For the first time since the 'Meter was launched, we're feeling pretty good about LeBron staying in Cleveland.
Like everyone else in Cleveland, we wonder what LeBron James will do when his contract is up this summer. Will he stay home, or follow the bright lights to Broadway? Until he decides to talk, we have to rely on hunches, instincts and educated guesswork. We'll report our findings, more or less daily, using the LeBron-O-Meter.
We have to admit it, we're feeling a little better today about LeBron James staying in Cleveland.
For one thing, the King is in town judging a dunking contest with NBA legend Darryl Dawkins, and he'll no doubt be feeling the love from the assembled multitudes.
For another, as Bill Livingston reminds us today, LeBron wouldn't necessarily get a bigger marketing platform in New York than he already has here, that "geography is irrelevant" when you talking about someone who's an international star.
Add to that the fact that no one can pay LeBron more than the Cavs, and Cleveland's chances of keeping him might look a little better.
Then there's this point to consider: LeBron James might not even be the biggest free agent on the market, and anything that takes the spotlight off the King, even for a moment, is a good thing where Cleveland is concerned.
But the most convincing argument comes from super agent David Falk, whose most famous client was Michael Jordan. In a story on SI.com, Falk says if LeBron wants to "Be like Mike," he should stop being coy and just stay in Cleveland.
"He should not play in Chicago. He will always compete with Michael Jordan," Falk said. "He should not play in L.A. He will always compete with Kobe Bryant.
Finally, it's a beautiful summer day, and who wants to brood on unpleasant possibilities at a time like this?
TODAY'S METER READING IS:
