The Martlet

Lebron James needs to be quiet about his basketball future.

Eighteen months from now, the NBA will undergo a drastic transformation when many of its biggest superstars become free agents. Among those up for signing include James, the Toronto Raptors’ Chris Bosh, and the Phoenix Suns’ Steve Nash. Both the New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons have already cleared significant financial room in an attempt to land the Rock of Gibraltar upon which to build a dominant franchise.

So on Nov. 25, when James visited the Knicks (the dysfunctional and historic team which has openly pined for James), the media hurled tons of speculative questions his way in a post-game press conference.

Not only did James entertain their questions, but he provided evidence to suggest a move from his current team. All of which will remind Cleveland residents that their fair city will go back to being, well, Cleveland.

When asked about a possible landing spot, James tried to remain evasive and diplomatic in his response. The only problem? James said the financial battle for his services would not be limited to New York and Brooklyn.

His response was loaded with incriminating error. Last time I checked, Brooklyn didn’t have a professional basketball franchise, but I do recall that the New Jersey Nets part-owner Jay-Z and James have a bizarre protégé-student relationship. James’ statement only fuels discussion that the Nets will move from the Garden State to Brooklyn under Mr. Beyonce Knowles’ direction.

The relationship cultivated between Jay-Z and James becomes a conflict of interest for the NBA; the two men have a close personal relationship which will inevitably interact with their business interests. James wishes to brand himself as a global icon and looks up to Jay-Z as a business mentor. Following the recent tilt with the Knicks, James exchanged pleasantries with Jay-Z, who was dressed as a 21st-century Steve Urkel.

Secondly, James has tried to play the media game in such a way as to include all NBA teams as viable suitors of his basketball prowess. His inclusion of lowlights like Minnesota and Memphis in the Lebron sweepstakes might be a sweet thing to say, but we all know this aspiring global icon will go to a major market. Good luck becoming world-renowned in Charlotte, North Carolina, the home of pro sports apathy and Michael Jordan’s collection of women.

Many rumours have indicated that Nike, who signed James to an unprecedented $90 million contract before he had even played a professional basketball game, will increase his endorsement pay if James signs with a team in a major market such as New York or Los Angeles.

Not only that, but Nike unveiled a new Lebron-inspired basketball shoe prior to his recent game in New York, a bright red high-top named, you guessed it, the Big Apple.

Charles Barkley, the rotund loudmouth and NBA commentator, recently said James needs to “shut the hell up” with regards to his playing future. And Chuck’s absolutely right.

The fact remains that the free agency signing period doesn’t kick off until the summer of 2010. Between now and then two Larry O’Brien Trophies will be handed out, and the Cavaliers brass has assembled the most competitive Cleveland team since Lebron’s arrival.

Through Monday the Cavaliers have recorded a 14-3 record, including a perfect 9-0 at their home arena. Much of their success is due to the play of James, but also their free agent pick-up Mo Williams, who provides a solid second-option on the offensive end.

So keep quiet, Lebron. You have a legitimate shot at winning a title in the next two seasons and owe some respect to your hometown fans in Cleveland. And tell Jay-Z to lose the dorky glasses.