In the interview, James makes claims to not have an ego and to have laughed off all the jokes his haters cracked about him. He also explains how he felt about the lockout. He says he cared more about the fans than himself during the lockout. When asked if he’s become a better player than he was last season, he responded, “We’ll see.” Yes we will, Lebron. Yes we will. Make sure your televisions are set.

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LeBron James said he was sorry on Wednesday night (May 11th). A year to the day after a game 5 debacle against the very same Boston Celtics,  where James took tremendous criticism for allegedly quitting on the court in a 120-88 rout, he apologized to fans, family and friends he left behind in Cleveland:

“The way it panned out with all the friends and family and the fans back home, I apologize for the way it happened. I knew this opportunity was once in a lifetime. To be able to come down here and pair with two guys and this organization — in order for me to move on with my career, that team that we just defeated, we had to go through them.”

After a “decision” that shook the landscape of the NBA, a premature (some would argue immature) celebratory pat-on-the-back style post-signing pep rally, a tumultuous regular season filled with blood, sweat and tears in the locker room, the much-maligned superstar that is LeBron James finally exorcised the NBA playoff demon that is the Boston Celtics and threw the non-clutch gorilla off his back at the same time in a classic final flurry of dagger-filled buckets, complete with after shot poses that would make MJ proud.

After LeBron scored the last 10 points of a 97-87 series clinching victory against a very different, injury-plagued Boston Celtics squad, he immediately took to one knee and buried his head in his left hand after the final buzzer sounded. He had not won the NBA championship, a goal that is more of a possibility now than at the start of the season, but he might as well have. The Celtics have been responsible for two of James last three playoff exits beginning in 2008 where he dueled with Paul Pierce in a classic Game 7 for the right to go to the NBA Finals that year. 2008 coincidentally was the first year Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen joined Paul Pierce to form the “Big 3″ blueprint every team seems like it is trying to follow. King James admitted their union influenced his decision to team up with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.

Now I ask, should this apology make Cleveland fans feel better? LeBron pretty much admitted that even though then-Cavaliers GM Danny Ferry tried every year to add pieces around his hometown superstar, including the likes of All-Star guard Mo Williams, Antawn Jamison and Shaquille O’Neal that he didn’t have enough talent around him to beat the Celtics.

I guess Cleveland fans can take solace in the fact that LeBron finally let his guard down emotionally to admit his thought process.

Baby steps, people.

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The night began auspiciously for James who was in the bathroom during team introductions because he didn’t want to hear the boos when his name was called. But when he took the court there was no sign of being scared as he logged his fourth triple-double of the season. Unfortunately, the rest of the Heat didn’t get the memo that this was a big game. Starters Dwyane Wade and Mike Bibby scored 24 and 23 points respectively but Chris Bosh shot 5 of 14 for 10 points. The Heat bench only scraped together 6 points as the Cavs dominated.

“Anytime we play anybody, we know we’re going to get the best out of them,” James said afterward. “They came out and played extremely well. It was a good win for them.”

Watch the highlights below.

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During that visit fans prepared to give James their worst. The boos and chants of “Akron hates you” were non-stop. When James touched the ball the crowd erupted with scorn. However, James was undaunted scoring 38 points and helped the Heat blow out the Cavs 118-90. The win helped motivate a Heat squad that had been struggling to gel, and gave the Cavaliers a one-way ticket to Loserville and a 14-58 record.

The team James will be facing tonight is very different from the crew he trounced in December. Anderson Varejao and forward Antawn Jamison are both out for the season and the Cavaliers traded Mo Williams, Jamario Moon and released Leon Powe since December. There are only three healthy players — Daniel Gibson, J.J. Hickson and Anthony Parker — who played with James.

Coach Byron Scott thinks Cleveland fans have moved on but guard Baron Davis, who was acquired in a trade with The Clippers, says that “no one will be smiling” come game time.

READ MORE AT ESPN.COM

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It is that time of year again. Brackets are filled out all over the country and bragging rights (and money) hinge on the play of kids not old enough to legally drink.

68

number of teams in this year’s NCAA tournament, expanded from 64.
Not sure how I feel about this. The tournament started a day early and it seemed like those four games were an afterthought. The selection committee still got blasted for snubbing three schools who were thought to be deserving of a bid.

41

amount of points the Portland Trailblazers beat the Cleveland Cavaliers by in a 111-70 pounding on Mar 17th. The Blazers lead this game 24-2 at one point.
Marcus Camby (left)’ s reaction sums up perfectly what a laughingstock the Cavaliers have become. How in the world did the Knicks lose to this team three times?

11, 12 & 13

the seeds of Gonzaga, Richmond (above right) and Morehead State (above left) who pulled off upsets of #6 seed St. John’s, #5 seed Vanderbilt and #4 seeded Louisville respectively on the first full day of NCAA tournament play.
You can always anticipate a 12 seed beating a 5, but anyone who said they had Morehead State beating Louisville is either an alumni or hates Rick Pitino.

2

former Duke players (Bobby Hurley, Jr. and Grant Hill, left) who have spoken out against the harsh comments made by former University of Michigan stars Jalen Rose and Jimmy King about Duke in the documentary “The Fab Five”.
Calling Grant Hill an “Uncle Tom” was extreme, but I think Rose clearly stated that he had an issue with the school’s system of recruiting and resented of Hill’s two-family household as opposed to his “deadbeat dad” experience not Grant Hill the person. I applaud Rose’s honesty and I also understand why Hill would be upset.

1

current seed of the Chicago Bulls in the Eastern Conference as of March 18th, the latest in the season they have been number one since a guy named Jordan led them to their sixth championship in 1998.

No one will ever be Jordan, and I am at the front of the stop crowning NBA players “the next” anything wagon, but D-Rose has got the MVP endorsement from “His Airness” and has Jordan believing the Bulls can repeat what he did for the franchise.  Can’t take that praise lightly.

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85

number Baron Davis will wear for Cleveland Cavaliers in honor of his grandmother and the street she raised him on in Oakland, California.  Things are looking up in Cleveland for Byron Scott. According to Davis’ twitter account he is actually very excited to play for the Cavs. Who knew?

42

wins for the Chicago Bulls after beating the Orlando Magic 89-81 on Friday night (Mar. 4th) one more than their win total for each of the last two seasons. The Bulls are even in the loss column with Miami going into their showdown with the Heat on Sunday (Mar 6th). Derrick Rose has become the frontrunner for MVP of the league in my book since LeBron James can’t hit a big shot at the end of games right now.

24

lead Miami blew in 2nd half to Orlando Magic in a 99-96 loss on Thursday night (Mar 3rd).
This was a BAD loss. They followed this up by getting thrashed by SanAntonio the following night 125-95. 0-3 on current 10 game stretch against teams with winning records. They may fall to the 4th seed if this keeps up.

20

number of 3-pointers hit by Notre Dame in a 93-72 blowout of Villanova on March 1st breaking the previous team record of 19.
Ben Hansborough (above, who hit 7 of the threes) is following in the footsteps of his big brother Tyler (currently of the Indiana Pacers who starred at North Carolina).

18

straight points scored by the Magic to erase the 24 point deficit to the Heat. Orlando was hitting threes like layups. It was looking like ’09 Eastern Conference Finals versus Cleveland. Something about LeBron.

16

technical fouls for Dwight Howard which, if not rescinded, will earn him a one game supension and a $5000 fine. I find it ironic that a guy that is always smiling, joking, and acts like a big kid off of the court could lead the NBA in techs on the court. that being said, the Magic can’t afford to lose him to one game suspensions down the stretch.

11

total combined points scored in 2nd half against the Magic by LeBron James and Dwyane Wade after combining for 47 in the first half, two more than the entire Orlando team had at intermission.
The basketball seems to find LeBron with the game on the line like a fielder in baseball that has made three errors in a game. Wade needs to take charge quickly.

3

losses the New York Knicks have suffered at the hands of the 12-49 Cleveland Cavaliers in 3 meeting s this season. Stunned at the fact that Baron Davis decided to suit up for Cleveland, I have no words for blowing a 12 point lead in the 4th quarter on your homecourt to the worst team in basketball.

1

player (Brandon Davies) kicked off #3 ranked BYU basketball team for violating the school’s “Honor Code”. This is unfortunate, but the “Honor Code” has been a part of BYU for years and students who choose to go there know what to expect.

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The Cavaliers got back point guard Mo Williams, who has not played since January 18th with a hip injury. Cleveland’s Antawn Jamison lead all scorers with 35 points. Blake Griffin scored 27 points and grabbed 14 rebounds for The Clippers.

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What’s worse is that they are now tied with themselves for the longest losing streak in NBA history that spanned  two seasons, March to November of 1982. But coach Byron Scott is undaunted.

“I couldn’t care less about the record,” Cavs coach Byron Scott said. “I care about our guys progressing and getting better. That’s my biggest focus and hopefully they feel the same way.”

The Cavaliers are playing without starters Anderson Varejao and Mo Williams who are both out with injuries. However, their schedule may offer some relief. After playing the Mavericks in Dallas, their next three games are played at home against the Pistons (19-32), Clippers (19-30) and Wizards(13-37).

[SOURCE]

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“It didn’t matter for me if the Cavs were going to have a successful season or not,” James said. “I felt like I was making the right choice for me as an individual and for my career. Like I said, I have nothing bad to say about the players that I left and the team. I wish the organization the best. And I wish the fans, more than anything, the best because we had a lot of great years together.”

READ MORE AT ESPN.COM

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It’s no secret that LeBron James’ image has taken a beating since he decided to leave Cleveland for Miami on national television. LeBron has made it clear that he is keeping track of everyone that has bashed him over the last six months, including Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert. Gilbert was the most vocal in his displeasure with James’ exit calling him a “coward” among other colorful words in a letter to Cleveland fans last July that wished bad karma on James.

So you can imagine what LeBron was feeling when the Los Angeles Lakers took the Cleveland Cavaliers to the woodshed to the tune of a 112-57 score on Tuesday night (Jan. 11).

In fact, those following LeBron on Twitter did not have to imagine what he was thinking as a tweet about “karma being a “b***h” and watching when you say bad things about people because “God sees everything” appeared on his Twitter page. Could the appearance of this tweet at the exact same time Cleveland was suffering its worst loss in franchise history been a coincidence?

According to LeBron the tweet was a retweet that was sent by someone else.

What??

“It’s just how I was feeling at the time,” James told an ESPN correspondent. “It wasn’t even a comment from me, it was someone who sent it to me and I sent it out. It wasn’t toward that team. It definitely wasn’t a good showing by that team last night, I know they wish they would’ve played better.”

My thing is why backtrack? This man (Gilbert) trashed you to Cleveland fans, arguably aggravating the fan base even further. He wished that you would fail with Miami. Why not take pleasure in knowing that the team cannot win without you and it was assinine to think so?

I saw the tweet and there is definitely no evidence that the statement was retweeted by LeBron. Twitter is a public forum. Why type it and then become evasive? What other team are you talking about LeBron?? The Nets?

LeBron played dodgeball with the media right before the Heat took the court against the best 24-loss team in the league, the Los Angeles Clippers. The Clippers doused the Heat 111-105 stopping the Heat’s 9-game winning streak and 13-game road winning streak in the process. LeBron turned his ankle when he stepped on Baron Davis’ foot in the 4th quarter. Karma? God does not like liars either LeBron, but I digress.

LeBron is playing out of his mind right now and may well win his 3rd straight MVP award, which is amazing in itself playing alongside D-Wade and Chris Bosh, so he shouldn’t apologize for being satisfied with the Cavs’ demise.

You have accepted the role of villain on the road, well villains don’t backtrack. Just ask Antonio Cromartie.

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The Cavaliers set a franchise low for points in a 112 to 57 loss to the Lakers where Kobe Bryant only scored 13 points. It was the Cavs 11th consecutive loss and LeBron did not take the high road in his reaction.

“Crazy. Karma is a b****. Gets you every time,” he said via his Twitter page. “It’s not good to wish bad on anybody. God sees everything!” James was in Los Angeles with the Heat for Wednesday’s game against the Clippers.

James’ comments were aimed at the owner of the Cavaliers franchise Dan Gilbert who called James a “coward” when he announced his departure.

RELATED: Cleveland Cavs Owner Calls LeBron A Coward

However, LeBron had encouraging words for his former coach Mike Brown, who appeared on NBA’s Fast Break program.

“Ok Coach Brown. Looking good on NBA Fast Break. You look much better on the sidelines though. Great coach, great man. He’ll be back!”

The Cavaliers will attempt to redeem themselves against the Utah Jazz on Friday night.

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The much heralded “return of the king” was filled with animosity from the time he was announced to the moment he left the court in the third quarter with a win pretty much summed up.

LeBron was humble in victory despite taunting the Cleveland bench during the game.

“I have the utmost respect for this franchise, the utmost respect for these fans,” James said afterward.

The feeling was not mutual with the fans.  After the game one fan was arrested for unruly behavior, and four others were ejected. Also, arena security confiscated 12 inappropriate T-shirts and 24 signs that were “offensive,” according to WKYC-TV in Cleveland.

Watch highlights from the game below.

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I think enough is enough already. Isn’t his 10-8 season punishment enough?

Here is the guide, from the Cavs Chants website. Tune into the game tomorrow night to see if they actually go through with this.

They have the second half covered as well.

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LeBron shot a Nike commercial addressing the backlash he has received from Cleveland fans and former NBA players alike. Cleveland fans (who really should be the only ones upset at LeBron) have answered LeBron’s rhetorical question “What Should I Do”? with scathing responses ranging from references to the disappointing playoff exit in Boston last season, the broadcast of “The Decision” and his “Chosen One” tattoo. Also damning is a recording at the end of the commercial of James’ voice promising not to stop until he wins an NBA title for Cleveland.

The commercial was shot by an unknown filmmaker from Cleveland and captures the pulse of the Cleveland faithful superbly.

In my opinion, I think LeBron should just save face at this point and confirm that he discovered Delonte West had slept with his mom before game 4 of the Boston series and that caused him to quit on his team because he couldn’t trust his teammates. That would go over better than sarcastic commercials further angering the town you deserted.

Watch the original LeBron clip followed by the response below.

Note: LeBron has seen the Cleveland version of the commercial  and responded “They could have done a better job”. What do you think?

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LeBron James hasn’t played one game for the Miami Heat but he won’t rule out playing for his old team the Cavaliers one day.

After making his decision to leave the Cavs to play for The Heat the team’s owner Dan Gilbert posted a hateful letter on the Cav’s website calling James a traitor. In an interview with GQ magazine LeBron responds to the letter stating that the comments have given him “motivation” for the first time the Heat play the Cavs this season.

James said of Gilbert’s late-night letter: “I don’t think he ever cared about LeBron. My mother always told me: ‘You will see the light of people when they hit adversity. You’ll get a good sense of their character.’ Me and my family have seen the character of that man.”

However, he hasn’t ruled out returning to Cleveland later in his career despite the hard feelings expressed by the fans and the owner.

“If there was an opportunity for me to return [to Cleveland] … and those fans welcome me back, that’d be a great story,” he says.

James returns to Cleveland to play  his old team for the first time on December 2 and plays the Cavs three more times on December 15th, January 31st and March 29th.

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It’s funny how money change a situation. In a letter that seemed inspired by The Color Purple the owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers was not happy about LeBron’s decision to leave the club after 7 years.

In a scathing open letter to Cavaliers fans the Majority owner Dan Gilbert called LeBron’s decision to leave a “cowardly betrayal.”

Dear Cleveland, All Of Northeast Ohio and Cleveland Cavaliers Supporters Wherever You May Be Tonight;

As you now know, our former hero, who grew up in the very region that he deserted this evening, is no 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.

Clearly, this is bitterly disappointing to all of us.

The good news is that the ownership team and the rest of the hard-working, loyal, and driven staff over here at your hometown Cavaliers have not betrayed you nor NEVER will betray you.

There is so much more to tell you about the events of the recent past and our more than exciting future. Over the next several days and weeks, we will be communicating much of that to you.

You simply don’t deserve this kind of cowardly betrayal.

You have given so much and deserve so much more.

In the meantime, I want to make one statement to you tonight:

“I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE THAT THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS WILL WIN AN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP BEFORE THE SELF-TITLED FORMER ‘KING’ WINS ONE”

You can take it to the bank.

If you thought we were motivated before tonight to bring the hardware to Cleveland, I can tell you that this shameful display of selfishness and betrayal by one of our very own has shifted our “motivation” to previously unknown and previously never experienced levels.

Some people think they should go to heaven but NOT have to die to get there.

Sorry, but that’s simply not how it works.

This shocking act of disloyalty from our home grown “chosen one” sends the exact opposite lesson of what we would want our children to learn. And “who” we would 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.

Sleep well, Cleveland.

Tomorrow is a new and much brighter day….

I PROMISE you that our energy, focus, capital, knowledge and experience will be directed at one thing and one thing only:

DELIVERING YOU the championship you have long deserved and is long overdue….

Dan Gilbert

Majority Owner

Cleveland Cavaliers

I think this is a pitiful display. It’s just sports for crying out loud, but what do you think? Is this hate warranted?

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When the rumors spread of Cleveland Cavaliers guard Delonte West doing the unthinkable and sleeping with his teammate LeBron’s mother we made the obvious yuck face. We know that El Mariache is a certifiable nutcase and that there is a special place in hell for dudes that sleep with their friend’s mothers but hey, everyone has a moment of weakness.

But then we got a look at King James’ mom and just scratched our heads. Really? Her? Sure you’re sitting there in judgement saying we’re shallow but dammit you were thinking the same thing. If you’re going to punch a one-way ticket to hell at least let it be Bow Wow’s mom…

We’ll go even further to say that there are several mothers that we wouldn’t get with under any circumstances. Some of them because of their looks, others because the consequences would far outweigh any good times to be had.

Which ones you ask?

These…the MWWF Squad

Kevin Garnett scored 22 points and added 12 rebounds, and Rajon Rondo had 21 points and 12 assists to beat Cleveland 94-85 in Game 6 on Thursday night and advance to the Eastern Conference finals. They’ll play the Orlando Magic, who are undefeated in the playoffs.

“Winning is gratifying,” Garnett said. “You’re playing the best team in basketball; the challenge is there; you don’t have to dress it up. One thing we don’t lack is confidence. We’re a veteran team and we understand when it’s time to lock in as a group. I think we did just that. I think the experience is taking over.”

So does this mean the end of  LeBron James’ tenure in Cleveland? His body language at the end of the game seemed to say so. Despite shaking hands with damn near everyone in the arena afterward, he couldn’t get out of that Cavs jersey fast enough. Fans and commentators have been speculating for weeks as to where James will go if he doesn’t resign with the Cavaliers and losing this series has sent that discussion into overdrive.

Along with Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade and Amare Stoudemire LeBron is one of the most high profile free agents this summer. Teams like the New York Knicks have been clearing salary cap space to sign at least one, if not two of these stars to their teams in the off-season.  But the signings will have to be about more than money. Getting the right pieces to surround their acquisitions will be key.

Will loyalty win out or will the allure of playing in the Big Apple prove too strong for the 25 year old King James? Even if the Knicks can land LeBron and Chris Bosh they still have issues at the point and Tracy McGrady is on his last legs.  LeBron and D Wade would still leave a hole at center, so the Knicks are not a lock even with two stars. (Ain’t that a itchbe?)

While some may point to LeBron’s relationship with Jay-Z as an enticement for him to go to the New Jersey Nets I’m not sold. Devin Harris is a great point guard and Brook Lopez is a good emerging center but for that he might as well stay in Cleveland with Mo Williams, Antawn Jamison and Big Z.

That leaves the Windy City. The Chicago Bulls have many more quality pieces with Derrick Rose, Loul Deng and Joakim Noah, but does LeBron want to play in the shadow of  Michael Jordan?

We won’t have any answers for a little while and there is still the small matter of an NBA championship to be won (it’s going to be Lakers vs Celtics, Lakers in 7) but it’ll be lots of fun playing the guessing game for the next few months.

Do you think LeBron is done in Cleveland? If so, where do you think he’ll end up?

From ESPN.com

UPPER MARLBORO, Md. — Cleveland Cavaliers guard Delonte West was arrested Thursday after officers pulled him over for speeding on a motorcycle while carrying two loaded handguns and a loaded shotgun in a guitar case.

Prince George’s County police spokeswoman Sgt. Michelle Reedy said Friday the Cleveland Cavaliers player was arrested about 10 p.m. Thursday.

Reedy said West was riding a Can-Am Spyder motorcycle north on the Capital Beltway in Upper Marlboro when he cut off an officer, who pulled him over.

Police said a handgun was found in his pocket, another in his pant leg and a shotgun in a guitar case strapped to his back.

Reedy said West “was very cooperative, there were no issues” during the incident.

Story continued at ESPN.com

VIA ESPN:

There were a half-dozen playoff caliber teams willing to sign Leon Powe and wait for his surgically reconstructed left knee to heal, but the forward who had been such a big hit in Boston ultimately decided he wanted to team up with an old AAU buddy — LeBron James.

Powe traveled to Cleveland on Tuesday to have his knee examined by Cavaliers team medical personnel, with the expectation that he will sign a two-year, $1.77 million deal Wednesday.

A source told ESPN.com that Powe will sign for the league minimum for players with three years of service — $855,189. Cleveland will hold a team option for a second season at $915,852.

Powe, who re-tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during Game 2 of the Celtics’ first-round playoff loss to the Chicago Bulls, is not expected to be ready to play until sometime around February.

But if he returns healthy, he will bolster a Cleveland big man rotation that already includes Shaquille O’Neal, Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Anderson Varejao along with youngsters Darnell Jackson, J.J. Hickson and Jawad Williams and recently signed Jamario Moon.

The Celtics forfeited their exclusive negotiating rights to Powe when they declined to tender him a contract offer in June. He had spent the past two years sharing time with Glen Davis as the backup power forward behind Kevin Garnett, averaging 7.7 points and 4.9 rebounds last season, and had a huge performance in Game 2 of the 2008 NBA Finals when he scored 21 points in just 15 minutes as the Celtics took a 2-0 lead over the Lakers.

Los Angeles, Portland, Dallas, Orlando and Miami also expressed interest in Powe, whose preference was to remain in the Eastern Conference and to sign with the team most capable of giving him his best shot to exact some revenge on the Celtics after they effectively gave up on him by declining to tender him a qualifying offer.

Powe had a huge game against Cleveland last March 6, going for 20 points on 9-of-11 shooting with 11 rebounds. But he injured his right knee five games later, sat out the next 12 games, then returned for the final two games of the 2008-09 regular season before tearing up his left knee (which had already undergone previous reconstructive surgery) in the playoffs against the Bulls.

I haven’t watched wrestling in ages, but after word broke that they were switching to a “variety” format, I had no interest in checking out the sport.

But the homie Casey Gane-McCalla over at NewsOne sent me this link via Dime Wars of a very spry Shaquille O’Neal in the ring going toe-to-toe with the Big Show.

The newly signed Cavalier said that he’d be competing in different sports for his reality show, but I never thought he’d be a clotheslining, body slammin’ wrassler.

Shouldn’t homeboy be practicing his free throws or something?

Check out the hilarity below and share your thoughts in the comments section.

VIA DEADSPIN:

Word out of the LeBron James Skills Academy is that Xavier’s Jordan Crawford turned the camp’s host into his own personal Fred Weis, the sort of moment for which God created YouTube. Then along came Nike to confiscate the evidence.

Check out the footage below:

ESPN’s Skip Bayless disses Lebron below:

CBSSports.com’s Gary Parrish has the story:

Turns out, there were at least two cameras rolling Monday night when Crawford dunked on James during a pick-up game here at the LeBron James Skills Academy. It was a two-handed jam, the kind that would’ve circulated quickly on YouTube. But Nike officials eliminated that possibility shortly after the dunk happened by allegedly confiscating tapes from various cameramen.

Freelance photographer Ryan Miller was one of the cameramen shooting the game.

He told CBSSports.com that Nike Basketball Senior Director Lynn Merritt took his tape.

“He just said, ‘We have to take your tape,‘” Miller said. “They took it from other guys, too.”

Worth noting is that there is no policy against filming at the LeBron James Skills Academy, and Miller said he had been filming all day without incident. Nobody ever told him to stop. Nobody ever said there was a problem … until after Crawford dunked on James.

“LeBron called Lynn over and told him something,” Miller said. “That’s how I knew his name was Lynn. LeBron said, ‘Hey, Lynn. Come here.’”

Minutes later, Miller said Merritt demanded his tape.

“There’s nothing I can think of besides LeBron just not wanting it online,” Miller said. “It’s a good story to tell people, I guess. But then again, I’m kind of pissed. I lost my tape.”

If that’s how it went down — if King James really sent a Swoosh drone to go all FBI-in-Dealey-Plaza on the cameramen — then that’s surpassingly lame. Give the kid his YouTube moment. Congratulate him. Shake him by the hand. Or, you know, don’t.

Check out the video below of Jordan explaining what happened to the King:

VIA S2S:

Frankie is seeking forgiveness from Chilli after their dust-up in Atlanta.

Check out Frankie “goin’ in” on the TLC singer by clicking here!

According to FreddyO.com, the whole thing went down at party in the ATL two weeks ago when a tipsy Frankie ran into the singer, who was in the middle of an interview. Frankie gave Chilli a hug, but was less than pleased with the squeeze she got back.

Unaware of the offense, Chilli walked away and began talking to Yung Joc. That’s when Frankie ran over, pushing several people aside in the process, and tried to grab her again. However, Chilli was able to push her hand away.

“You think you better than me,” Frankie reportedly shouted. “My daughter [Keyshia Cole] is better than you anyway!”

The reality TV star went on “The Ryan Cameron Show” on V103 and painted the whole thing as a misunderstanding. She also offered up her apologies to Chilli, but there’s no word on whether she has accepted the mea culpa.

Check out Frankie’s daughter and her new boyfriend, NBA baller Daniel Gibson, below:

VIA USA:

The four-time hoops champion, who joins the Cleveland Cavaliers next season, will star in Shaq Vs., an ABC reality series that pits him against top athletes in their own sports.

Filming begins Wednesday in Pittsburgh, where Shaq takes on Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in football. Future hour-long episodes will pit him against Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, retired boxer Oscar De La Hoya, St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols, tennis pro Serena Williams and beach volleyball Olympians Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh.

O’Neal, 37, says he also hopes to book pal Lance Armstrong for a cycling competition once the Tour de France ends.

The series is set to premiere Aug. 18 and will air Tuesdays at 9 ET/PT.

VIA ESPN:

Mike Bibby has agreed to a three-year deal worth about $18 million to return to the Atlanta Hawks, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported, citing two sources familiar with the situation.

Bibby, a free agent, has led the Hawks to back-to-back playoff appearances and averaged 14.9 points and 5.0 assists per game last season. An 11-year NBA veteran, he joined the Hawks in a trade deadline deal in 2008.

The Hawks won 47 games last season, winning their opening-round series with the Miami Heat before bowing out to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round.

The deal kicks off what could be a busy free agent signing period for the Hawks. Team GM Rick Sund was scheduled to fly to Washington on Tuesday to meet with representatives with restricted free agents Marvin Williams and Josh Childress and unrestricted free agent Zaza Pachulia, the newspaper reported.

VIA ESPN:

LeBron James did not tell Trevor Ariza he would stay in Cleveland past 2010, according to sources close to the Cavaliers’ superstar — contradicting what a person close to Ariza said Monday night.

That source said that James told Ariza he planned to remain with the Cavaliers past next summer, when he can become a free agent. James could not be reached for comment Monday night, but on Tuesday, sources who spoke to James said the story told by the person close to Ariza was wrong.

James’ conversation with Ariza was, according to the Ariza source, part of the Cavaliers’ attempt to make Ariza the next Hedo Turkoglu, who backed out of his promise last week to join Portland and instead accepted a deal with Toronto.

Over the weekend, general manager Danny Ferry and head coach Mike Brown flew to Los Angeles and met with Ariza on Sunday, according to several sources with knowledge of the situation.

Ariza, who had accepted a five-year, $33.5 million offer from the Rockets last Thursday, also received telephone calls from James and Shaquille O’Neal. Ariza asked James about his future plans with the Cavs, and then told a person close to him James said he was staying in Cleveland long term.

“Trevor asked LeBron if he would be in Cleveland after next season,” the source said. “And LeBron said, ‘I’ll be there. Of course, I’ll be there.’ ”

Ariza still had his doubts.

“He thought it was just a recruiting tool,” the source said. “Until he signs the contract it doesn’t mean much.”

VIA ESPN:

The Cleveland Cavaliers got some bad news followed by some potentially terrific news on Sunday. In a last-ditch effort to recruit Trevor Ariza away from the Houston Rockets, LeBron James told Ariza he would remain with the Cavaliers past 2010, according to a person close to Ariza.

Even that wasn’t enough to get Ariza, who verbally committed to join the Rockets last Thursday, to change his mind and go to Cleveland.

But the Cavaliers will gladly settle for the consolation prize; if indeed James’ statement to Ariza was more than an empty sales pitch.

“Trevor asked LeBron if he would be in Cleveland after next season,” the source said. “And LeBron said, ‘I’ll be there. Of course, I’ll be there.’”

James could not be reached for comment on Monday.

James’ conversation with Ariza was part of the Cavaliers’ attempt to make the free agent swingman the next Hedo Turkoglu, who backed out of his promise last week to join Portland and instead accepted a deal with Toronto.

Cavs general manager Danny Ferry and head coach Mike Brown flew to Los Angeles and met with Ariza on Sunday, according to several sources with knowledge of the situation.

Ariza, who had accepted a five-year, $33.5 million offer from the Rockets last Thursday, also received telephone calls from James and Shaquille O’Neal. When James told Ariza he’d be a Cavalier past next season, Ariza was less than convinced.

“He thought it was just a recruiting tool,” the source said. “LeBron definitely said it, but until he signs the contract it doesn’t mean much.”

The Cavaliers did not ask James or O’Neal to call Ariza, but as he did with Ron Artest, James took it upon himself to reach out. James’ future in Cleveland has been an issue with potential signees.

To read the rest of this crazy story, please click here for more! Share your thoughts below!

VIA ESPN:

Trevor Ariza‘s short but sweet stay in Los Angeles might be coming to an end.

The 24-year-old swingman, who played a key role in the Lakers’ run to their 15th NBA championship, is on the verge of leaving the club, sources close to the situation said on Wednesday.

With at least five teams pursuing Ariza, the Lakers are currently unwilling to pay him more than the $5.6 million mid-level exception.

“They’re letting him go,” one of the sources said.

Cleveland is making a hard push for Ariza, and the Cavaliers’ coaching staff was speaking with him on Wednesday. While Cleveland can only offer the mid-level as well, Ariza’s disappointment with the Lakers’ stance has moved other suitors ahead of his current team.

The Rockets, Clippers, Raptors and Blazers are also showing interest in Ariza. Portland and Toronto could each offer more than the mid-level exception.

If the Lakers refuse to increase their offer, it’s a clear indication that they are choosing their other big free agent forward, Lamar Odom, over the younger Ariza.

Ariza averaged 8.9 points and 4.3 rebounds in the regular season for the Lakers last season. He increased his scoring to 11.3 points and had 4.2 rebounds per game in the playoffs. He had 16 points and 15 points in the last two Lakers victories in the Finals.

Those numbers were a jump over his career averages of 6.9 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. Ariza has played for three teams in his five-year career.

What do YOU think?! Share your thoughts in the comments section!

The Clevland Cavaliers are trying to beef up their team with the addition of Shaquille O’Neal to their team. The Phoenix Suns have traded the megstar player over which means now The Cavs have both LeBron James and Shaq on their team. ESPN.com reports:

The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Phoenix Suns have come to an agreement on a blockbuster trade that sends Shaquille O’Neal to Cleveland to team with LeBron James, according to sources. The deal has been agreed to in principle and is expected to be finalized Thursday, according to sources. Cleveland will send Ben Wallace and Sasha Pavlovic to Phoenix for the future Hall of Famer. Sources said the Suns will also receive the 46th pick in Thursday’s NBA draft and $500,000.

The trade gives the Cavs a player they’ve coveted since February. With center Zydrunas Ilgauskas starting to break down, adding Shaq to the roster gives them a dominant force in the middle.

The Cavs were obviously unhappy with their ability to defend Dwight Howard in the playoffs and bringing Shaq into the fold should help. O’Neal averaged 17.8 points and 8.4 rebounds per game last season and made his 15th All-Star game.

Read the rest of the article here.

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