LeBron’s Suitors Going About It All Wrong

The light at the end of the NBA free agency tunnel is rapidly approaching, and the hoopla will soon come to an end.

The scene outside the IMG building on East 9th Street over the past few days has been one that will be remembered for years to come in Cleveland, regardless of the final decision made by it’s most beloved son.

Lebron James has been courted by some of the most influential people in the NBA over the past few days, inviting the big wigs from 6 NBA teams to his hometown to state their case as to why they should retain the future services of The King.

Jay Z, Pat Riley, Mikhael Prokorov, Dan Gilbert, Alonzo Mourning, and Jerry Reinsdorf were just some of the big names that made their way to town in hopes of wooing Lebron away from The Q.

Cavalier fans lined the streets of downtown Cleveland for hours on end… chanting his name, tossing baby powder in the air in tribute to his pre-game chalk toss, willing their superstar to stay home.

All of these factors and all of these people will likely play a role in the final outcome of this mess, but in reality only one voice will be heard… and that will be the voice of The King himself.

And for Lebron, it will come down to familiarity.

The Nets flew into Cleveland on a $50 million dollar G5 jet. The Knicks drove an AstroVan worth of equipment for their 3 hour long presentation.

Pat Riley and Jerry Reinsdorf strolled in wearing suits that were more expensive than the house that LBJ grew up in… each contingent thinking that THEY knew exactly what it would take to lure The King from his castle.

Can’t you just see Pat Riley courting Lebron with a cheesy slide show presentation like Ari Gold used with Vinny Chase? “ McDonalds… Microsoft… Lebron James!”

The problem is, these people don’t know Lebron. They may know “Lebron the Superstar”… but they don’t know Lebron the home town kid. They don’t know Lebron the way that Dan Gilbert and the rest of the Cavalier family know Lebron.

Lebron showed up to the meeting with Prokorov and the Nets in a pair of black sweat pants and a tee shirt. He came to his second day of meetings in shorts, a tee shirt, and a backpack. Day 3? You guessed it. Tee shirt and shorts again.

Lebron James has more money than his children’s children could spend in a lifetime, but shows up to the most important meetings of his young life dressed as if he is ready to spend the day watching football with his buddies. That’s the kind of person Lebron James is.

Dan Gilbert knows this, and tailored his presentation to what he knew Lebron would respond to… not what he thought would impress.

A Family Guy style cartoon involving Lebron and his friends as the characters. Plenty of inside jokes. Poking fun at the other presentations. Music from Gladiator, one of Lebron’s favorite movies.

Corny? Maybe. Effective? Absolutely. After all, Lebron’s son is named Bryce Maximus.

Overall, the Cavalier pitch had a very familiar feel… and ironically that familiar feel will make Lebron feel differently about the Cavs than any of his other suitors.

In the upcoming days, a decision will be made that will alter the landscape of the NBA for years to come. A blockbuster trade may sway LBJ another direction, but at this point I can’t see Lebron leaving home.

The national media has portrayed the mood in Cleveland as one of desperation, and painted Cleveland as a city on edge. This could not be further from the truth.

The fans that lined the streets of East 9th over the weekend didn’t toss chalk in the air out of desperation or fear or angst… but out of faith. Out of hope. Because they believe.

Right or wrong, are you not entertained?