Off With the King

Okay, I'm not the first to say it, but I definitely believe I am one of the first of many to come: LeBron James is an idiot.

The King has been fortunate to be immune of the hatreds stored for many of the league's brightest stars (Kobe, Shaq etc). But this reign is slipping and will soon fall. And most surprisingly, it will start in his home state of Ohio.

Amongst some questionable moves to kick off this NBA offseason, (the failure to shake hands with the victorious Magic in the Eastern Conference Finals, the "Nikegate" confiscation of dunk tapes etc.) the latest and probably most offensive is his decision to not consider negotiations for a contract extension in Cleveland until next season.

At an event in his hometown to unveil Nike Air Max LeBron VII, the latest sneaker in his signature line, James made his strongest comments yet about his future. The NBA's reigning MVP said he signed a three-year contract in 2006 to give him more options once it expires.

This move will drown the Cavs. I know it probably seems like a great business move and he has every right to do so and whatever else you want to argue, but LeBron's decision to wait and see if the team is good enough for him is the quintessential selfish act that represents everything I loathe about professional sports.

After watching a superstar sign long term with the Portland Trailblazers this summer, eager to win a Championship from scratch, I am so thankful that I have Brandon Roy instead of LeBron James. There is no way LeBron stays in Portland through the 2010 offseason.

LeBron James came into the league as a nice, well spoken kid with a lot of hype to live up to. Since winning his first MVP this past season however, I believe that his motives are evolving.

LeBron needs attention so much that he wants to see just how much other teams will actually pay to have him play for them.

He wants to wait a year to watch as teams forgo this season and instead scheme plans to offer James a gigantic contract in a down economy.

And if I lived in Cleveland, I would be pissed. If the Cavalier front office spends this year sweating and planning on how to keep their franchise player and fail, they will hit rock bottom so quickly as a franchise that the owners will consider relocation.

To have LeBron James resign with the Cavs this summer so the entire organization can focus on winning a championship instead of his contract might be an unreasonable expectation, but not to me. LeBron has shown that he can basically do whatever he wants on and off the court, so why not accept the $17 million(!!!!!) option for next year and quit acting like you are "making the right business decision."

I am calling LeBron out, and soon you will too. Off with the king.