
frmkt says:
BTW: So NY was the loser in all of this by paying max money for a so-so PF… No Nash = No easy points for Amar’e…
July 9th, 2010 at 1:02 am
jay says:
i dont hate bron but he is going to be public enemy numero uno in almost every arena this year..it is dwades team..can bron handle be the A-rod of hoops??
July 9th, 2010 at 1:04 am
Legend 33 says:
Celts win this season and the Heat win 4 of the next 5 barring injury. I’m okay with that, because that will put us two up on the Lakers and as you know teams might never get back since only 1 team out of 30 wins every year.
July 9th, 2010 at 1:08 am
Kobeeeee says:
From now own please call him Princess James. He did not have the balls to be the man. Which is ok. But his legacy will be untermnined drastically.
July 9th, 2010 at 1:22 am
Tiks says:
Funny how everyone keeps talking about how basketball is a team game; funny how every hater starts to lick his chops whenever Kobe stops deferring to his team; and funny how now that three stars have decided to create a team, every loser out there wants to call Bron gutless. Keep whining, losers, and choke on your tears when Miami gets it done.
July 9th, 2010 at 1:47 am
OneZero says:
@Celts Fann
“You know Kobe’s already called Lamar like, “yo. Put down the Skittles and send that fat bitch back to IHoP and meet me at the gym. We got work to do.” I hate that guy worse than AIDS but there’s no doubt he’s in the gym right now working on something w/ that special on repeat muttering to himself,”these guys think they can beat me” (3ball swish) “it takes more than 3 all stars” (fadeaway, swish) “no way. Not ever” (foul shot Swish, find camera, kiss his daughters, but only once the live feed’s rolling) “I got something for you guys” (another jumper. Net.) Goddamn I can’t wait for ball to start. Kobe’s gonna drop 50 on em. I hate dude but THAT’S what Bron doesn’t have. The difference between all-timers like Kobe and just great, HOFers is that killer instinct, that and raping bitches.”
I respect you soooo bad my man. now lets join in hand and beat them
July 9th, 2010 at 1:59 am
fLaVa says:
to sum up today; LBJ wanted everyone to rub on his balls while he jerks himself then proceeds to jizz all over the fans of clevland, all on national tv.
July 9th, 2010 at 2:02 am
Soopa says:
So LeBron chose to play with his friends in an enviroment where he might actually win a ‘chip…
Yeah he sure is an evil egotistic whore! LOL
All you haters are fucking ridiculos…
July 9th, 2010 at 2:19 am
OneZero says:
@Soopa
I didnt think it was wrong for Lebron to pick Heat over anyone since they got Wade and Bosh, he wants to win, period.
but the damnest thing is how he handles this FA and how he treats Cavs for the past couple of weeks, capped of with an unnecessary 1 hour event to slap Ohio in the face while a simple press conference would suffice
and I dont think I remember him crediting the Cavs organization for the years they were together, did he actually say it?
its marketing go wild
July 9th, 2010 at 3:44 am
Twee says:
I wish Allen Iverson will join Miami Heat’s line up. Accept a minimum or lower salary. There’s a high chance that he can be a starting PG.
I’m not a Lebron fan but I would admit, I’m amazed and
admired him for deciding to join his friends and make a legacy. That was tough man! Swallowing his pride and admitting that he can’t be a champion w/o somebody’s help.
To Wade, Bosh and James, congratulations for deciding to help each other and be a champion. All 3 of you have proven that it’s not always about the money but to bring title to your team. Kudos!
Well done also, Pat Riley! You are definitely an NBA legend.
Go Miami Heat!!!
July 9th, 2010 at 4:51 am
BBALL FAN says:
The last time I checked the Big 3 needed Kobe to win the Gold. Not worried about the heat. They said Boston was done and they won the east. They said Kobe was done and he won another ring. Boston and Chicago just got better, they’ll be waiting and Orlando will get better too. Yes, stop calling him King James, he’s Wade’s biatch now.
July 9th, 2010 at 4:56 am
chi-town says:
Chicago will be a team in the East that might be able to play against the Top East squad. They will be a better defensive team and all they need is a shooter.
July 9th, 2010 at 6:01 am
E says:
kobe is the last great one of this era my respect for him rose by 100% 3 players in their prime need to do this just to win a chip in the most watered down weak non physical era of hoops this is a joke lebron just told the world i cant carry a team
July 9th, 2010 at 6:31 am
era says:
WTF is wrong with you people. The guy gives up money to play with people he likes, in a city he likes, because he wants to win and be on a really great TEAM, instead of desperately trying to chase some “legacy”, that – all of a sudden- cannot be achieved if your teammates are as good as you.
I wont be rooting for the heat, but i am a basketball fan and we will see some of the best basketball ever played.
July 9th, 2010 at 8:43 am
Aryan says:
no loyalty…enough said.
July 9th, 2010 at 11:24 am
the big fundamental says:
@ Celtsfan
dude you’re funny as hell!!! you had me rolling
July 9th, 2010 at 12:48 pm
DT says:
I’m not sure why everybody is hating on Lebron…he made the best decision out there…cleveland was done and he couldn’t go back to them…its like sticking it out with your gf of 8 yrs that u grew up with and she not being able to pleasure u anymore…it was time to move on…he couldn’t go to chicago cuz drose needs the ball in his hands to be effective…now u may say the same about dwade but at least dwade can hit an 18 footer consistently….new york has been marred since ewing retired…that franchise needs a miracle…and new jersey just came off a season where barely got 10 wins..doubt he wanted to play with a bunch of losers…so that leaves miami, with the nice weather all year long, great GM/soon to be coach, 2 bonafide all stars who he has never had on his team, and a few seasoned vets that they will sign…lebron didn’t take the money, which should be something that many ppl should praise…lebron tried to take cleveland to the promise land and he simply had zero help…kobe got drafted into a winning franchise with pieces already there, so did magic..jordan was the exception even tho he got pippen in 87 so that’s all he needed..who has lebron got over those 7 years? NOBODY!!! So quit hating on the man cuz he did what anybody else would prolly be to chicken shit to do…that’s why
July 9th, 2010 at 1:23 pm
Ronimous says:
LBJ + WADE + BOSH = EPIC… Kobe is trying hard to be like MIKE… MJ23 = G.O.A.T… KOBE fanatics keep hatin!
July 9th, 2010 at 3:12 pm
Jim says:
Looks like LeBron took the easy way out to me. Taking on the challenge of winning a title for his hometown in Cleveland would have been worth several championships with the new, stacked “Big Three” in Miami. He should have stayed the course in Cleveland, and his popularity would continue to soar, which automatically increases his income with more endorsements!
July 9th, 2010 at 9:34 pm
guy lafleur: #1 dad says:
If you pick an NBA 2010 team for your console, then yeah, you might win but in actual basketball come playoff time, youre going to see that basketball teams know how to attack deficiencies.
The biggest problem with this big three (the 2004 Lakers trio was pretty good) is that Wade and James both need the ball. A lot. They massage it waiting for isos and pass only as a third or fourth option. They are very similar players.
When the Celtics got their super trio a few years back, it made perfect basketball sense since KG, Ray and Pierce brought different skills sets.
The 3 Heat players dont complement each others in the same way. its like picking fantasy players for the PS3, you can load up with all PGs if you want, ti doesnt mean its gonna work in the league.
And dont even get me started with Bad Knees Bosh. The guy misses dozen games per season with bad knees so you know those never get better but again, what skill set does he bring?
Defence? Please dont make laugh.
He is physically weak and hates to play center and will get eaten one vs one against the Amare’s, Howard and KG.
He is a complimentary p layer but one who needs to get his shots called for him to get going. How many plays will be drawn for him you think?
it will be the fifth option (first options will be Wade driving or shooting and the 3-4th options will be James driving or shooting).
Bosh is not a go getter. You know the Shawn Marions who never get plays drawn for them but will go get them through hustle and rebouding and put up 15pts out of nothing.
Bosh doesnt create this.
Give him three moving screens and he can put in the 12footer.
So again, you not only have two superstars whose skills sets dont complement each other but you have a wannabee 2nd level star at number three who doesnt bring anything the teams needs: defense, grit, hustle, play well against the beasts at center and create his own scoring chances/picking up scraps.
Im not saying they cant get enough mid-exception vets and
guys willing to give it one more shot but not for this year.
A basketball team made for the playoffs needs a 7-8 man rotation with defined roles that cover ALL aspects of basketball and 2 more single skill specialists a la Eddie House.
I hate the Celtics with a passion but when they signed their three I went ’Oh Sh@@!!’ because of the separate skills they each brought to the team.
This time around, not so much.
Will they score lots of points? Yes. Will we watch? yes, except so many people not affected by this nauseating
process will actively cheer agaisnt the heat or actually Lebron (its not leaving that people mind but the way he did it).
Will they win this year? Not a chance in hell.
Can they win in 3-4 years? Technically, they could but unlike the Celtics trio, there are so many holes to plug and so many roles players that will have to be at their peak for this to happen that the chances are not that good.
had James signed normally and not drag his HOMETOWN on
national TV to dump them and had the whole ESPN whoring not happened, many people would have probably even supported the Heat but right now, outside of Florida, the anti-Lebron resentment that it will no doubt carry over to the season through no fault of the Riley and the Heat.
Lebrons actions has painted a big bullseye on the teams back and fans will relish any problems, injuries, fights as much as they have enjoyed the Knicks Thomas-era debacles.
Btw, if Riley makes this work within 3-4 years, I think he will be considered an unparralelled genius.
Of course, the ONLY way this thing can even hope of working is if Riley goes behind the bench.
He wont for the first two years but after that, its only a matter of time.
July 11th, 2010 at 2:43 am
JD says:
the point is: the credits goes to Dime’s magic 8 ball
July 12th, 2010 at 12:26 pm
LakerLand says:
They will lose in the second round to Orlando/Boston.
@Guy – Good , everyone here should know that the big 3 cannot do it alone. Dwade is due for another injury and Lebron wont make it to 31 if he continues to play as physically as he does. & Bosh … well i just hope he wins his first playoff series.
MIAMI will not be in the finals this year , maybe the year after .
Lastly, I will delete Derek Fisher out of Laker memory if he joins that disloyal franchise .
July 14th, 2010 at 1:57 pm
April says:
First of all Lebron choice to do what he did for his self not nobody else if he woulda stayed in cleveleand for the 6 yrs he would be 31 bad back arthritis bad knees and no title. Besides Lebron honored his contract and he did’nt have to sign with Cleveland another 6 years. Shouldn’t anyone be hating on Lebron because he did his job there in Cleveland. One more thing the fans were fake because if you like a player no matter where he go you would still be a true fan.