LeBron James Rumors: This Dude Wants Cleveland?

Nov 27, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; A fans holds up a sign referencing Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (not pictured) during a game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Miami Heat at Quicken Loans Arena. Miami won 95-84. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, little children, dogs and cats. Pippen Ain’t Easy is going to make history right here, right now in this article. This article is dependent on your opinion. Usually I just say my piece and move on, but this time it’s going to be different. We are going to  have our own forum on LeBron James.

ESPN’s Chris Broussard said recently based on his “gut feeling” (to all people rolling their eyes right now, stop) he thought that LeBron James is strongly considering making a return to Cleveland. Even I thought Chris was coming up with things to say because he was running out of ways to explain the next potential moves of LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony.

Oh, but lo and behold, this rumor picked up some serious steam. There were reports of trucks leaving LeBron James’ house. Cleveland had traded Jarrett Jack out-of-town in a three team deal to open up more cap space. The Cavs asked about Mike Miller and Ray Allen. All of this in an effort to get LeBron James back in uniform. I have  just one question.

Why in the world would LeBron James want to play one more game for Dan Gilbert?

I ask a favor for anyone who reads this to leave a comment on what they think, then tell all of your friends and family to weigh in. Because I am serious about this. Let’s get started.

Back in 2010, LeBron James went infamous in NBA history with his “Decision” show on ESPN. Well Dan Gilbert was not happy with the choice of teams that James decided to go with. He seemed shocked even though I would assume that the team did reach out (reportedly twice) and have a contract ready for LeBron to sign. He didn’t sign it. HMMM…red flag?

Well Dan Gilbert went on an emotionally upset diatribe with the “Response.” I will pull out excerpts from this to make a point.

"“As you know now, our former hero, who grew up in the region that he deserted this evening is not longer a Cleveland Cavalier.”“This was announced with a several day, narcissistic, self promotional build up culminating with a national TV special of his “decision” unlike anything ever “witnessed” in the history of sports and probably the history of entertainment.”“You don’t deserve this type of betrayal.”“I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE THAT THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS WILL WIN AN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP BEFORE THE SELF TITLED FORMER ‘KING’ WINS ONE”“You can take that to the bank.”“This shocking act of disloyalty from our homegrown “chosen one” sends the exact opposite lesson of what we would want our children to learn. And  “who” we want them to grow up to become.”“But the good news is that this heartless and callous action can only serve as the antidote to the so-called “curse” on Cleveland Ohio.”The self-declared former “King” will be taking the “curse” with him down south. And until he does “right” by Cleveland and Ohio. James (and the town where he plays) will unfortunately own this dreaded spell and bad karma.”“Just watch.”"

LeBron James’ character got questioned. No check that, Dan Gilbert went on a personal attack. The man called LeBron a coward and linked him to a curse. Look I have clowned LeBron a few times in my tenure at Pippen Ain’t Easy (and will continue) but I don’t mess with a player’s character. Gilbert basically called the man a coward and a bad example for the kids of Cleveland. Like Nino Brown of the movie New Jack City is something to strive for.

That letter stayed up for FOUR YEARS! It was like a moment of history in Cleveland. I bet it was next to Michael Jordan’s shot over Craig Ehlo back in 1989. Now all of a sudden, the letter is gone.

This is not about Dan Gilbert, because four NBA Finals and two world championships later, whoever took his guarantee to the bank would find the bank just as closed as the office hours on Sunday night at 3:00 a.m. This is about LeBron folks.

How can a dude who got blasted on the internet by Gilbert, come back and want to play for him? How does Cleveland get in the conversation?

When ESPN’s J.A. Adande said his opinions about the subject, fans went nuts.

Maybe it’s just me, but if someone goes at my family, reputation and credibility with a loose cannon, they are cut off. Forever. I may be wrong and I admit forgiveness is not a strong suit. I can hold a grudge to the point that I understand where Michael Jordan is coming from. The fact that LeBron went through a year of anger and resentment that started with the letter and the burning of his jerseys in the streets of Cleveland shows me that this guy is either extremely forgiving or naïve.

Gilbert probably will never explain why he is offering a max deal to guy who he said in his own words is a bad example to Cleveland kids so let me help him out.

Dan Gilbert can make a TON of money by increasing the value of the franchise. If the Los Angeles Clippers will be sold for two billion dollars, how much do you think the Cavaliers would be worth with James in the fold?

According to Ohio.com he hasn’t expressed regret for writing the letter, only a desire to reword parts of it.

"“I would’ve reworded the language in The Letter, but I don’t regret sending a letter out to our fan base.”"

Look everyone, LeBron has a job like the rest of us. He tends to make slightly more than the rest of us. But where does respect come in? What’s the price?

What about the squad in Cleveland? If you thought LeBron James worked his tail off last year, the rest of it will be worked off the next year with Cleveland’s young players. Kyrie Irving is a beast and Andrew Wiggins maybe the same, but contenders? Please.

Who leaves a four-time conference champion and two-time world champion with an established front office in Pat Riley and the Arisons?

Who leaves a team with a coach you grew with in four years with Eric Spoelstra?

Cleveland has a new coach AND general manager that LeBron does not know and an owner LeBron had better not trust.

All readers! This is on you. Would you even give the Cavaliers a chance if they treated YOU the way LeBron was treated? Weigh in now. Then share with your friends and family.

Keep it clean and classy.