Top 5 Reasons LeBron James Won't Come to New York City

I recently wrote a piece on the top five reasons why LeBron James was coming to New York. And as a New York Knicks fan, I certainly hope that LeBron does come to the Big Apple. However, I have to admit, there are reasons why LeBron might not come to New York City.

Reason #1

LeBron loves Ohio. While LeBron's infatuation with New York is apparent, there is no way that he can love New York City more than he loves Ohio, and more importantly, his hometown of Akron. LeBron is a product of the state. He was raised there. He was celebrated there by thousands, if not millions, of fans and people who saw him play from the 7th grade on. And LeBron James even had his MVP ceremony held at his high school, something he can't do if he is playing for New York in the 2011 NBA Playoffs.

Reason #2

The Knicks May Not Have the Talent

The only way LeBron James is leaving Cleveland after the 2009-2010 season is if the Cavaliers are not legitimate contenders for the NBA Championship in 2011. However, if he feels that the Cavaliers are much closer to an NBA championship than the Knicks, then he is not coming to New York City. You see, while the Knicks have been doing everything they can to have the cap room to get LBJ, they have officially gotten rid of all of the talent that they would have had on their 2010 NBA roster. There will probably be no David Lee, no Nate Robinson, no Al Harrington, no Chris Wilcox and no Quentin Richardson. And we can't forget that the Knicks have already sent players like Tim Thomas, Jamal Crawford, and Zach Randolph to other teams.

Reason #3

LeBron Can't Make More "NBA Money" By Coming to New York

While there are many marketing dollars to be had should LeBron James come to New York, the fact is that the Cleveland Cavaliers can offer LBJ more basketball money than the Knicks can. I know LBJ can make back what he would lose in basketball salary through his sponsorship deals, but who is to say that he can't attain similar sponsorship deals in Cleveland? And even if said deals are only available to him in New York City, who is to say that he is guaranteed that money? These are major Fortune 500 companies he is dealing with, and the smallest slip-up (ala a Kobe Bryant in Colorado-type fiasco) could mess up his entire image and any money he thought was coming his way. Not to mention, given the roller coaster of our economic system, who is to say that Nike or one of these companies doesn't go under and LBJ never gets that money? And don't say it can't happen, because 5 years ago, you never would have said that GM would be filing for bankruptcy.

Reason #4

The Cavs Might Make A Deal

If the Cavs can bring in a star player this off-season, LBJ might be tempted to stay. Jason Kidd might be the perfect player to pair with LeBron James, because the Cavs main issue against the Magic this postseason was their inability to get everyone on the court involved. Well, if there is one thing J-Kidd can do, it is get other players involved. Not to mention, the acquisition of J-Kidd would take the ball out of LeBron's hands, something that should truly elevate his game. Other options include Ron Artest and Carlos Boozer, and if LeBron likes the idea of playing with one of these guys for the next 7 or 8 years, then he just might stay in Cleveland.

Reason #5

The Cavs Might Win It All Next Year

Personally, without the major acquisition of a star player, I don't think the Cavs will win it all next year. However, it is certainly not impossible. Afterall, they went 6 games against the Magic, and they would have had home court against the Lakers in the NBA Finals. So if by some stroke of luck they do win the championship in 2010, there is no way that LeBron will be able to leave Cleveland. That would just be unthinkable. I have never even heard of a team's best player winning the city a championship, and then leaving in the prime of his career to go play for another team. It has never happened, and it will never happen. So if the Cavs are "cutting down the nets" at the end of next season, rest assure, LeBron James will be in a Cavs uniform in 2010, 2011, 2012, and so on and so-forth.