LeBron Visits Knicks; ESPN/New York Licking Lips

It all started two years ago. I don't know how it started two years ago, but it did. It's clear ESPN has an east-coast bias. It's also very clear that they are witnesses--or maybe groupies is this better word--of the "chosen one" LeBron James. And for some reason, with three years left on his contract, ESPN and the New York media created a subplot to 2007-2008 NBA season: When will LeBron land in New York? As if there's not enough news out there to talk about, they had to create a story.

It's just Issue No. 23 for James: Will he stay or will he go?

ESPN wants him to go to New York. They have been hyping this move since James has matured into a threatening force in the league. New York wants him to go to New York. They have been hyping this move since the Knicks have been the most embarrassing team in basketball. His pal, Jay-Z wanted him to come to New York, even if it was for the New Jersey (Brooklyn) Nets.

James has been democratic throughout it all; saying that his only concern is about the upcoming game, not where he will be in 1-2-3 years from now. But he has made sure to leave his mark on New Yorkers and the Garden. Since the 2007-2008 season James has averaged 38.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 3.2 steals at Madison Square Garden. He certainly shined for all the stars that come out to see him. But will he still be shining when the opponents he used to abuse at the Garden become his teammates? That's the Knicks for ya.

You can be rest-assured that ESPN was there to slurp down every ounce of sweat dropped from the balls of LeBron James. They did a preview for last night's action and yet again bring in some of their expert analysts to "figure out" where LeBron will go this summer. This is classic ESPN--full of shit. There's no way anyone knows where he will end up. What if Cleveland wins the NBA title this year? You think he's going to leave the city like all of their other great sports heroes? No way. He's from Cleveland. I can't see him bailing on the city (even if it is Cleveland) after winning a title for them.

ESPN should be ashamed of themselves. They should hold themselves to a higher level of journalism than to succumb to the tabloid trash that is the New York media. Having said that, it doesn't mean that I can't stoop to that level. HA!

Long-time Knicks fan, Spike Lee on LeBron: "He wants to come to New York. He told me people are putting this stuff about coming to Brooklyn because of Jay-Z. First of all, this Brooklyn thing is no wrap. That's not a done deal. Hova's his boy, but that's not going to determine where he leaves, if he chooses to do so."

New York journalist on relationship with Jay-Z & LeBron: "Jay-Z is the one person that I can put in a parallel universe with LeBron from where they started and where they are now. If LeBron has a role model in life, it's Jay-Z. I've never been around a more perfect match of young genius. What would be better than these two kids in New York?"

Terry Pluto (Cleveland Plain Dealer): "I'd say it's 80% he stays, 20% he goes. Of the 20%, only 10% he goes to New York."

Brian Windhorst (Plain Dealer Cavs beat writer): "Market size plays into it, and LeBron being at home isn't as much an advantage as Cavs fans want to believe."

Bob Finnan (Cavs beat writer, Norther Ohio's News-Herald): "He stated earlier that he wants to go to a team that can win multiple championships. That team might be in Cleveland. I would not be shocked if he signs an extension this summer."

To sum up this article...no one knows where he is going. Perhaps not even LeBron knows. So get off his nuts already ESPN. It's supposed to be a family station and you are scaring the kids.