King James should stay in Cleveland

The National Basketball Association seems to believe the best way to build a better product is by finding a way to send its best players to big markets.

The Los Angeles Lakers have Kobe Bryant; the Boston Celtics have Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce; and just by coincidence the Chicago Bulls won the draft lottery with the rights to pick Derrick Rose at No. 1.

The league's biggest star - Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James - must be destined to play in a New Jersey/Brooklyn Nets uniform, right?

That is what the national media is saying. It is what advertisers want to see and it is surely what the NBA wants to happen.

Stephen A. Smith, the New York City homer, screams at the top of his lungs that it is almost guaranteed that LeBron is heading to the Big Apple after his contract is up following the 2010 season.

Smith might as well be LeBron's publicist. Jay-Z is the agent.

ESPN.com writer Chris Sheridan recently threw gas on the fire by writing a story regarding LeBron's love for New York. Question after question was thrown at LeBron about the possibility of living in New York.

He was asked "What's your favorite section of New York?"

LeBron answered Brooklyn.

A big deal was made when LeBron wore the cap of his favorite baseball team, the New York Yankees, during last year's American League Divisional Series between the Cleveland Indians and Yankees.

So after both the Nets and New York Knicks cleared cap room, the rumor mill heated up. I'm sick of all this nonsense. I'm tired of the national media insisting LeBron will end up in a bigger market.

I believe it is all part of the conspiracy theory alive and well in the NBA.

LeBron has repeatedly stated that he is committed to bringing Cleveland a title.

In an article written by Sporting News "LeBron James on Monday said he will remain committed to the Cleveland Cavaliers as long as they remain as committed as he is to winning an NBA championship."

He was then quoted saying: "I just want to win," James said. "I want to get better every year. That's all I ask. I know me. I know I will go to the gym and work out and make sure I'm better the next year. I just need for the organization to make that same commitment, which I think the Cavs have."

As a Cavaliers fan, I've come to grips with the fact that LeBron isn't going to retire in Cleveland. The majority of professional athletes don't remain in one city their whole career. Plus, being from Cleveland we are use to heartbreakers.

When an athlete leaves Cleveland, we are not surprised. Manny Ramirez, Jim Thome, Albert Belle and Art Modell all left for the all-mighty dollar and the bright lights.

LeBron is different. He not only has ties to the city, but he is also dedicated to his home state.

So when July 1, 2010 rolls around, LeBron will decide to stick around and here are the reasons why:

1. The Cavaliers can match or pay more than any other team can offer LeBron.

2. The Gatorade, Nike, and other endorsements will still be calling - whether LeBron is in Cleveland, New York or Portugal. Playing in Cleveland hasn't kept the advertisers away. Nike paid him $105 million straight out of high school.

3. LeBron is a hometown hero. He hails from nearby Akron, where his family and friends live.

4. The Cavaliers are going to continue getting better so there will be no way LeBron will want to leave.

Despite what the national media is saying, there are plenty of reasons for LeBron to continue his career in Cleveland.