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Lebron And The Cleveland Cavaliers Case Study

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LeBron James had a big decision to make on the night of July 8, 2010. He had been drafted in 2003 by the Cleveland Cavaliers as the first player in the first round of the draft, a huge accomplishment for a player straight out of highschool (St. Vincent–St. Mary High School). However, after 7 years with the Cavs and no NBA Championships to show for, LeBron had two choices; to sign with another NBA team in hopes of attaining a championship there, or stay with the Cavaliers and build a team. LeBron chose to sign with the Miami Heat. Many all over the world tuned in to watch this huge moment. There were many conditions surrounding his decision. LeBron had played for the Cleveland Cavaliers for seven years prior. In these seven years, the Cavaliers…show more content…
On the air time surrounding his decision, there was five hours of news coverage. Also, before his decision, there was a special expanded SportsCenter that was three hours long that was from 6:00-9:00 p.m.. After this was the actual show that LeBron made his decision to join the Miami Heat that lasted one hour (Timecast, 1:30). Then, after his decision, there was another two hour show that talked about the decision (Timecast 1:45). During his announcement, his most famous quote was “This fall - man, this is very tough - this fall, I'm going to take my talents to South Beach and join the Miami Heat” (Morning Edition 9,…show more content…
Many have said that it is very ironic. In addition, the owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Dan Gilbert, wrote a blistering article on the Cavaliers website towards LeBron moving to the Miami heat, he typed “James's decision a cowardly betrayal and a shameful display of selfishness by one of our own. Gilbert also guaranteed Cleveland will win an NBA title before, quote, ‘the self-titled king wins one’” (Morning Edition 9, 40-42) This was very influential in setting the tone towards LeBron for many Clevelanders. This is because Gilbert is a very high up and influential person in the Cavaliers organization. However, most basketball enthusiasts were not suprised by LeBron’s move. Along with the greater chance at a NBA Championship, LeBron James, Chris Bosh, and Dwayne Wade all structured their contracts so that in 2006, they would all be free agents and possibly all join the same team in seek of a championship (Morning Edition 9,
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