OT: LeBron Opts Out of Contract

Submitted by JeepinBen on

Prepare yourselves. Turn off ESPN (except for live sports programming), mute Twitter, and in general expect to be innundated with obscure, ridiculous, over the top media coverage.

LeBron has opted out of his heat contract. This may just be a way to restructure it to get the Heat more cap space, but he's now a free agent. With Carmelo Anthony opting out too this may just break the HOT TAKES engine.

JayMo4

June 24th, 2014 at 12:22 PM ^

Let's go ahead and start counting how many times ESPN uses the phrase "take his talents" while speculating on his eventual destination.

maize-blue

June 24th, 2014 at 12:38 PM ^

I heard somebody on the radio stating that Wade's decision would be a bigger indicator as to what happens with Miami. I think he and Lebron were both scheduled for 20ish million this coming season. It was indicated that if Wade opted out, that would be a sign that they have agreed to restructure their contracts and if he took the money then maybe an indication that the "big 3" may be going their seperate ways. I don't know how accurate that was or if Wade had already stated his intentions.

gord

June 24th, 2014 at 1:09 PM ^

Yeah, it's amazing how one of the top 5 players in history with no off the court issues is admired and respected.  I can't wrap my head around it.

Mr. Yost

June 24th, 2014 at 1:23 PM ^

Honest question.

Has any American superstar been hated as much as LeBron? Or has and one who at that is the best player in his/her sport been hated as much?

I know Ali was disliked by many, however, he's beloved now. Ronaldo is certainly hated, but I don't know the culture well enough to know if it's less than LeBron or vastly more because it's the world vs. a country.

gord

June 24th, 2014 at 1:42 PM ^

Yes, Kobe, A-Rod, Vick, maybe Tiger Woods and Lance Armstrong.  Lebron isn't hated.  He's highly respected and admired by basketball fans.  He's the face of Team USA and fans of all NBA teams would love to have him on their team.  He'll go down in history as one of the top 5 players of all time barring injury.

Mr. Yost

June 24th, 2014 at 5:29 PM ^

He's hated. Just look at this thread.

Now he's certainly loved as well, but not like Jordan was loved even when he was playing. 

I will say that I know a lot of people don't necessarily hate him, but they hate the ESPN "what does LeBron think" meme that comes with literally everything. Others can't get over The Decision or "Not 1...not 2."

But he's hated for sure.

....also, I think you take A-Rod out, he disqualified himself. Same with Bonds.

Lionsfan

June 24th, 2014 at 6:41 PM ^

Using MGoBlog as "proof" of anything regarding the NBA is stupid. I've lost track of how many times someone on here has posted "I quit watching the NBA 15 years ago, and haven't seen a game since, but let me tell you all the reasons why it sucks" or something like that

So using a bunch of NBA haters as "proof" that LeBron is hated is ridiculous

Magnum P.I.

June 24th, 2014 at 4:39 PM ^

He's among the most hated of sports stars who haven't done anything criminal or morally deplorable. The closest analogy that I can think of is A-Rod pre-PEDs. A-Rod is a pariah now for cheating, but even before that nobody liked him because everything about him was contrived, branded, and self-serving. 

Michology 101

June 24th, 2014 at 5:14 PM ^

I believe more people actually like Lebron than hate him, especially those 25 and under.

Though in many cases, those who dislike someone will appear to be the larger group because they’re usually the more vocal and expressive group.

They want to let that venom loose and get it off their chest. Though many people who like Lebron… may not even make a big deal about expressing those feelings.

Have a talk with some of the younger generation and you’ll see how much Lebron is really liked.

The kids love him! He’s the Michael Jordon of their time.

I neither like him or dislike him. He’s in the “all right with me” zone.