Lebron goes back to Cleveland

Like a lot of people I'm a big softie for sentimentalism and the idea that some day Lebron would go back to Cleveland to right the wrong and bring a city that's been dying for winning in any sport a title or two was an idea I've been in love with for a long time.

From the moment the Spurs destroyed the Heat last month there has been non-stop speculation that Lebron was going to explore his options. Once he opted out of his contract that speculation was turned up to 11 on the dial. Was he opting out to get a better contract that would be more friendly to the Heat so they could get some help like Carmelo? Or was it because he was getting ready to return his talents to Cleveland. 

From a pure basketball angle Cleveland is actually a better choice than Miami right now. The Heat roster is aging and saddled with bad contracts specifically Wades'. Pat Riley is nothing if not loyal to his players, in this case to a fault. Cleveland on the other hand is young and improving. Kyrie Irving is a star set to become a superstar and with the now likely trade of Wiggins for Love that team could be very good. Oh and now they have Lebron. 

For his return to Cleveland, Lebron has decided to post a low key essay on his reasons rather than the brash press conference from 2010. In it he describes how Cleveland will always be his home, how he is at heart simply a guy from Northeast Ohio, and how ultimately he wants to help the kids there; To show them that there is no better place to be from. He wants to raise his kids in his hometown. I think Lebron is a genuinely good guy. The Decision was a mistake but he has owned that. Is he a bit arrogant, sure, but you can be when you're the best in the world at something.  It was never in doubt that Lebron would someday return but so soon I think has caught some people off guard. 

He briefly mentions Dan Gilbert saying that the two have worked out their problems, meeting as men. I'm interested in knowing more about that. What exactly was said between them? How did Gilbert apologize for his infamous letter? I hope these details come out over time. 

Lebron's return will set forth a domino effect and by the end of today we could see Bosh as a Rocket, Pau Gasol as a Spur and Carmelo... Likely still as a Knick. Speaking of which I'm sick of hearing people complain that Lebron waiting so long to do this was because he's selfish, that he owes other basketball players the right to know what he's going to do so they can make their own decisions. I don't know why he waited so long, maybe like Broussard said it's so Gilbert could properly make amends because of the letter. But the notion that Lebron owes others to make this decision quickly is garbage. Lebron is in business for himself and the only factor in what he does should be if it's best for him. The other players should make their decisions based on what's best for them. Bosh should have taken that deal from the Rockets the second they offered it instead of waiting around to see what Lebron will do. He will make way more money than he could with the Heat and plus his skills will be much better utilized there.

 Remember when Summer was the dead time for sports?

I'm happy for Lebron and Cleveland. Cleveland fans have suffered for decades between the Cavs and Browns. But now with Lebron back home and Manziel as quarterback Cleveland may still lose some but it will definitely not be boring.